Study

Programme Content & Structure

The full-time program is divided into four consecutive semesters and is completed with a Master of Arts degree. Classes are held mainly on Mondays to Thursdays, although workshops or compact courses are occasionally possible on weekends. All dates are announced and communicated in a shared calendar.

The attendance time depends on the semester rhythm, i.e. the lecture-free period from mid-February to mid-April and from mid-July to mid-October can be used for free project work and internships. The language of instruction is predominantly German, some workshops are offered in English. We encourage individual work as well as working in teams of different sizes. In terms of content, the study examination regulations provide for 4 module areas (see illustration for study plan).

Study plan

Study and examination regulations and admission regulations

Modules

Theory

The initial two semesters focus on the following basics: typology; set design, spacial composition / analysis; theatre, exhibitions / theatre forms; directing, dramaturgy, acting / theory; music history, costume history, spacial theory, musical composition, communication within a space.

Stage Design and Spatial Composition projects

Each semester a project-based assignment is carried out in small groups. Students can choose between concrete cooperation and realisation projects in set design and spacial composition (exhibitions, events, performances) and fictitious experimental tasks. Projects also cover costume, directorial methods and calculation (competition status).

Techniques / Presentation

Project-integrated seminars, lectures and workshops teach the following: stage and lighting engineering and design, medial production, drawing, visualisation, presentation techniques, mask design, interactive exhibits.

Practice

Compulsory course components include two work placements (self-organised) or self-initiated independent projects (at least six weeks), ideally completed during semester breaks. According to each student’s interests, placements and projects can be linked to relevant professional fields such as theatre, agencies, museums, film etc. Through our department students have accesses to a large professional network. The curriculum also offers a choice of excursions for various interest groups. Students can also enroll in a range of ‘wild courses’ on offer at the TU and other institutions of higher education.

Master Thesis

The final Masters Project is to be completed within 20 weeks in the fourth semester. The final piece comprises four components: colloquium, Masters project, exhibition, documentation. Students can choose from three subject areas with the option of entering a cooperation or realisation project:

  • stage and costume design for a play or music theatre
  • exhibition scenography
  • personal artistic theme within the „Space Laboratory“

Seminars

The basics are taught in lectures and seminars, especially in the first two semesters: Typology of stage design / scenography, analysis of theatre / exhibition, theatre forms, direction / dramaturgy, history of drama / musical theatre, spatial theory, music dramaturgy, costume history, model & design.

Practical teaching takes place in small groups in the project area of Bühnenbild_Szenischer Raum and is supplemented from the second semester onwards by implementation-relevant seminars such as media staging (video and sound design), interactive exhibits, mask design, calculation etc. Many subjects are project-integrated

Application

Admission to the Master’s programme Bühnenbild_Szenischer Raum is only possible for the winter semester.

The application procedure consists of two stages:

  1. submission of the application documents / portfolio by 15 May of the year.
  2. invitation to a personal interview (approx. 30 minutes) with the selection committee of the degree programme (also possible Online via Zoom)

Before submitting the application, it is advisable to contact the programme. Information events (Open Studios) are offered on a regular basis. It is possible to make individual appointments for a study advise.

Appointments: Salka Schulz

Applications must be submitted in digitally (Pdf, max. 50MB) via email/link to by May 15.

Requirements

First professional university degree (e.g. Bachelor, Diplom or Magister) in related disciplines: Architecture, interior architecture, design, fine arts, stage design, costume design, theatre and cultural studies, directing, cultural management, visual communication, etc.

Practical experience

Profound knowledge of the German language (for students of non-German origin language level B2 / TestDaF 12-16 points or comparable) at the beginning of the programme. Further German courses must be proven during the degree programme.

Documents

Application for Admission (“Antrag auf Zulassung” including CV and letter of motivation in German language)

Portfolio with samples (e.g.: projects, fine art, photography, collage, sketches etc.)

Diploma or BA Degree Certificate (photocopy is sufficient, don`t has to be translated for application)

Confirmation of work experience

Applicants whose first language is not German: TestDaF (Language certificate “Deutsch als Fremdsprache”, 12-16 points or equivalent), if not yet available: current proof of language level (A1 – B1)

Dates

Application deadline: 15th May (date as postmarked)

Interviews (per invitation) to be announced

Decision: mid July

Start of study: mid octobre

Selection criteria

STEP 1: after receiving the application documents (25%)

Quality of work samples (portfolio)

Subject-specific skills due to the previous studies, the qualification (transcript)

Subject-specific practical experience outside the university

STEP 2: after interview (75%)

An artistic aptitude for the study Bühnenbild_Szenischer Raum

Communication and interpersonal skills

Motivation for the master´s program Bühnenbild_Szenischer Raum

Financing

Tuition fees amount to 2.400 euros per semester (for a standard study period of 4 semesters: 9.600 euros). In addition, there are the matriculation fees of the TU Berlin, approx. 300 euros per semester (incl. semester ticket, etc.). The fees must be paid in advance after receiving the invoice at the beginning of each academic year and can be claimed against tax.

The TU Berlin does not award any scholarships; it is possible to approach other foundations and lenders or to apply for educational loans from banks at an early stage. We would like to point out that most foundations usually only support first degree studies. The extent to which a second course of study / further education is supported should be enquired about directly with the respective foundation.

More information / studies

Scholarships and Foundations

Perspective

The Master’s degree in Stage Bühnenbild_Szenischer Raum qualifies students for independent project-oriented work as stage designers or scenographers in the fields of theatre, exhibitions, installations, performances, and events – both for closed, artificial spaces and in an urban context. The progressive restructuring of the theatre landscape and the opening up to interdisciplinary and performative formats as well as the growing variety of temporary exhibitions, performances and events offer interdisciplinary trained and flexible designer’s versatile fields of activity.