Applicants must hand in a proposal for a project in the field of non-linear AV media. You may select any theme or genre for the proposal.

A) Written project outline (1000 Words)

Prepare a written presentation outlining the project you want to achieve and how you intend to achieve it. Please refrain from using LLMs (large language models) to generate this text, as we are keen to read our own thoughts expressed in your own voice. As for the project outline, we accept narrative as well as non-narrative approaches. You should take the following points into consideration when developing your idea and mention them in the presentation of your project:

• Short description / storyline (if applicable), gameplay elements
• Target audience
• Platform
• Examples of similar work / sources of inspiration

B) Visualization (Digital Forms)

Give us a first impression of the look and feel of your project. The type and style of the visualization are up to you. It may include mood boards, sketches, storyboards, character designs or even short animations. Please refrain from sending us prototypes. In case you do have a prototype, just send us screen and/or video captures of your work.

Note: If you use generative AI to create visualizations, please label them accordingly.

Tell us what your three favorite pieces of AV media are (games, film, etc.) and justify your choices.

Tell us why you would like to study at CGL.

Convince us in one sentence why you should be selected for this program.

Please make sure to upload your portfolio to the online application platform.

For more details about the required portfolio, please visit the FAQ section: https://colognegamelab.de/study-programs/post-graduate-programs/game-development-research- ma/faqs/

Create an individual application video to showcase both your project and your personality.

General Conditions & Set-Up:

• Duration: The video must not exceed 10 minutes.
• Language: Record the video in English.
• Technical Setup: Ensure your recording device is positioned to capture your face clearly with good lighting and framing. Record in a quiet environment to ensure clear audio and minimize distractions.
• Editing: You are allowed to edit your recording to optimize the timing, visuals, and overall presentation quality. Ensure the final video flows smoothly and complies to the instructions.
• Submission: Upload your video to a secure platform (e.g., Vimeo, YouTube, or Google Drive) as a password-protected or unlisted link. Insert the link and password into your application task PDF and upload the PDF to Cologne Game Lab’s application platform.

Instructions for Application Video:

a. Introduction

Introduce yourself by stating your name, where you are from, and your educational or professional background relevant to your application.

b. Why study MA Game Development and Research?

Briefly explain why you are applying to the MA Game Development and Research program. Why did you choose Cologne Game Lab?

c. Artistic Practice and Inspiration (Beyond Gaming)

Share your broader interests in arts and culture beyond gaming. For instance, which artistic or cultural elements inspire you? Do you have any hobbies? What was your last museum visit like? 

d. Your Future Goals

Describe where you envision your career after graduation.

e. Pitch Your Project Idea

Deliver a brief yet engaging pitch of your submitted project idea. You may include slides of your project. Address the core concept, artistic vision, and why the project is significant to you. Use this time to showcase your ability to present and explain your creative ideas effectively.

Please combine all assignments into one PDF and label it as follows:

“MAGDR2026_lastname-firstname.pdf”

Your document can include links to audiovisual add-ons like external players (YouTube, browser games) or downloadable files (e.g., Dropbox). Please make sure that the submitted formats are easily accessible.

You need to upload the PDF to the corresponding field in the online application form. The form needs to be submitted by March 31 at 23:59 CEST at the latest. Please ensure that all documents are complete before you upload your application. We do not accept duplicate applications. Once you submit it, you will receive your CGL applicant number. Keep this number safe! It will be important for the next step of the application process.

After March 31, all applications will be evaluated. Selected candidates whose qualifications remain uncertain despite the submitted documents (e.g., regarding English language proficiency) will be invited to an interview. MA GDR Interviews will be conducted on May 11, 2025. The detailed interview schedule will be posted on our website on May 06.

To find out if you have been invited to an interview, you will need to look for your CGL applicant number, which will be provided to you in the confirmation mail, after you submitted the application form on the CGL website. (not the uni-assist application number)

All MA GDR interviews will be conducted online.
The interview modality is: Zoom.

Once the interviews are carried out, all accepted and rejected candidates will be informed via email until the end of June.

Be aware that CGL does not check the formal validity of your diplomas as a formal entrance requirement to TH Köln – University of Applied Sciences. The assessment of your diplomas concerning their formal validity will be conducted by our student registration office after the aptitude assessment (in July). In case you pass our aptitude assessment, we will offer you more information on that topic.

International Applicants with non-German diplomas

International applicants have to submit their documents to the validation agency Uni-Assist parallel to the CGL application procedure. The deadlines for Uni-Assist submissions are March 31 (for all BA & MA applicants).

All application documents must be submitted to Uni-Assist as officially certified copies. If your documents are issued in a language other than English or German, you are required to submit a German or English language translation from a state certified translator.

For the winter semester 2026/2027 you can apply in digital form at uni-assist, you do not have to send any documents by post. TH Köln reserves the right to check these documents during the enrollment.

We would generally recommend you to prepare and submit your Uni Assist materials early on. The evaluation process by Uni-Assist can take up to four weeks ­during peak times even longer. Your final admission, however, depends on the result of the evaluation.

Good luck!