What was the original purpose of the artwork displayed in our museums? How did photography and film emerge as new art forms in the 19th and 20th centuries? And how do they shape today’s society? If you are interested in these questions, this is the programme for you!
Student looks at a painting
Image: Snow White / Pexels.com
Art is the daughter of freedom.
Friedrich Schiller
The world of art is full of secrets and mysteries. Is the Mona Lisa smiling or not? What about Rembrandt’s self-portraits? Was he the pioneering artist behind the modern selfie? How were films in post-war Germany influenced by the socio-political events of the time in terms of their camera work and the use of colour and music? And what message does Banksy want to convey through his street art? This is just a snippet of the topics covered in ‘Art History and Film Studies’ – there are so many more just waiting to be discussed.
This degree programme covers the history and theory of visual arts in the Western world – from the early Middle Ages to the present day – as well as film production in a global context. In addition to painting, sculpture, architecture, graphics and photography, you will also explore the realms of film and audiovisual media. This intriguing combination is unique in the German-speaking world.
There is also lots of practical content. You will work on various projects with your fellow students and play a significant role in shaping exhibitions, publications and events. This will give you the opportunity to gain practical knowledge for your future career. Thanks to the University’s own collection of art and cultural items and the regular film screenings and lectures in the cinema, a special connection is established between research, teaching and professional practice.
Multi-subject bachelor’s programme
Picture: Sophie BartholomeA bachelor’s degree is the first professional qualification that can be obtained at a university. The standard length of the programme is six semesters, and different types of courses are offered for each module (e.g. seminars, lectures or tutorials).
A multi-subject bachelor’s programme consists of a major subject worth 120 ECTS credits (1 ECTS credit = 30 hours for attendance, preparation and follow-up work, private study, assessed coursework and examinations) and a minor subject worth 60 ECTS credits.
There are six compulsory modules: three basic modules, a practical module, a bachelor’s colloquium and a dissertation. The required elective modules comprise six advanced modules, five of which must be completed in different areas.
The following table shows the possible structure of your degree programme with ‘Art History and Film Studies’ as your major subject:
| 1st semester | 2nd semester | 3rd semester | 4th semester | 5th semester | 6th semester |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Introduction to Film, Photography and Media Art (10 ECTS) | Introduction to Architecture (10 ECTS) | Required elective module1: Advanced module I (10 ECTS) | Required elective module1: Advanced module III (10 ECTS) | Required elective module1: Advanced module V (10 ECTS) | Bachelor’s Colloquium (5 ECTS) |
| Introduction to the Visual Arts, Knowledge of Objects and Academic Skills (15 ECTS) | Required elective module1: Advanced module II (10 ECTS) | Required elective module1: Advanced module IV (10 ECTS) | Required elective module2: Advanced module VI (10 ECTS) | Bachelor’s dissertation (10 ECTS) | |
| Practical module (10 ECTS) | |||||
Abbreviations: ECTS = European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (credit points)
1 You can choose from the following modules: History of Medieval Art I; Film, Photography and Media Art I; History of Modern and Contemporary Art I; History of Early Modern and Modern Art I or Art Theory, Visual Studies, Media Studies and Aesthetics I.
2 You can choose from the following modules: Film, Photography and Media Art II; History of Modern and Contemporary Art II; History of Early Modern and Modern Art II or Art Theory, Visual Studies, Media Studies and Aesthetics II.
You can find more detailed information in the module catalogue for the degree programmeExternal link and on the institute’s website de.
Over five centuries of history are preserved in the University of Jena’s art collection, comprising a wide range of genres and eras. The artistic artefacts include paintings, sculptures, graphics, photographs, monuments, university medals and hand-crafted items.
Career opportunities:
The skills acquired during your bachelor’s degree will open up career prospects in a wide variety of areas:
A university entrance qualification, such as a general secondary school leaving certificate, is required for admission onto the study programme.
More information on university entrance qualifications can be found here.
Two languages; proof at the latest when registering for the Bachelor's thesis
Admission and language requirements for applicants of foreign nationality and without German Abitur: www.uni-jena.de/en/study-orientation-international
Please submit an up-to-date and complete CV in tabular form. Please provide full details regarding your schooling and academic education to date. You can find more information hereExternal link.
Please upload the school certificate confirming your university entrance qualification to our application portal. You can find more information hereExternal link.
Please upload transcripts of records for all previous periods of study and degrees, as well as, if applicable, your degree certificate, to the portal.
Proof of sufficient German proficiency must be provided for all German-language degree programmes. The following certificates are recognized as proof of proficiency by Friedrich Schiller University Jena:
Please note: We strongly recommend that you submit the required proof of German proficiency at the time of your application.
If you do not yet have the required language certificate, you may apply for our DSH course starting from German level B1. This course ensures optimal language preparation and also gives you the opportunity to get to know Jena while benefiting from student status.
A translation into German or English must be submitted for every application document that was not originally issued in German or English. These translations must be prepared by an authorized translation office.
Applicants with university degrees from India, Vietnam, or the People’s Republic of China must submit an APS certificate.
Applicants from the following countries must provide proof of their university entrance examination:
Fürstengraben 18
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07743 Jena
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The ASPA is primarily responsible for students in the Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, the Faculty of Arts and Humanities, and the Faculty of Theology.
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07743 Jena
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Telephone hours:
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Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena
Studierenden-Service-Zentrum
07737 Jena
University Main Building
Fürstengraben 1
07743 Jena
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