| Ranking | School | City |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Academy of Media Arts Cologne | Cologne |
| 2 | Hochschule Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences | Darmstadt |
For this ranking we only consider formal degree programs (bachelor's degree or equivalent). For an explanation of our ranking criteria, click here.
Academy of Media Arts Cologne (KHM) has two graduate paths to study animation including a Media Art MFA and a doctoral degree. Both programs allow students to select an emphasis from more than a dozen options. This includes Animation/3D Animation. All KHM programs are interdisciplinary, allowing students to specialize in additional areas.
Other program features include seminars and tutorials; the opportunity to collaborate with students from other disciplines; interactions with visiting artists; access to state-of-the-art studios and labs; internships and study abroad experiences; participation in festivals and exhibitions; and career development services. All KHM animation students will also have the opportunity to complete four individual projects to be included in a final professional portfolio.
Graduates of the Animation programs at Academy of Media Arts Cologne are independent filmmakers, studio owners, freelance artists, and salaried professionals. Some KHM graduates have gone on to teach at top art and design schools in Europe and abroad.
Founded in 1989, Academy of Media Arts Cologne opened on October 15, 1990 with 25 students and a one post-graduate program. Today, the school enrolls around 400 students annually, with at least one-third coming from abroad. In addition to Animation, 3D Animation, and Games, KHM provides emphasis areas such as Creative Production, Documentary Film, Scriptwriting, Art and Media Studies, Sound Art, Installation, and Image Design.
Academy of Media Arts Cologne is accredited by the Ministry for Culture and Science of the Federal State of North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW).
Hochschule Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences (h_da) is one of the largest Universities of Applied Sciences (UAS) in Germany, and the only university in the country to award the Doctor of Sustainability Sciences. As part of the European University of Technology Alliance (EUt+), h_da provides networking opportunities; exchange programs with partner institutions in Spain, France, and Ireland, among others; and research opportunities.
For students interested in animation, Hochschule Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences has an Animation and Game program leading to a BA or MA. The BA has two specializations including Technology (TeC) and Art and Design (AaD). The TeC specialization explores areas such as animation production, game engines, technical art, game design, generative AI, and real-time graphics programming. The AaD specialization explores animation, narrative design, technical art, cinematography, game design, and visual development.
All BA students will take course such as Art, Animation and Creative Technologies 1-5; Network Programming; Algorithms and Data Structures for Games; Technical Art 1-2; AI and Behavior Programming; Design Theory 1-2; and Producing and Production Management 1-3. In the fourth semester of the program, students will complete an internship or a study abroad experience. The Animation and Game BA at Hochschule Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences culminates with the completion of three courses: Animation and Game Project 6; Animation and Game Bachelor Thesis; and Animation and Game Research Project.
Graduates are prepared for entry-level positions in the research and creative industries or for entry into the h_da Animation and Game MA program.
The Animation and Game MA at Hochschule Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences is an English-language, interdisciplinary program with two specializations: Creative Direction and Technical Direction. Both specializations are project-based and application-oriented, with extensive coursework in animation and games. Creative Direction students will also focus in creative strategies, narrative design, game experience design, creative leadership, and creative entrepreneurship.
Technical Direction students will also study advanced programming, coding, virtual reality technologies, production management, technology-based learning strategies, and leadership methods.
All MA students will take courses such as Technical Research 1-2; Creative Research 1-2; Direction and Producing 1-2; and Creative Entrepreneurship. Students will also complete several electives in an area of interest, as well as an internship or study abroad experience. The program culminates with the Master Thesis course.
Graduates of the Animation and Game MA at Hochschule Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences are prepared to pursue a doctorate degree or for leadership roles in the animation and games industry. Potential roles include Animation Director, Lead Programmer, Art Director, Technical Producer, Lead Game Designer, Technical Director, and Creative Producer.
Founded in 1971, Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences serves more than 16,000 students enrolled in 70+ programs across 12 departments. Key study areas ta h_da include Architecture, Media, and Design; Engineering Sciences; Information Science and Informatics; Social and Cultural Sciences; Social Work & Economy; and Mathematics and Natural Science. Programs lead to a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate degree. Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences is officially recognized by the Hessen Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science and the Arts.
