Photography Schools and Programs in Germany

Photography Studies in Germany

Are you interested in studying Psychology with the goal of ultimately working in the field in the near future?  Did you know that you can now study for a semester or year in the beautiful and historic country of Germany—one of the most prominent countries on the European continent?  As a profession, photography has changed drastically in recent years, as new technologies are consistently being developed.  To keep up with these changes, the photography education programs around the world, including those in Germany, have begun to change their educational model to help better prepare students to compete in this ever-changing field.
 
Officially known as the Federal Republic of Germany, Germany is a federal parliamentary republic located in the west-central portion of the European continent.  The nation consists of 16 states and its capital and largest city is Berlin.  Germany encompasses an area of nearly 138,000 square miles (357,000 sq. km); an area that is shared by some 80.6 million permanent inhabitants, making it the largest country in the European Union in terms of population.  With a temperate seasonal climate, Germany remains beautiful throughout the year, allowing locals and visitors to share in the various events and festivals that occur annually in this proud nation.  Germany is one of the most politically and economically influential countries in the world—a success that can be at least partially attributed to the country’s excellent system of higher education—a system that has produced some of the world’s most renowned experts in a variety of high-tech and scientific fields.
 
Photography Education in Germany
 
As a field of study, Photography is offered by most of Germany’s major universities at both the undergraduate and graduate level, leading to Bachelor of Arts degrees and Master of Arts degrees, respectively.  At the undergraduate level, programs generally span 3 or 4 years for full-time students, the former leading to an Academic Bachelor degree and the latter leading to a Professional Bachelor degree.  Those students who successfully complete the three-year academic program become eligible to enroll in the Master of Arts degree program in Photography, which generally takes two years or eight full semesters to complete.
 
Students who opt to pursue a degree in Photography can position themselves nicely for a rewarding, life-long career. Whether shooting pictures as a photojournalist, working as a commercial photographer or specializing in fine arts photography, potential students must understand what to expect when pursuing photography as a major.  
 
In addition to choosing a university that offers Photography degrees, those majoring in the field must initially focus on developing their skills with regard to some of the new photographic technology, while simultaneously studying the history, science, art and basics of digital and traditional photography.
 
During their degree program, some of the courses students will be asked to take include camera basics, black and white photography, darkroom techniques, digital photography and the history of photography.  Undergraduate students will also need to complete a variety of general education requirements, made up of courses in English, mathematics, social sciences, health, foreign languages and more.  These can either be taken prior to the Photography-specific courses or concurrently.   Towards the conclusion of the program, successful students should also begin compiling a portfolio of their work and academic achievements, which can later be used to secure employment in this often competitive career field.
 
Why Study Abroad in Germany
 
Germany has long been a leader in technological education programs, but aside from their excellent universities and brilliant instructors, there are also many other reasons for choosing this picturesque country as your study abroad destination.  Since its unification, the entire culture of Germany has been on display for everyone to see, and students studying here will get a first-hand look at the various customs, traditions and festivals that continue to make Germany such a fascinating and unique place to live and visit.  During the course of their studies, students will gain valuable language experience and a fresh academic perspective, and meet people from around the world who share their passion for photography.  And during those times in which school is not in session, students will have plenty of time to practice their craft as they visit some of the country’s most fun and interesting sites and attractions, including:
 
Schweine Museum
 
If you think the word “Schweine” sounds an awful lot lot like the English word “swine” you’d be absolutely correct.  Located in beautiful Stuttgart, Germany, the Schweine Museum, or “Pig Museum,” is one of Germany’s most interesting, albeit quirky attractions.  Featuring over 40,000 exhibits from around the world, the museum celebrates the life and history of the pig and offers visitors a full day of unique fun.
 
Regensburg
Regensburg is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a former European medieval trading center where Gothic and Romanesque buildings, some dating back to 90 A.D., can still be found.  If you’re curious to learn more about Germany’s medieval history, art and architecture, Regensburg is definitely the place to go; and the short two-hour drive from Stuttgart makes this marvelous center very accessible.

Mercedes Museum

For the car lover in your group, perhaps no German attraction is quite as appetizing as the world-famous Mercedes Museum.  Located in the heart of Stuttgart, the Mercedes Museum is one of Germany’s most popular car museums—quite a feat when you consider that the Porsche Museum is also located in Germany.  The museum is home to over 1500 exhibits that collectively highlight the history of the Mercedes car and corporation dating back to the first car that ever rolled off its assembly line.