International Class

Andrea Gjestvang in conversation with students from the International Class, 2017. Photo: Jan Philipp Eberstein

Photojournalism and Documentary Photography International Class

The University of Applied Sciences and Arts Hanover is currently the only institution in Germany that offers a degree course in photography with a focus on photojournalism and documentary photography. In an inspiring environment combining theory and practical training, our students are taught everything they need to know about visual storytelling and documentary photography. They also learn to develop their individual profiles as photographers.
In March 2017 the International Class was created as a complement to the BA programme in order to promote internationalisation and strengthen the exchange of ideas with post-secondary institutions both within and beyond Europe.

The International Class is integrated into the current curriculum of the Photojournalism and Documentary Photography programme and taught entirely in English. In this one-semester programme, students will learn how to visualize topics and content for the entire spectrum of journalistic publications, all within the discourse of documentary photography. Classes are held by faculty members as well as by internationally acclaimed photographers and other experts, such as Andrea Gjestvang, Mads Nissen and Dominic Nahr.

Students interested in the International Class should have an abiding interest in the specific orientation of the Photojournalism and Documentary Photography programme and should have had some experience in this area. We want students who are looking for a highly creative environment where they will be encouraged to test their boundaries as visual storytellers. Every student in the International Class should have a convincing portfolio and good English skills (at least level B2/CEFR). The International Class is aimed primarily at students from our partner institutions but we also encourage other students who are at an advanced undergraduate (bachelor) level to apply.

For additional information, please see: Magazine „International Class“ (PDF)

Basic Facts

  • One-semester programme, early March until July (summer semester)
  • Full-time study (16 hours/week), 30 ECTS credits
  • Language of instruction is English
  • BA level
  • € 360.00 student fees
  • Location at Expo Plaza, Hanover, Germany
  • Application must be submitted no later than October 30th for the following year
  • a maximum of 16 places will be offered each year for international students

Curriculum

  • Spring Welcome Week (Mid February)
  • Short Term Reporting and Final Project, Reportage (4 Hours/Week, 8 ETCS/Credits, March-July)
  • Portrait Photography (2 Hours/Week, 6 ETCS/Credits, March-July)
  • Photo Theory/Politics of Representation (2 Hours/Week, 3 ETCS/Credits, March-July)
  • Photobook/Long Term Project (3 Hours/Week, 12 ETCS/Credits, March-July)
  • Practice and Theory of Curating and Exhibition (2 Hours/Week, 3 ETCS/Credits, March-July)

Infrastructure and Equipment

The students in the Photojournalism and Documentary Photography programme are guided by a team of professors, lecturers and laboratory assistants. They have access to an extensive support system, personal advising and state-of-the-art equipment including a photo studio and darkroom, fully equipped computer and printing rooms, and a wide range of rental cameras and gear.

Application Requirements

  • English proficiency (at least B2 level/CEFR)
  • University enrolment certificate (bachelor level)
  • Health insurance

How to Apply

Deadline for application for the International Class 2021 (February till July 2021) is 30th October 2020.

Please register on our Mobility Online platform using the following link.
The Mobility Online platform will be only available from 8th till 30th of October 2020.

You will then be asked to upload the following documents:
1. A digital portfolio of previous works (2-3 stories/ series; each story/series containing 12-15 photographs).
2. Motivation letter (500 words) describing why you want to avail this programme.
3. A letter of recommendation, and preferably further references, if available.
4. A complete CV of yours.

If you have questions, please contact: international@fotostudenten.de

Application process

After submitting your online application you will receive an identification number, which you can use to log into your account. Approximately 2-3 weeks after the application deadline, you will receive either a confirmation or rejection of participation by email. If you get accepted to the International Class, you will be asked to upload further documents, such as your language certificate, insurance certificate, and a passport photo meeting the following criteria: The head must be visible in full and the face in the middle of the picture, the person must look at the camera. The photo must be in color, ideally with a white background. The upload name of the photo must include your birth date and your first name and last name for example DD.​MM.​YYYY_firstname_lastname

Dominic Nahr discussing portfolios with students, 2017. Photo: Maximilian von Lachner / HS Hanover

Full-time scholarship for students from non-EU countries

Foreign students who apply for the International Class, can apply for a full-time scholarship of 6 months in parallel. This scholarship is endowed with 650 Euros per month and is aimed primarily at students from so-called ‚developing countries‘ studying at foreign partner universities or foreign universities with which partnership agreements are in progress or are planned. Applications for the scholarship must be issued parallel to applying for the International Class. In addition to the normal application documents a maximum one-sided letter must be submitted, attesting to the special eligibility of the student. In addition to the academic qualifications particularly social reasons are decisive for awarding the scholarship. Please send applications to: international@fotostudenten.de

Partner Institutions

  • Belfast School of Art at Ulster University, Belfast (Erasmus)
  • Danish School of Media and Journalism, Aarhus (Erasmus
  • ESA LE75, Brussels (Erasmus)
  • Institut d’Estudis Fotogràfics de Catalunya, Barcelona (Memorandum of Understanding)
  • KASK, Gent (Erasmus)
  • National Research Tomsk State University, Tomsk (Memorandum of Understanding)
  • Pathshala South Asian Media Institute, Dhaka (Memorandum of Understanding)
  • Royal Academy of Art, The Hague (Erasmus)
  • Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias, Lisbon (Erasmus)

Photographer Mads Nissen with students from the International Class, 2017. Photo: Maximilian von Lachner / HS Hanover

Contact

Hochschule Hannover University of Applied Sciences and Arts Hanover Faculty III – Media, Information and Design Photojournalism and Documentary Photography Expo Plaza 2 30539 Hannover international@fotostudenten.de

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