This postgraduate MA is designed for media professionals—particularly those coming from film, games, media design, or architecture—who want to deepen their 3D animation skills and investigate the creative overlap between film and interactive games that recent technological advances have enabled. Taught in English and based in Cologne, Germany, the programme combines advanced practical training with reflective inquiry, helping students broaden both technical and artistic capacities for animation work across industries.
The course is highly project-driven and intentionally international and interdisciplinary. Students receive hands-on supervision while developing multiple 3D animation projects, alongside coursework that provides the theoretical tools needed for a critical and research-informed approach to designing animated media. The curriculum emphasizes a balanced mix of scholarship, craft, tradition and innovation, positioning graduates to expand their professional portfolios and collaborate across film and game production contexts.
Curriculum overview The programme is structured around practical project work and complementary theory modules, with an initial “Experience Assessment” module that covers the application process before studies begin. In the first three semesters the course has a strong project focus — project modules I–III make up 14 of the 22 ECTS typically offered each semester — while parallel theory modules deepen media-analytical and technical knowledge. The final (fourth) semester is reserved for an independent Master’s project and thesis, which conclude with a public presentation and oral defence.
Key modules and focus areas Core theoretical instruction is delivered through the Animation in Film & Games: History & Theory I–III sequence, which includes seminar series on Media & Games Studies, Animation History, Methods & Tools, and Tutorials. The programme emphasises design-led processes and gives students a flexible semester structure so they can experiment with concepts, iterate freely, and develop, discard or realize different approaches and techniques. Practical, studio-style project work is central throughout, preparing students for creative problem-solving in both film and game contexts.
Learning outcomes and professional orientation Graduates will have hands-on experience managing and delivering substantial animation projects, a solid grounding in animation history and media/game theory, and practical mastery of methods and tools used in production. The course is intentionally compatible with part-time employment: during lecture periods students attend about 12 contact hours per week (scheduled Monday all day, plus Tuesday and Wednesday evenings) and should plan for at least 12 additional hours of self-study and project work weekly. Students are encouraged to gain industry experience while studying; based on programme practice, working hours are recommended not to exceed 24 hours per week to maintain academic progress.
Key requirements and commitments
This master's programme targets committed media professionals from film, games, design, architecture and related fields who already have hands-on experience creating and producing 3D animation. Applicants should be prepared to demonstrate both artistic ability and professional practice in 3D work, as the admission process evaluates practical aptitude as well as academic background.
Admission is competitive and follows a two-stage procedure: document review (including specific application tasks) followed by a personal interview for a subset of candidates. During the interview the selection panel will assess your artistic qualifications and your English language skills.
Admission requirements and application steps
Eligibility
Documents to submit for the application / aptitude test
Selection process
Important information for international applicants
Winter Semester (International)
More information:https://www.filmschule.de/en/studies/ma-3d-animation-film-games
Graduates are prepared for creative and technical roles across the media industries, including 3D animator, technical artist, animation director, game cinematics specialist, and roles within VFX or cross-media production teams. The combination of practical project experience and media-theoretical training also supports careers in creative leadership, academic research or specialised studio work.
Because the programme is tailored to professionals and encourages continuing employment during study, many students maintain or expand industry contacts while studying — helping to transition project work into professional commissions or studio positions after graduation.