Double degree: University at Buffalo, The State University of New York (SUNY), USA
Erasmus partner universities: Finland: Aalto-yliopisto / Espoo (one place), Sweden: Blekinge tekniska högskola / Karlskrona (Software Engineering / Computer Science) (two places)
Courses are held in English and German. Participants can choose to write the Master's thesis in either language.
15 July (exceptions are possible)
The alliance of architecture and media occurs on three main levels:
First of all, architecture itself is a medium, just as language, text and symbols are. It not only conveys, processes and records reality and its meaning, but also produces it.
Secondly, architecture is represented in the media. Architecture circulates in media. These media in turn present themselves, in structure and discourse, as having the ability to define architecture.
Thirdly, architecture replicates itself virtually. New technologies allow for the creation or simulation of a completely individual architecture of "artificial worlds" and bring forth new typologies of immersive spaces. At the same time, architecture always serves as a prototype of such immersive spaces.
In-depth study content
The interaction of the different subject areas outlined below allows for a differentiated examination of various issues.
In the MediaArchitecture course of studies, three main instructional forms are offered: design projects, seminars, and lectures.
The project module is central to the study programme. The project structure enables exemplary work on open presentation of problems. Here you will already find the elective choice between a more theoretical and a more design-practical orientation. The importance placed on both theory and practice can be determined by the student. Plenum, individual consultations and presentations structure the project module. Work in interdisciplinary project groups allows you to experience the cross-over learning method and strengthens your skills for interdisciplinary teamwork. Project consultations are offered in an interdisciplinary manner by professors from both the architecture and the media faculties.
An alternative to the projects set by the respective professors is a "free" project topic, which is developed by the student him/herself but is carried out under the guidance of the instructors in the appropriate area of studies. In this way, active participation of the students in the shaping of the study programme is encouraged.
Theory and subject modules supplement the course offer as elective requirements. They make a more theoretical or a more design-practical orientation possible. Methodical as well as conceptional skills and the use of tools in close connection with concrete tasks and questions can be acquired in such a manner. This generally takes place in lectures, seminars and specialised courses.
Differentiated – in accordance with the focus of the topic horizon – elective requirements supplement the course offering. They are offered by the faculties of architecture, media, and design. Furthermore, additional language courses can be attended.
First semester:
The introductory project serves as an in-depth introduction to the areas of the participating chairs focusing on interdisciplinary aspects, as well as an orientating examination of the problems particular to the course of study. It comprises three sub-projects that comply with the specific expertise of each chair.
Second semester:
Project module II serves as a continuative project development in the research profile of the studies. It is supplemented by a project-related, specialised course.
Third semester:
Project module III serves as a continuative project development in the research profile of the studies. The third semester offers the opportunity in its detailed orientation for study or an exchange with one of the international project partners or for an internship.
Fourth semester:
The fourth semester is reserved for completion of the Master's thesis. A monthly colloquium accompanies the thesis work.
Students in the "regular" Master's programme can spend one to two semesters abroad – for studies or an internship, e.g., at one of the many partner universities of Bauhaus-Universität Weimar.
The "International MediaArchitecture Master's Studies" double degree Master's study programme (IMAMS) is an interdisciplinary, integrated, double degree Master's programme lasting for two years. Students will study at Weimar for two semesters and at Buffalo University, SUNY, for two semesters.
Internships are not compulsory, but they are recommended.
Enrolment fees amount to approx. 200 EUR per semester. This is a contribution to student services and the student council. It includes free regional transport by buses in Weimar, Erfurt, Jena and Gera as well as by regional trains in Thuringia, student discounts for meals at the university cafeteria and for theatre and museum tickets, access to the university sports complex and buildings. The additional fee for the "Thoska" student ID is 20 EUR (a one-time only fee).
In Weimar, living expenses tend to be lower than in larger German cities. We recommend for students to budget about 861 EUR per month:
There are scholarships granted by the university as an institution. Additionally, the International Office grants scholarships that support international students and students going abroad for studies or internships.
https://www.uni-weimar.de/en/university/studies/financing-your-studies/financing-opportunities/
Students must either hold a relevant degree or equivalent certificate in architecture, media or related fields with a scientific or artistic/design-oriented degree (Bachelor's, Master's, or "Diplom") and have equivalent professional experience. Additionally, students must pass the aptitude test.
