Graduate Academy

Objectives and Responsibilities

• The aim of the Graduate Academy is to provide optimal support to the faculties of the Film University in the promotion of young talent.
• The focus is on the development and coordination of an interdisciplinary qualification program for all phases of qualification.
• The Graduate Academy is committed to providing good supervision of qualification projects and an accessible academic working culture that is attentive to individual needs and geared toward the greatest possible success for all.

Target Group

• The Graduate Academy is intended for scientific and scientific/artistic PhD students, for staff members of the Film University who pursue artistic qualification projects, and for postdocs.

The Graduate Academy has a modular structure so that the target groups can access events flexibly according to their individual needs. Participation is voluntary and attendance of events is free of charge. The Graduate Academy program consists of four modules, each with 3 to 4 events per semester, spread over four semesters. Events are repeated every two years.

Modules

Module 1: Theories

• This module allows participants to deepen their knowledge of essential theories of media and art. Participants expand their ability to reflect on their academic and artistic practice in a theory-based and critical manner.

Module 2: Methods

• This module offers the classes with a focus on methods, which will help participants to more efficiently conceptualize appropriate research designs for their projects.

Module 3: Practical Skills

• The offerings in this module consist primarily of content geared toward practical application, such as writing workshops, training on presentation techniques, and time management seminars.

Module 4: Academia and Art as a Profession

• The focus here is on successful preparation for further career development. This module focuses on specific coaching sessions and on teaching the skills needed to apply for funding.

Coaching for Women

• In the post-qualification phase, strategic goals are set for further career steps. The Graduate Academy aims to provide its participants with optimal support in this phase and offers them the opportunity to take advantage of coaching.
• Coaching-Concept (PDF)

Mentoring Program for Highly Qualified Female Artists and Academics

• The mentoring program, which is organized as a cooperation of several institutions, aims to support highly qualified female artists and academics on their way to a professorship.
• Flyer Mentoring Program (PDF)
• Guidance Mentoring Program (PDF)

Conflict Counseling and Mediation

• The qualification period is fraught with many challenges. These can also lead to tensions with supervisors and colleagues.  To analyze and structure such conflict situations and, above all, to find a solution for constructive cooperation on the qualification project, the participants of the Graduate Academy can turn to the Film University's Conflict Counseling Center. 

To provide the best possible support for young academics, the Graduate Academy cooperates with several institutions. The Graduate Academy's participants benefit from numerous offers from the following institutions:

• Potsdam Graduate School (PoGS)
• Netzwerk Studienqualität Brandenburg (sqb)
• Brandenburg Center for Media Studies (ZeM)
• Postdoc Network Brandenburg (PNB)
• UdK Mentoring-Programm für hochqualifizierte Künstlerinnen und Wissenschaftlerinnen
• Dahlem Research School (DRS)