Who should study the Bachelor of Photo & Film (B.A.)? Target groups, admission requirements and personal prerequisites

The Bachelor Photo & Film (B.A.) programme at the Fachhochschule des Mittelstands is aimed at anyone who has a passion for photography and moving images and wants to combine these skills in a cross-media education. The target group includes people who desire a practice-oriented, creative and at the same time entrepreneurial education – both for positions in media content production as well as in consulting, conception and marketing in media companies, agencies, businesses, and in the social media and online marketing environment. The programme is especially suitable for you if you intend to establish yourself as a photo or video professional or are looking for a solid foundation for work in marketing and communication departments.

Admission requirements – Who can be admitted?

• General university entrance qualification (Abitur) or equivalent proof of university entrance eligibility
• Advanced technical college entrance qualification (Fachhochschulreife)
• Professionally qualified applicants with a relevant professional qualification and at least three years of subject-related professional experience (e.g. after two years of vocational training in a relevant field)
• Qualifications as a master craftsman or craftswoman (e.g. master craftsman), state-certified technicians, business economists (e.g. IHK, craft trade), specialists, business specialists or graduates of two-year technical college courses
• Special regulation for unrelated vocational training: examination of entrance eligibility according to NRW state law, possibly with an additional entrance examination

As a private, state-recognised university of applied sciences, the Fachhochschule des Mittelstands automatically accepts the same admission requirements as public universities of applied sciences or universities in Germany.
Note: In the case of specific professional pre-qualifications, accreditation of modules may be possible (e.g. with completed vocational training in the field of photography or film).

Personal prerequisites – What should you bring with you?

• Interest and enthusiasm for photography, film, video production and visual communication
• Creativity and willingness to engage with new media formats and technologies
• Initiative, motivation and willingness to work independently, especially during the practical part of the dual studies
• Team and communication skills to be able to implement cooperative projects in media production
• Basic understanding of technical processes (image editing, filming, editing programmes) is helpful – but not a requirement, as the relevant basics are taught during the course
• Openness to entrepreneurial thinking, as management and marketing skills are also part of the course
• Willingness to be mobile for on-site weeks at various locations and for practical phases

The dual course of study in the field of Photo & Film also requires a certain organisational ability, as you apply your theoretical knowledge directly in the work environment. A fundamental interest in the current media transformation, social media and digital innovations also promotes your study success.

What do you learn in the Bachelor’s programme Photo & Film?

The Bachelor’s degree programme “Photo & Film” combines the essential competencies from the fields of photography and video production. The goal is to qualify you as a professional for the conception, design and implementation of professional media content. The learning content is structured as practice-oriented knowledge modules and covers the following core areas:

• Project Management Photo & Film: Planning and controlling media productions, taking into account technical, creative and economic aspects.
• Visual Storytelling & staged portraits: Narrative techniques and image design to convey stories visually in an impactful way.
• Camera & lighting technology: Technical and design fundamentals for image and film composition.
• Photography basics in studio & on location: Implementation of photographic projects using studio and outdoor equipment.
• Software lab: Image editing, video editing and animation in current media software.
• Media & press law: Legal fundamentals for media productions and publications.
• Corporate media: Development of media strategies for companies, conceptual work and implementation.
• Production Online Interactive 360°: Development and design of immersive, interactive media formats.
• Advertising & image film: Conception and production of short film formats for brands and companies.
• Audio & sound design: Fundamentals of high-quality sound productions for photo and film projects.
• Media costing & controlling: Economic planning, cost accounting and control of media-related projects.
• Film/photography theory & media psychology: Scientific fundamentals of perception, effect and design of media.
• Business administration & company foundation: Economic and entrepreneurial know-how for your career in the media sector.
• Marketing & sales: Marketing and sales of media products.
• Portfolio & career planning, self-management: Development of your own brand identity and strategic career planning in the media industry.
• Practical study phases (SiP): Practical phases in companies for the direct application of acquired competencies.

The combination of expertise, media creativity and business know-how prepares you optimally to work in an increasingly digitally shaped media world.

How is the dual study programme Photo & Film structured?

The programme at the Fachhochschule des Mittelstands (FHM) follows a dual concept that closely links theory and practice.

• Duration of study: 36 months (standard period of study), starting each October.
• Place of study: Mainly online (FHM Online-University), complemented by on-campus phases in various cities.
• Teaching formats:
  • Live online seminars with lecturers – similar to on-campus study, but digital.
  • On-campus weeks (once per trimester) – practical workshops in studios, held by industry specialists.
  • Self-study – deepening business administration and media psychology skills using digital learning materials.
• Practical phases: Numerous projects and a six-month practical study semester (SiP phase) in partnership with companies.
• Assessments: Exams, practical projects and portfolio work.

The dual study concept enables you to apply the learned skills immediately in career-relevant situations. Particularly, the combination of online learning, practice-oriented on-campus phases and direct company connection characterises this degree programme.

What career opportunities do you have after studying Photo & Film?

With the Bachelor’s degree “Photo & Film (B.A.)” you are qualified for diverse fields of activity in the media sector. Typical career prospects include:

• Photographer in editorial, artistic and commercial contexts
• Cameraperson for film, television or digital productions
• Media designer specialising in photo and video production
• Work in advertising and image film productions, social media or digital agencies
• Media production for corporate communication, marketing and PR departments
• Self-employment as a freelance producer of digital media
• Project management in creative and media companies

The demand for professionals who possess both photographic and videographic skills is increasing particularly in online marketing, content creation and corporate communications.

What costs arise and how can you finance your studies?

The dual degree programme “Photo & Film (B.A.)” at FHM Online-University costs:

• Monthly fee: 645 Euro
• One-time examination fee: 500 Euro
• Total costs: 23,720 Euro over the study duration of 36 months

A particular advantage of the dual study programme is that, in many cases, your practical partner (the company where you complete your practical phase) covers the tuition fees, so that little or no costs arise for you.

Additionally, there are possibilities for financing through classic student loans, BAföG (if eligible), scholarships or educational funds. The university offers personal study counselling that will advise you specifically on suitable financing solutions.