APPLICATION TASK 2024: M.A. 3D ANIMATION FOR FILM & GAMES
To apply to the shared graduate program M.A. 3D Animation for Film & Games of the Cologne Game Lab and ifs internationale filmschule köln, please complete the following application tasks and submit them through our application form.
1. Project Idea
Outline a project idea that you might realize in the future. This could be a concept for a film, game, or immersive experience. Do not share concepts of already existing projects of yours.
Structure:
- Working Title: Start with a working title that encapsulates the essence of your project.
- Brief Description: Provide a concise description of your project idea, limited to 100 words.
- Main Presentation: The format and structure of the main part are flexible, allowing you to best convey your concept and artistic perspective. Choose a presentation style that highlights your ideas and creative abilities effectively. The way you deliver your project idea should resonate with your unique creative approach.
Components of the Main Presentation:
- Visual Elements (Mandatory): Your main presentation must include visual elements such as sketches, concept art, animations, level mockups, or similar visuals. These are crucial to vividly convey your project idea.
- Further Written Description (Optional): You may include further written components like a pitch document, game design document, or other relevant textual formats to complement your visuals.
2. Commentary
Craft a commentary of 300 – 400 words focusing on one of the provided works below. In your commentary, you are encouraged to either analyze a specific statement within the article / video that resonates with or challenges your perspective, or provide an overall critical analysis of the article’s theme and content. This task is not about summarizing the article / video; rather, it’s an opportunity to articulate and argue your own viewpoint, backed by a coherent and persuasive line of reasoning.
Guidelines:
- You may enhance your commentary by incorporating visuals, such as relevant images or diagrams.
- Feel free to reference statements or thoughts from notable thinkers, artists, or relevant figures to bolster your argument.
- If you do use materials or statements by other artists or authors, don’t forget to credit them.
- Insights from your own artistic practice or personal experiences that relate to the topic can provide a unique and authentic touch to your commentary.
Choose from the following Sources:
Choose one of the following sources as the basis for your commentary. Reflect on its content, themes, and the ideas it presents, and then develop your commentary around these elements.
3. Motivation Letter
In up to 500 words, tell us about yourself: What is your background? Why do you want to study this particular program? What motivates you to take the next educational step or even move to Germany? Who or what do you aspire to be?
4. Portfolio of previous work
Compile a portfolio of your previous works. It must include 3D models and / or 3D animations, but we also accept 2D animations, drawings, photos, etc.. The overall goal of the portfolio should be to illustrate your status as a 3D artist or animator.
Select your work samples carefully and pay attention to your layout. Analogue works need to be scanned or photographed and sent in digital form.
If you already have your own webpage or online portfolio, you can also share your work by stating the corresponding link in an extra field in the application form.
5. Uploading Documents
After finalizing your application materials, you will have to submit them through the corresponding fields in the online application form, which will go online on March 1. Until then, take your time and work on your application tasks.
Here is an overview of all the necessary application documents:
- Completed application tasks (PDF)
- CV (PDF)
- Portrait photo (PDF or JPEG)
- Scans of academic certificates, degrees (PDF)
- Proof of 12 months professional experience (PDF)
Note on the application tasks: Please, combine the application tasks into one PDF and label it as follows:
“MA3D2024_lastname-firstname.pdf”
This 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.
The application form needs to be submitted by March 31 at 23:59 CEST 21 April at 23:59 CEST (The application phase has been extended) 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 applicant number. Keep this number safe! It will be important for the next step of the application process.
6. What’s next?
The admission committee will review all applications. Selected candidates will be invited to interviews which will take place online on May, 2 2024.
The interview schedule will be posted on our website after the review of the application material on April 16, 2024. To find out if you have been invited to an interview or not, you will need to look for your applicant number, which will be provided to you once you submit the application form.
Successful applicants will receive a separate email containing the access data for the online interview.
Once the interviews are carried out, all accepted and rejected candidates will be informed via email.
IMPORTANT
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 test, we will offer you more information on this matter.
International applicants have to submit their documents to the validation agency Uni-Assist parallel to the CGL application procedure. The Uni-Assist portal opens in mid February. The deadlines for Uni-Assist submissions are March 31 (The application phase has been extended until until 21 April at 23:59 CEST) (BA & MA applicants).
You can apply in digital form at Uni-Assist – even without official certification, you do not have to send any documents by post. TH Köln reserves the right to check these documents during the enrollment. 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.
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.
