Media Ecologies Bauhaus-Universität Weimar

All courses of the study programme Media Ecologies are held in English (100%). Elective modules from other faculties of the university might be in German only.

The Master's degree programme in Media Ecologies, which is taught in English, is a subject- and theory-oriented academic course. On the one hand, it opens up the possibility of understanding media in the sense of ecologies, i.e. not only as individual media (radio, television, computers, etc.) but also in terms of media networks and milieus. On the other hand, it explores the fact that ecological knowledge, ecological awareness and ecological perception are always based on media-related and mediatised matters, i.e. it demonstrates that it is “the” media that make the problem of the environment recognisable as such in the first place – from photographs of the Blue Planet, by way of maps, graphs and curves, to computer models of climate development. The course therefore shows not only media as ecology, but also the important, if not decisive, role that the media play in ecology.

The thematic focus is thus on issues not only of climate change, but also of digitalisation, updating the past and anticipating the future, always within the framework of the interests of students and teachers.

The teaching of the Master’s degree programme in Media Ecologies is dominated by a culture of open-minded thinking and characterised by original and unconventional approaches and methods in which group work, film essays, excursions, e-learning and a lively, international culture of debate and discussion all play a vital part. The aim is to develop in-depth academic knowledge and skills in dealing with media ecologies as well as with social and cultural problems and issues. These skills may be analytical-critical, historical, theoretical, organisational or practical in nature and are essential for the development and acquisition of academic knowledge.

Enrolment deadline: 30 September
Semester start: 1 October

Applicants who graduated outside the European Union: 
15 July

Applicants who graduated within the European Union:
30 September

The standard study period of the consecutive English-language Master’s programme in Media Ecologies is four semesters. The programme comprises a total of 120 ECTS (European Credit Transfer System) points.

The study and project modules offered cover subjects such as Digital Environments, Planetary Media and Archive Ecologies, supplemented by lectures and courses on the History and Theory of Ecology, the Anthropocene and Natural Philosophy. The programme also includes interdisciplinary compulsory elective and elective modules, which can be chosen from the full range of courses offered by the faculty of media, in particular computer science, as well as the entire programme of the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar’s Faculties of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Architecture and Urbanism, and Art and Design.

Core modules

• Perspectives on Media Ecologies (basic module): introduction to core questions and methods
• Project modules: students work in interdisciplinary teams on subjects such as Digital Environments, Planetary Media and Archive Ecologies.
• Compulsory elective and elective modules: individual specialisation via modules from other university faculties and departments, including computer science and civil and environmental engineering
• Master’s module: completion and defence of Master’s thesis in English, comprising a total of 18 ECTS (European Credit Transfer System) points, including accompanying colloquium

No tuition fees

The semester contribution is approx. 280 EUR per semester. This is allocated to student services & the student council. It grants free regional bus transport in Weimar, Erfurt, & Jena as well as train transport in Thuringia. Moreover, it provides student discounts for meals at the university cafeteria & for theatre and museum tickets, along with access to the university sports complex. An additional fee for the "Thoska" student ID is 20 EUR (one-time only fee).

In Weimar, living expenses tend to be lower than in larger German cities. We recommend that students budget approx. 960 EUR per month:

• Health insurance approx. 140 EUR
• Books and stationery approx. 70 EUR
• Rent approx. 350 EUR
• Meals approx. 220 EUR
• Other expenses approx. 180 EUR

Students coming from outside the EU need to provide proof of financial resources amounting to 992 EUR per month in order to obtain a residence permit.

The programme is aimed at graduates of relevant Media Culture and Media Studies degree programmes who can be assumed already to have acquired a broad theoretical and methodological knowledge of the subject. This will provide a sound basis for them to be able to develop specialised consideration, investigation and practical application of media as ecology and the media in ecology, especially within the framework of Media Studies.

Admissions requirements:

• Bachelor of Arts degree in Media Culture or Media Studies, or an officially recognised first university degree qualifying for entry to a profession in a relevant subject, with a final grade of at least 2.3
• Letter of motivation (in English) of approximately one to two pages. This should include an overview of the applicant’s previous academic education and relevant professional/practical training, as well as a summary of their future (research) goals with reference to the focal points of the programme.
• Proof of English-language proficiency of at least B2 level as set out by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), for example IELTS or TOEFL (details below)

English-language proficiency of at least B2 level as set out by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), for example, IELTS or TOEFL

• Proof of native language skills (acquisition of a higher education entrance qualification or a first professional qualification in an English-speaking country) or
• Proof based on one of the following certificates
  – IELTS band 6.5 or better
  – TOEFL internet-based score 85 or better
  – Cambridge Certificate (B2 First (FCE) or an equivalent certificate)

Applicants who graduated outside the European Union: 
15 July

Applicants who graduated within the European Union:
30 September

There are scholarships granted by the university as an institution. There are scholarships based on academic merit and/or social engagement for second-year and more senior students.

The International Office grants scholarships through the Erasmus+ programme that support students (including international ones) who are going abroad for studies or internships.

A part-time job can be a good way to supplement your finances during your studies. There are opportunities for students who are looking for teaching and research assistantships at the university or part-time jobs with local companies and within the service sector of the city. International students should be aware that a good command of German is necessary for working outside the university (and for many jobs within the university as well).

Jobs are offered on the "Pinnwand" message board of the university, on the job portal operated by the Career Service, and on the "Studierendenwerk Thüringen's" Job Search platform.

International students from outside the EU are only allowed to work a limited number of hours in Germany (140 full days or 280 half days per year). Student jobs at the university are exempt from this rule. Either way, during the lecture period, students are not allowed to work more than 20 hours per week. The minimum wage is 12.82 EUR per hour and is standard for student jobs.

If you earn more than 556 EUR per month, you will be subject to higher health insurance premiums.

