1. Study program
2. Admission
3. Online modules
4. In-house classes
5. Finances
6. Language /Toeffl
7. Technology

 

 

1. Study program

• Can I receive credit for any kind of earlier studies in the same field?

No, there will be no recognition of subjects you might already have treated. All the content of our program is obligatory.

• When will be the next chance for participating in the program?

The program starts every year end of October. Check our website for calls for applications (Entry requirements and Admission).

• Are technical aspects of film and photography a part of the program?

We can offer only some basic technical courses. The emphasis is placed on applied visual anthropological knowledge. But you will have the chance to learn the vocabulary you need to communicate with professional camera-people and editors as a director for documentary films. One part of the in-house class in Berlin will be to spend a day in a professional editing studio. To be admitted you should have some basic knowledge and experience with digital camera techniques.

 

• Is it possible pursuing the master program while working (full time) ?

The study program is a full-time one, but it's emphasis is e-learning. Also there are four in-house classes (one each semester lasting one week: (Nov. 3-7.2008 and mid-april) where you should participate. You could do our program while working, as long as you can manage both at the same time. You will have two courses per module (one module each semester), and for each course roughly 5,5-7,5 hours of work per week + 1 hour discussion (around 12-18 hours a week).See for detailed workload: FAQ 3. Online modules

 

• Internship: When do we have to do it, for how long? Do we have to look for a place by ourself or will you suggest us who to contact?

The internship should last 9 weeks and should be admitted in the third (winter)-semester (October to February). You will have to find an internship yourself in a film production company, TV-station, museum or other related field of the Master program. We will provide assistance (contacts) to students for in finding companies or festivals.

2. Admission

• When will I be informed about my admission status?

We will be informing applicants of their admission status in late August
by Email, and the accepted students will receive the official confirmation
from the Freie Universität Berlin in September

 

• Do I have to have all my transcripts translated?
  No, only a certified translation of your university diploma is needed and only if it is written in any other language than German, English, French, Spanish or Italian. Chinese certificates, however, have to be attested by the German Embassy in Beijing.
  
  
• What if I have troubles with paying the tuition fee?
  We expect you to pay yearly fees. If this is absolutely impossible for you, we might be able to work out a different finance plan. Quarterly or monthly installments are feasible. For Scholarships opportunities see 5. Finances

 

• I was wondering my posibilities as an applicant with no officially degree in anthropology?

    A  BA- or other university degree in Social or Cultural Anthropology is not necessary to be admitted to the program. We   accept as well students with an university degree  e.g  in natural sciences, if they can explain their motivation.

 

• Can the admission process be done through UNI-Assist?

As the admission process through UNI-Assist might take some time, we recommend you to send your application the 'traditional'  way.

 

 

3. Online modules

• How do I get my study material?

You will learn via an online learning management system (Blackboard). Within this system all you need is assembled: the individual units with their material including tasks, the compulsory reading, the discussion boards to exchange opinions with your fellow students and so on.

• Can I get a certificate for individual modules? Or can I start with the second semester?

We expect all participants to complete the whole program.

 

•  Could you give me some more precision about the blackboard. Are we going to be able to watch the movies online?

Yes, You will be able to watch the movies online (videostreamed)

 

• How are organised the online-discussion appointment (video conference...)? Which kind of equipment shall we have (ADSL, Webcam, PC or Apple, Software.....) ?

There will be organised online discussions almost every week, both with skype, msn style and virtual classroom (through our blackboard). You are required to have access to high-speed internet. You can use either PC or Apple-technology. A Webcam is useful, but not necessary. But you need a microfon or headset for the skype-classes and a skype-account.

 

• How will the assignments be introduced ? (question, reflection,dissertation, could video/media format expected)?

The types of assignments depend on the course.  Some will be in the form of questions requiring short or long answers, some will be more of a practical nature (photography project for example). Regarding equipment, post-production facilities etc. please see 7. Technology

 

• How many hours should I be working per week?

 

You should calculate for one week and one module:

Watching a film (online via videostream): 1 to 2 hours

Mandatory reading: 2,0 hours

Reading up on the filmmakers: 30 minutes

Reading the unit content (text) 1 hour

Assignement questions: 1 to 2 hours

+ 1 hour chat or skype discussion

You should be working roughly between 5,5 to 7,5 hours (+ 1 hour discussion) for each unit. (6,5 hours mandatory, and 2,5 more are recommended). You have to complete two units per week, what means:

You should be working roughly 12-18 hours per week.

 For a detaield workload read the official regulations (engl. version later - sorry, only german version at this time).

 

Examination:

The students will have to write a final paper for each module or alternative finish a short film project.

 

4. In-house classes

• Do I have to participate in the in-house classes?

Yes, only if you have a good reason not to participate in the in-house-classes (kids, disability, illness).

 

• When will the in- house classes take place?

The first in- house workshop will be from Nov. 3-7.2008 in Berlin. The second one will be mid-april. The third again in Nov. 2009 and the fourth (and last) in mid-april 2010.

 

5. Finances

• Are there any scholarship opportunities?

Scholarship opportunities can be researched e.g. at the following scholarship data base (unfortunately only in German, but also for foreign students). You can also contact the relevant Freie Universität Berlin office.

6. Language / Toeffl

• Do I need a Toeffl-Test or other prove of my proficiency in English?

You do not need to give us any certificate (TOEFL or other) to prove your proficiency in English. We trust our applicants in being able to judge their own capacity in completing an M.A.level course in English.

7. Technology

• What kind of film/video-technology is used during the in-house classes?

We use the latest HD-camera-technology for the camera courses. The editing course will take place in the professional postproduction studio digiparc Berlin (with Avid Adrenaline, Avid Mediacomposer and as well Final Cut Pro editing Software). It is an advantage if you own a digital video or photography camera, but it is not a precondition. You can borrow the digital camera equipment from the institute (HD-Technology: Sony HVR-V1) and you are allowed to use the editing studio at the institute (Avid and Final Cut Pro-Software).