PhD-Programs

There are two forms of individual doctoral research at Film University: the scientific PhD and the scientific-artistic PhD. The scientific PhD is available in Media Studies and leads to the degree of Dr. phil. The scientific-artistic PhD combines an academic dissertation with a directly related artistic research project and leads to the degree of Dr. phil. in art. It is currently available in the disciplines of Screenwriting/Dramaturgy, Film and Television Production, and Film Heritage.

Doctoral researchers receive individual supervision from professors at Film University and are supported throughout their doctoral studies by the Graduate Academy and other partner institutions. The support programme includes subject-specific and methodological events, as well as opportunities to develop transferable skills in areas such as teaching, securing third-party funding, project management and academic presentation.

To this end, Film University works in partnership with, among others, the Brandenburgischen Zentrum für Medienwissenschaften, the Potsdam Graduate School  at the University of Potsdam and the Dahlem Research School at Freie Universität Berlin.

The scientific PhD at Film University is undertaken in the field of Media Studies and involves individual supervision by professors at Film University. It enables candidates to pursue independent academic research into a question in media studies and demonstrate an advanced level of academic qualification.

The basis for the doctorate is an independent dissertation, which may be written in German or English. Upon successful completion of the dissertation and its oral defence, the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (Dr. phil.) is awarded.

An scientific-artistic PhD is currently available exclusively in the disciplines of Screenwriting/Dramaturgy, Film and Television Production, and Film Heritage.

The scientific-artistic PhD combines academic and artistic research. It consists of an academic dissertation and a directly related artistic research project. Together, these two components constitute the doctoral project and make it possible to explore academic research questions from both theoretical and practical-artistic perspectives. Candidates are free to choose the format of their artistic research project.

Possible areas of research include new, transmedia or interactive forms of storytelling; the intersection of technology and innovative content; improving digital access to film archives; immersive media such as virtual and augmented reality; and new value creation models for media products.

Film University's technical facilities, spaces and infrastructure, and subject-specific expertise are available to support the realisation of the artistic research component.

The dissertation may be written in German or English. Upon successful defence of the dissertation and completion of the artistic research project, the degree of Dr. phil. in art is awarded.

If you are interested in pursuing a doctorate at Film University and are still looking for a supervisor, please complete the questionnaire below. It is used to assess prospective candidates and identify potential supervisors; it does not constitute an application for doctoral studies.

If you have already secured a supervisor, you can submit an application directly.

Please read all the information and documents carefully beforehand. Only complete applications can be accepted.

Film University offers comprehensive support to doctoral researchers to help them successfully complete their academic or artistic-academic doctorates. This non-financial support includes professional development opportunities such as e-learning modules, workshops and coaching sessions. These activities are designed to support academic research, foster networking – including for career planning – and help identify and address challenges that may arise during the doctoral process at an early stage.

Film University does not currently award its own doctoral scholarships.