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Find all the information you need about the application process and your path to the Master’s degree programme in Animation and Game at Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences.
MA in Animation and Game
Apply for Summer Semester 2027
Admission to the Master’s degree programme in Animation and Game requires a Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in a related academic field. We offer three different programme options from which you can choose depending on the type of Bachelor's degree you hold:
- Graduates of a 6-semester Bachelor's programme (180 CP) → 4-semester Master’s programme
- Graduates of a Bachelor's programme comprising 7 semesters (210 CP) → 3-semester Master’s programme
- Graduates of a Bachelor's programme comprising 8 semesters (240 CP) → 2-semester Master’s programme
All applicants must provide evidence of English language proficiency at a minimum of B2 level according to the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages of the Council of Europe). Furthermore, applicants must pass the entrance exam for their chosen specialisation: Creative Direction or Technical Direction. You may only apply for one programme option and one specialisation at a time.
| 🇩🇪 Application deadline for the summer semester 2027 with a German Bachelor’s degree | 🌏 Application deadline for Summer Semester 2027 with an international Bachelor’s degree |
|---|---|
Opens: January 2027 Deadline: 1 February 2027 | Open from: 02 October 2026 Deadline: 1 December 2026 |
DOCUMENTS
Please download our detailed Application Guidelines and read them carefully before you begin the application process:
🇩🇪 Application guidelines for Summer Semester 2027 for applicants with a German degree (available from 01/2027)
🌏Application guidelines for Summer Semester 2027 for applicants with an international degree
SHORTCUTS
Application in 3 steps:
🇩🇪 With a German Bachelor’s degree or diploma
To apply for the M.A. in Animation and Game, you must register on the application website of Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences. Make sure to select the correct programme version (2-semester, 3-semester or 4-semester Master's) as well as the specialisation (Technical Direction or Creative Direction) you wish to apply for. For further information, please refer to the APPLICATION GUIDELINES FOR APPLICANTS WITH A GERMAN DEGREE. Read the guidelines carefully before starting the application process.
🌏 With an international degree
Skip to Step 2
🇩🇪 With a German Bachelor’s degree or diploma
To submit your formal application, you will need the following documents:
- Full academic transcript
- English language certificate (minimum B2)
- Curriculum vitae in English
If you have any further questions regarding the academic entry requirements and the formal application, please contact the Student Service Centre (SSC) at Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences by email: master@h-da.de or by telephone: +49 6151 533-6896
🌏 With an international degree
Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences is a member university of the UNI ASSIST Association. UNI ASSIST pre-checks whether prospective students are eligible to study in Germany, based on the guidelines of the German Central Office for Foreign Education. Therefore, in order to formally apply for the Animation and Game Programme, applicants must register and apply via the UNI ASSIST online portal: www.uni-assist.de
Please note: UNI ASSIST charges a mandatory service fee, which must be paid in advance. Your formal application will only be processed once payment has been received.
Application deadlines for formal applications:
- For enrolment in the winter semester: 1 June
- For enrolment in the summer semester: 1 December
Documents required for formal application:
- High school/secondary school leaving certificate
- Depending on your country of origin, a certificate proving that you have passed the university entrance examination
- Full academic record (Bachelor's degree certificate with academic transcript, including the grading system, and Diploma Supplement)
- English language certificate at level B2 according to the ‘Common European Framework of Reference for Languages of the Council of Europe’ or equivalent.
- Copy of your passport
If you have any questions regarding the formal application process for international applicants, please contact the Student Service Centre at: international@h-da.de
🇩🇪 🌏Holders of a German Bachelor’s degree or diploma and an international degree
To be admitted to the programme, applicants must pass the entrance exam for their chosen specialisation. To take part, they must submit their entrance exam application.
The entrance exam consists of two stages: a portfolio assessment and an online interview. Applicants must pass the portfolio assessment to be admitted to the interview.
The entrance exam for each of the two specialisations differs in terms of application requirements and assessment criteria. Further information can be found below.
Entrance Exam
In the MA Animation and Game Entrance Exam, applicants must demonstrate advanced competencies, knowledge and methodological skills in the field of Animation and Game and in their chosen specialisation. You may only apply for and sit the Entrance Exam in one of the specialisations: Creative Direction or Technical Direction.
The entrance exam consists of two stages:
- Stage 1: Portfolio Assessment
- Stage 2: Online Interview
Applicants must pass Stage 1 to be admitted to Stage 2.
To apply for the entrance exam, you must submit the following documents:
- •Curriculum vitae in English
- •Statement of purpose in English
- •Exposé: Master's project proposal in English
- •Digital portfolio containing five work samples: completed projects related to the field of Animation and Game
- •Portfolio form
- •Optional: reference letters from employers confirming professional experience in the field of Animation and Game
Creative Direction Entrance Exam
Creative Direction Applicant Profile
Candidates for the Creative Direction Specialisation are expected to possess advanced artistic, technical and methodological skills in the field of Animation and Game creation and production. They should demonstrate their potential to develop innovative and original creative approaches in discipline-related areas such as digital animation, game design, narrative design, visual development, cinematography and experience design.
Applicants should demonstrate a strong motivation to pursue advanced academic studies in the field, as well as a critically informed interest in keeping abreast of and contributing to emerging trends and advancements at the intersections between design research, artistic practices and technology-driven production processes.
Creative Direction Application Portfolio
Applicants for Creative Direction should include projects in their application portfolio that are related to the field of Animation and Game and their chosen specialisation, such as, for example:
- Video games or video game prototypes
- Animated shorts, animated series or other fictional or non-fictional animation formats
- Game cinematics
- 3D character and creature art for animations or games
- 3D environments and 3D assets for animation or games
- Visual development, art direction and concept development projects for animations or games
- Virtual reality and augmented reality projects
Technical Direction Entrance Exam
Technical Direction Candidate Profile
Candidates for the Technology Specialisation should have a strong grasp of relevant technologies, a passion for scientific innovation, and a commitment to solving complex challenges. We are looking for individuals skilled in advanced programming, cutting-edge technology and abstract thinking, who can combine artistic creativity with technical precision.
Applicants will be assessed on their proficiency in tools, advanced programming, technical art and concepts, with a focus on their ability to develop innovative solutions in Animation and Game technology.
In addition, candidates must demonstrate a strong motivation for advanced study and a keen interest in emerging trends and developments within the field.
Application Portfolio: Technical Direction
Applicants for the Technical Direction role should include projects in their application portfolio that are related to their chosen specialisation, such as, for example:
- Game prototypes developed using relevant game engines or programming frameworks
- Technical aspects of game design that demonstrate proficiency in coding, algorithms and game mechanics
- Technical animation and animation tools; advanced rigging projects, performance capture projects
- Advanced VFX, simulations and procedural assets
- Prototypes for VR and AR experiences showcasing both technological and artistic considerations
- Digital environment assets emphasising the integration of technology into design