Original document in German or in English or a certified translation must be submitted with the application.
Language skills: Applicants for the "MediaArchitecture" Master's degree programme must prove that they have an adequate command of German and English.
Proof of either very good German language skills (B2-CEFR: DSH1-examination or TestDaF 4xTDN3) and good English (B1-CEFR) language skills or very good English (B2-CEFR) and good German (B1-CEFR) language skills are required.
Applicants whose mother tongue is neither English nor German are required to provide proof of these skills. Exceptions are possible if proof of a university degree from an English and/or German-speaking country can be provided.
For the study programme IMAMS, a proof of proficiency in English is compulsory (e.g., TOEFL [PBT 550, CBT 213, IBT 79-80], IELTS [not older than two years, minimum score 6.0, each part minimum 5.5]).
15 July (exceptions are possible)
All required application documents should be sent via the online application portal:
https://weimar.gomovein.com/locallogin/5873933e547cd0744f8b4567/eng
A part-time job can be a good way to finance 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. Be sure to check the job openings. Jobs are offered on the "Pinnwand" message board, on the job portal operated by the Career Service and by the "Studierendenwerk Thüringen" Student Service.
Weimar is a small town with few jobs for students. Although basic English is spoken nearly everywhere, as the historic city of Weimar attracts many visitors from all over the world, you have to speak German very well to have a chance to find a job.
International students are only permitted to work in Germany with a work permit.
You can find accommodation in Weimar through Thuringia's student services ("Studierendenwerk Thüringen"). More than 1,000 apartments in the city are administered by Thuringia's student services. These residences are at various locations, and they cater to different needs and preferences. Costs for accommodation range between 250 and 350 EUR per month depending on size and location. The university itself does not provide accommodation.
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 Bauhaus-Universität Weimar Career Service supports students both during and after their studies. The Career Service offers individual career consultation, workshops and seminars on entering the workforce or starting a new career.
https://www.uni-weimar.de/en/university/studies/careers-service/
More support programmes of "Studierendenwerk Thüringen":
Bauhaus-Universität Weimar is a small and very international university with a highly distinctive spectrum of subjects. Situated in the historic city of Weimar, Germany, it originated from two progressive institutions: The "Weimar Saxon-Grand Ducal Art School" and the "Staatliches Bauhaus".
Different personalities from various countries have shaped the institution and developed ideas known and respected worldwide. At Bauhaus-Universität Weimar, we continue to follow a unique path that offers unparalleled opportunities by combining science and technology with art and design.
We see our university as a "Bauhaus of the 21st century" – open, experimental, innovative in the technical as well as in the aesthetic sense, and free from any imitation of the past. The university's main fields of study and research are architecture, civil engineering, art and design as well as 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 in Ethiopia, France, Italy, Japan, Romania, the Russian Federation, Switzerland, and the USA.
Here are some important facts from the history of the university: In 1919, Walter Gropius created the "Staatliches 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 Summer School and learn about what lies behind the following numbers:
Four faculties – Architecture and Urbanism, Civil Engineering, Art and Design, Media
47 degree programmes
Approx. 4,100 students including doctoral students
Approx. 27% international students
84 professors
More than 200 partner universities and more than 500 student exchanges
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 65,000 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 river Ilm, 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 River Ilm. 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 for art lovers and culture lovers, revellers, lovers of nature, and gourmets. There are more than 20 museums, three cinemas, a national theatre and various cabaret theatres, student clubs, concerts, and multifaceted cultural events such as the traditional folk event and the "Zwiebelmarkt", not to mention Thuringian delicacies like "Rostbratwurst" (sausage), "Rostbrätel" (marinated grilled meat), and "Thüringer Klöße" (dumplings). During the summer, Weimar hosts the annual Bauhaus Summer School, Yiddish Summer Weimar (featuring klezmer music), and several art festivals. Other highlights include the "backup" film festival and Master classes at the "Hochschule für Musik Franz Liszt". In 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!
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