
FAQs
We kindly ask you to read carefully first the admission requirements’ description.
1.) How to apply for International Media Cultural Work (IMC)?
International applicants have to apply via Uni-Assist (www.uni-assist.de/index_en.html). German degree holders apply directly at h_da’s Student Service Center. For the deadlines, check here and for further information,
check here
2.) Who is eligible for this study program?
(1) Applicants who have completed a study program in an area related to digital media (media design, media informatics and technology, media economics, media studies) as well as neighbouring disciplines such as cultural management, social pedagogy, social work, design, art history, and musicology encompassing at least 180 CP may be admitted to the 3- or 4-semester program on a case-by-case basis upon review within the framework of a suitability assessment procedure. This, too, will be the process for applicants with a degree in a study program different from the mentioned ones. The criteria for admission are, besides the marks, to prove a substantial practical experience as well as theoretical knowledge within the field of culture and/or art based on digital media. Please check carefully our infos on the application process.
(2) Requirements for admission to the 3-semester program are an applicable and qualified bachelor’s degree or comparable degree consisting of at least 210 CP in the area of digital media, media cultural sciences, or media pedagogy, with an overall grade point average of 1.9 (German grade or equivalent) or better.
Graduates from Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences programs Digital Media, Animation and Games, Interactive Media Design, Motion Pictures, Sound and Music Production, and Online Communication are considered to be eligible.
(3) Requirements for admission to the 4-semester program are an applicable and qualified bachelor’s degree or comparable degree reflective of at least 180 CP in the area of digital media, media cultural sciences, or media pedagogy, with an overall grade point average of 1.9 (German grade or equivalent) or better. Graduates from Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences programs Digital Media, Animation and Games, Interactive Media Design, Motion Pictures, Sound and Music Production, and Online Communication are considered to be eligible.
(4) Applicants in accordance with paragraphs (1), (2) and (3) who have an overall grade average of less that 1.9 may still be admitted on an a case-by-case basis upon review within the framework of a suitability assessment procedure. Grades obtained by a university outside of Germany will be converted by Uni-assist.
3.) How does the assessment procedure works?
The Faculty Board establishes an admissions committee consisting of three professors. The committee assess the aptitude of each applicant based on the submitted documents and the criteria of the admission regulations. For more details about the assessment procedure, check our admission regulations here.
4.) Is the whole IMC program in English?
Yes.
5.) Do I need an English language test?
No. There is no need for a TOEFL, IELTS or another English test. You have to prove your language capabilities by submitting well formulated and authentic documents in English as described by the admission requirements . Please note, that you might not be able to follow the classes successfully, if your English is not up to standard. It is therefore in your own interest to apply only if you have a good command of the English language in speech and writing.
6.) What do I have to write in the exposé?
The brief exposé is a kind of extended abstract. It is required mainly for proving that you have an idea about the field, topics and methods of the program you want to study. What we also would like to see is the applicant’s ability to formulate an authentic, individual as well as substantial research outline, practical as well as scholarly oriented, in good English. Concerning form and content you want to chose, we will leave that open to you, as we are open to diverse approaches. Of course we understand that this exposé cannot cover the whole field but is an exemplary statement. We highly recommend to stick to the given specifications: Exceeding the limit of keystrokes (1800 char. incl. spaces) may result in a lower rating of your application documents.
We recommend you to get familiar with scientific and scholarly writing. Look up e.g. Academia.edu. Here you can find high qualified papers, which can give you an idea of scientific writing.
7.) What is the difference between the exposé and the letter of motivation?
The personal statement shows your personal and professional interest and affinity to the topics of this Master’s program whereas the exposé should cover a project in the announced field of research and development.
We recommend – if applicable – to carve out and emphasize your media, culture and art related knowledge and practice. This will give your application the right momentum toward media and culture. Both is essential to prove.
8.) What are the tuition fees per semester?
There is a fee per semester of approximately 264 €. It is however not a tuition fee, but – as in every German university – the so-called „Semesterbeitrag“. It includes benefits, like going to the theatre for free, economically priced meals in our mensa or using the public transport for free within the whole extended Rhein-Main–Area.
9.) Are there any scholarships?
Besides DAAD – which you should contact in your home country – there might be scholarships available via Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung, Heinrich Böll-Stiftung, Friedrich Naumann–Stiftung and alike. Please visit their websites and see whether they might fit for you. The universities in Germany do not provide scholarships.
10.) Are you allowed to work during the semester?
You are allowed to work additionally to your studies but your monthly working hours and your income are restricted. Besides of that you have to search for a job by yourself (the university will not provide you a job). You can take up part time work, but you are expected to be present at each class, group work and meeting during the semester, and should give your studies priority.
11.) How do I find accommodation?
The university cannot offer you any accommodation. We highly recommend to get in touch with student homes and local landlords as early as possible as the real big run will start during the second half of March or September, before the semester is starting. As always: First come, first (re)served.
Here are some suggestions for housing:
Studierendenwerk Darmstadt
Housing Market
There are two student homes on or very near to our Dieburg Mediacampus, very new, very practical – a supermarket is very close, as well as a bus stop! It seems to be the most convenient place to stay:
Student housing
More Student housing
Many of the IMC students (even those who are not religious or have a non-christian background) like to stay at the catholic student home in Darmstadt:
KHG Student housing
It is wise to stay either in Dieburg, Groß-Umstadt or Darmstadt (or any other place from where you have good connection to our Media Campus in Dieburg by train or by bus no. 671, which stops directly in front of our campus). Also, Frankfurt can be an option if you happen to get an accommodation not too far from a local train station.
12.) How much do I have to spend for accommodation?
Darmstadt is a city with many students, so finding a good and affordable apartment can be tricky. Depending on the size and the location of the apartment, you should expect a monthly rent between ca. 250 – 400 €.
13.) Do I have to do an internship?
If you apply for the 4-semester cycle of IMC you have to complete an internship. The internship is mandatory and you have to find an appropriate position all by yourself. The internship should be fulfilled at an institution or company which is related to the field of the Master´s program International Media Cultural Work.
Whether your internship is paid or not highly depends on the company or institution. Some companies pay between 300 – 400 €, some others won´t pay anything. We highly recommend to choose your internship at a company in which you are interested in and not depending on the salary. The salary is not necessarily an indicator for the quality of an internship. You can also do your internship abroad.
14.) I have troubles with Uni-Assist
Uni-Assist is an institution from outside our University, which we cannot influence.
For administrative questions, you have inevitably contact Uni-Assist or our Student Service Center. We recommend though to get in direct contact with Uni-Assist.
1. You should call Uni-Assist via phone. This is the best option.
2. You could get in touch with our administration: international@h-da.de
Although our Student Servie Center (SSC) is not from Uni-Assist they are from our administration, and have a lot of experience with such processes. They can give you hints and directions, but they cannot influence Uni-Assist’s internal processes.
15.) I got admission, but the visa procedure takes longer than expected. Can I still join the program?
Yes, but only up to a certain deadline which our Student Service Center will let you know. If you have troubles with your visa, keep us and the SSC informed. Although we cannot influence your visa issuing process, SSC will secure your university place as long as possible and keep you informed about the current semester.
16.) I have some administrative questions, regarding the application:
If you have formal and administrative questions concerning this application, pls contact: international@h-da.de
Get more info here
and here.
We are looking forward to your applications!