Overview

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

The programme guides young professionals in exploring, conquering, and expanding forms and methods of serial narration for TV and digital platforms. Accompanied by renowned series creators, script consultants, and media scholars, the students analyse the secrets behind the success of popular series and develop their own innovative series concepts. Series dramaturgy, character development, and collaborative writing processes (»Writers' Room«) are at the centre of their practical work. In addition to narrative and media-theoretical content, the programme conveys the basics of transnational markets and new media platforms, also supports the students in exploring innovative narrative forms, work structures, and distribution channels.

With a strong focus on collaboration skills and innovative strategies, the MA Serial Storytelling provides aspiring series writers with exceptional learning experiences:

Relevant skills for a wide range of career paths
Hands-on experience
Industry insights and networking opportunities
Artistic research and the social responsibility of the storyteller

Programme Structure

Students work with highly acclaimed international guest speakers and scholars, such as Matt Hastings (The Handmaid’s Tale), Bob Konrad (Kleo), Denise Harkavy (The Expanse), Philip Käßbohrer & Matthias Murmann (How To Sell Drugs Online [Fast]), Annette Hess (The Interpreter of Silence, Ku’damm 56/59/63), Tyron Ricketts (Sam – A Saxon), Frank Spotnitz (X-Files, The Man in the High Castle), Hagai Levi (The Affair, In Treatment), Jeppe Gjervig Gram (Borgen, Follow the Money), Pilar Alessandra (On the Page), Laurie Hutzler (Nine Powers), Stanislavs Tokalovs & Teodora Markova (Soviet Jeans), and many more.

The programme is supported by industry partners such as RTL, ZDF/ZDFneo, btf bildundtonfabrik, Network Movie, Series Mania, Seriencamp, and the Film Festival Cologne.

Audience

Talented aspiring series writers with advanced teamwork skills, an interest in academic and creative research, and at least one year of relevant work experience.

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 24 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-01 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 2026 (for the cohort starting in September 2027)

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

OR

72

Schedule TOEFL®

Credits

120 ECTS

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Köln, Germany

Disciplines

Film Studies Drama View 18 other Masters in Film Studies 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 (or an equivalent degree) with a minimum of 180 ECTS credits or a higher degree (e.g. a German »Magister« or »Diplom«) from an accredited university. The ifs welcomes talented applicants who have received degrees in unrelated fields.

Very good Englisch language skills of at least 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.German language skills are only required for students in the German track.

In justified exceptional cases, applicants with exceptional artistic skills whose CVs lack one or more of these formal requirements may request to enroll in the programme as advanced training participants.

Work experience

Applicants must have worked in the field of media production for at least one year.

A solid understanding of the basics of screenwriting and dramaturgy in theory and practice is a prerequisite for this programme. This is assessed in the application process.

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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

5500 EUR / year

≈ 5500 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

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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 Serial Storytelling.

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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