The Master's Degree Programme in Film is open to all moving image makers with a bachelor's degree. This includes not only a degree in film or any of its sub-disciplines, but also in the field of visual arts, digital media or performance arts. With a BA in a completely different field you can also apply as long as you have enough professional experience as a visual maker.
Potential candidates are expected to have at least four years of professional practice in the visual arts and/or (also) working with visual media. Since one of the foci in this programme is learning through making, having enough experience in working with audiovisual techniques as well as being able to deliver a portfolio with (moving) images for your application is a must.
Application deadlines
Because our application deadline has passed it's no longer possible to apply for the programme starting September 2024.
Our next application deadline is on the 10th of January 2025 for the programme starting September 2025.
If you have any questions about the application, please contact us: masteroffilm@ahk.nl
The Master's Degree Programme in Film is open to all (moving image) makers with a bachelor's degree. This includes not only a degree in film or any of its sub-disciplines, but also in the field of visual arts, digital media or performance arts. Potential candidates are, however, expected to have at least three or four years of practical experience under their belts.
The term 'makers' is used in the broadest possible context in this case: professionals from all disciplines of the film industry are welcome - from direction to sound design and special effects, from fiction to animation and from commercial to artistic and experimental film projects. The programme also welcomes makers who are keen to explore the innovative use of digital media, as well as those who operate in the overlap between film and visual art or between film and the performing arts. While the programme's initial and explicit focus is film, it also stimulates the exploration of the boundaries of the film medium and the opportunities that technological and cultural developments offer.
Participants of the Master's Degree Programme in Film should harbor the desire to research and experiment, to question what they do and why, to be open to unexpected input and interested in innovations in their fields of interest. As researchers they should be both independent and collaborative and set on making a difference. Furthermore, they should have a sound understanding of not only their existing professional skills, but also the qualifications and skills that they are capable of developing further. Makers who do not hold a bachelor's degree, but do have five years of relevant experience may also apply. An additional competence test may be required in that case.
Candidates who wish to be admitted to the Master’s Degree Programme in Film should complete an application form, accompanied by several enclosures, including examples of previous work. Candidates will be assessed in terms of the quality of their work, their motivation and experience, and their research plan.
Not only do we ask candidates to explain their motives for embarking on a Master’s Degree programme at this point, but we also expect them to have a vision of the manner in which the programme might contribute towards such development.
An essential component of the application is the research plan. The plan should define a question, topic or field of interest that you wish to address during the two years of the programme. It should explain how this question, topic or interest is related to, or comes out of your artistic practice and what the potential relevance of it could be for your artistic field and beyond. The plan should also indicate the approach or method that you think to use.
The research plan needs to be accompanied by a proposal for a concrete project that you wish to develop within the Master’s course and that could serve as a test case for your research. This project can be in any genre, any film discipline or any other artistic or media field.
It goes without saying that both the research plan and the project proposal may be adjusted or modified during the course of the programme.
A TOEFL or IELTS language test is not required when applying. However in some cases, if there is still doubt about the level of English after reading the application and meeting for an interview, the course may demand a language test as part of the application/admission after all.
Students are expected to have their own simple camera and laptop computer, on which they are able to edit film footage.
Selection criteria
Students are admitted on the basis of their CV and portfolio, their motivation and their research and project plan. They are also assessed on their ability to contribute to a group as well as work independently.
Selection procedure
A selection committee assesses all applications submitted, on the basis of which it makes a selection of candidates who are to be invited for an interview. In order to prepare for this, the committee may request additional information.
Interview
The selection procedure includes a live or online conversation with the selection committee. Group dynamics and communication are important, which is why we like to see and speak to the candidates.
Interview dates
The interview dates are fixed. If however you already expect to be unable to attend on the interview dates, for valid reasons, please state this clearly in your application, as well as the dates on which you will be available. If you are taken ill unexpectedly, we will contact you to arrange an alternative date.
Selection committee
Once the interview round has been completed, the committee ultimately chooses those students who are to be offered places in the programme. The selection committee comprises the educational team and one or more independent advisors.
For information concerning the enrollment and registration procedure, also read the practical matters.
It is not possible anymore to apply for ’23-’25
Our new form to apply for ’24-’26 will be available on our website in October 2023.
Deadline for application '24 - '26
12 January 2024, 12:00 CET
Results of the first selection
Mid February 2024
Interview dates
25-26-27-28 March 2024
Final results
Mid April 2024