Overview

The Master's programme Digital Narratives is carried out by the ifs Internationale Filmschule Köln (in cooperation with the TH Köln - University of Applied Sciences).

Working with a research-creation approach, the programme encourages students to engage critically with new technologies by questioning the tools they use, challenging dominant narratives, and inquiring the social, ethical, and cultural implications of their own work.

Key areas:

Conceptualisation, dramaturgy, design, and production of digital narrative projects, such as: - Web series - XR, VR and AR projects - Interactive documentaries - Immersive installations
Work with emerging technologies: - Extented Reality (XR) - Artificial Intelligence (AI) - Interactive media
Immersive narratives
Creative development and agile production structures and methods
Experimenting and iterating as a way of learning
Research-creation
Theoretical debates and critical discourses in media studies and cultural studies
Critical analysis around the ethical, economic, social equity, gender and diversity, and ecological ramifications of digitisation
Social debates and responsibilities of creators

During the programme and as part of their MA thesis, students develop a Master’s project with an allocated budget.

The Master’s programme also prepares students for a practice- or art-oriented doctoral studies programme.

Programme Structure

The Master's programme Digital Narratives supports young creatives to strengthen their own artistic, practical, and theoretical skills, as well as their artistic position within digital culture in a collaborative and international environment. Students are encouraged to experiment, think critically and produce digital narratives - from immersive experiences to AI-driven narratives.

The central elements of the curriculum are:

Digital Culture

Narratives

Study and Practice of Creative Methods

Project Conceptualisation and Development

Combined Master’s Project and Master’s Thesis

Audience

The programme welcomes applications from people with diverse professional, cultural and disciplinary backgrounds, including, but not limited to:

Storytelling
Film
Games
Journalism
Software/video game/web development
Communication studies
Design
Architecture
Theatre and performing arts
Media and Cultural Studies
Social Sciences and Humanities

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 24 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-09-01 00:00:00

Application deadline not specified.

More details

The programme admits new students every two years in the winter semester. Start next application phase: autumn 2027 (for the cohort starting in September 2028)

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

OR

72

Schedule TOEFL®

Credits

120 ECTS

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Köln, Germany

Disciplines

Media Studies & Mass Media Digital Marketing View 24 other Masters in Digital Marketing in Germany

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

OR

72

Schedule TOEFL®

Other requirements

General requirements

A Bachelor’s degree with proof of at least 180 ECTS (or a similar academic or higher degree).

Proof of programme related aptitude for the MA Digital Narratives.

Very good knowledge of English: B2 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, e.g. by a TOEFL iBT result of at least 4 (before 2026: 72 points) or equivalent test results.

Work experience

At least one year of specialised professional practice or similar professional project experience after the Bachelor’s degree.

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Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

7500 EUR / year

≈ 7500 EUR / year
EU/EEA Applies to you

Applies to you

EU/EEA Nationals

5500 EUR / year

≈ 5500 EUR / year

Additional Details

One time registration fee: 400 EUR

Semester fee TH Köln (cooperation partner of ifs): approx. 355 EUR

Living costs

Köln

Germany

831 - 1291 EUR / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

https://www.filmschule.de/en/node/244

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

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Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Digital Narratives.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

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