You can find accommodation in Weimar through the "Studierendenwerk Thüringen", which manages more than 1,000 apartments in the student halls of residence. These halls of residence are located at various locations in the city and are geared towards different needs and preferences. Accommodation costs between 250 and 350 EUR per month, depending on the size and location. The university itself does not provide accommodation.

If you want to rent a room through the "Studierendenwerk Thüringen" – which we strongly recommend to all newly arriving students – it is paramount to apply as early as possible as spaces are limited.

Further information: https://www.stw-thueringen.de/en/housing/residential-homes.html
Online application: https://www.stw-thueringen.de/en/housing/application/online-application.html

Typically, between two and up to five students share an apartment. Students have their own bedrooms and share a kitchen and a bathroom. Most rooms are furnished (bed, desk, chair, cupboard, shelf), but kitchenware and appliances are not included. Mentors for international students provide assistance in settling in during the first couple of days and also organise events.

Students advertise private and shared flats on the message board ("Pinnwand") on the university website: https://www.uni-weimar.de/de/universitaet/aktuell/pinnwaende/bereich/wohnen/.

The Careers Service provides support in all matters of professional orientation and entry into the workforce during one’s studies and after graduation. In addition to personal consultation, its range of services includes workshops and presentations on gaining key qualifications and beginning a career:

• Job portal
• Advising/ application
• Career Networking Day
• Workshop and lectures
• Mentorship programme

Further information: https://www.uni-weimar.de/en/university/studies/career-services/

1. International Welcome – pre-arrival support & events for new students
2. Intercultural competence – workshops & trainings 
3. Buddy programme – matching senior students with new students
4. Tandem programme – for peer language learning
5. International student advising – regular office hours for organising your studies and your life in Weimar
6. Study guides – continuous peer support & social events 
7. Diversity guides – peer support in the context of diversity issues

The Bauhaus-Universität Weimar is a small, renowned, and very international university with a very distinctive range of subjects. It is located in the historic city of Weimar and emerged from two progressive institutions: The "Saxon-Grand Ducal School of Art Weimar" and the "State Bauhaus", founded here in 1919.

Various personalities from different countries have shaped the institution and developed ideas that are recognised and respected worldwide. At the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar, we continue to follow a unique path that offers unrivalled opportunities by combining science and technology with art and design.

The international and interdisciplinary approach encourages experimentation and offers space for creativity, which attracts an above-average number of international students to Weimar. The university specialises in study and research in the fields of architecture and urbanism, civil and environmental engineering, art and design, and media.

We offer an ideal space for creative academic and artistic work, supported by laboratories, workshops, studios, libraries, online teaching facilities, and a favourable student-teacher ratio. Bauhaus-Universität Weimar is connected worldwide due to a large network of partners, which our students benefit from through programmes such as study abroad periods as well as international projects and excursions. Among more than 200 international partners are universities and schools throughout the European Union as well as in Ethiopia, Japan, Switzerland, and the USA.

Here are some important facts from the history of the university: In 1919, Walter Gropius created the "State Bauhaus" in Weimar. Four years later, he called for the search for the "new unity of art and engineering". That meant combining the vanguard of art and design with modern industry. With this approach, the Bauhaus became the most famous school of architecture, art, and design in the 20th century.

Our university flourishes through its experimental environment, familiar atmosphere and especially through the people, who study, research, and work here at the university. The best way is to experience this special atmosphere yourself. Join our "Welcome to Weimar" online crash course or visit us, for example, at the annual Bauhaus Spring School or the Bauhaus Summer School and learn about what lies behind the following numbers:

• Four faculties – Architecture & Urbanism, Civil & Environmental Engineering, Art & Design, Media
• 42 degree programmes
• Approx. 4,000 students, including doctoral students
• Approx. 30% international students
• 87 professors
• More than 200 partner universities and more than 500 student exchanges
• Many opportunities for funded short-term stays at partner universities

https://www.uni-weimar.de/en/university/international/to-weimar/fulltime-students/preparing-your-studies/

The historic city of Weimar is a cosy town that has had a profound influence on Europe. This becomes most evident in architecture, art and design, music, and literature.

Weimar is situated right in the middle of Thuringia, the "green heart of Germany", and it is about 300 km from both the German capital, Berlin, and the German financial centre, Frankfurt am Main. Today, Weimar is a lively town with about 66,000 inhabitants and a town centre where you can reach everything within 15 minutes. The green areas of the town, such as the park on the Ilm River, include many sights, e.g. Goethe's summer house and the palaces of Tiefurt, Ettersburg, and Belvedere. Among many others, the famous German writers Johann Wolfgang von Goethe and Friedrich Schiller walked in the park along the Ilm River. The famous pianist and composer Franz Liszt stimulated modern music, and the architects Walter Gropius and Henry van de Velde initiated modernism.

Weimar has much to offer art lovers, culture lovers, revellers, lovers of nature, and gourmets. There are more than 20 museums, three cinemas, a national theatre, various cabaret theatres, student clubs, concerts, and multifaceted cultural events, such as the traditional folk event and the "Zwiebelmarkt". Additionally, one can enjoy Thuringian delicacies like "Rostbratwurst" (sausage), "Rostbrätel" (marinated grilled meat), and "Thüringer Klöße" (dumplings). During the spring and summer, Weimar hosts the annual Bauhaus Spring School and the Bauhaus Summer School as well as Yiddish Summer Weimar (featuring klezmer music) and several art festivals. Other highlights include the "summaery" annual exhibition at the Bauhaus-Universität and the "Master classes" at the "Hochschule für Musik Franz Liszt". According to the International Student Barometer survey, 95.4 percent of international students commend the exceptional quality of life in the city of Weimar. We hope to welcome you to Weimar soon!