The Master's programme in Arts and Community (M.A./M.F.A.) at HKS Ottersberg offers a unique, interdisciplinary approach in Germany. You can pursue either a Master of Arts or a Master of Fine Arts degree. The program is designed for full-time study over one year or part-time over two years, with learning organised in intensive block weeks. The Master of Arts pathway focuses on art therapy, art education, or theatre pedagogy within social and clinical settings. The Master of Fine Arts pathway emphasizes artistic research and interventions in public and institutional spaces. Central to the program is a project-based approach where you will explore a socially relevant issue from both artistic and scientific perspectives. This project is independently planned, executed, and evaluated by you, fostering innovative individual and social skills. Seminars on scientific theory and research methods provide a strong academic foundation. You'll also develop skills in project management, supervision, and curation, with content tailored to specific target groups. Regular colloquiums and close mentoring ensure in-depth reflection and vibrant peer exchange.
The program is structured around intensive block weeks. Core components include a major project, theoretical seminars, and practical application, with close mentoring throughout.
Graduates are equipped to innovate and evaluate projects in diverse social practice fields. The M.A. qualifies for roles in healthcare, social welfare, corrections, and cultural institutions, as well as for doctoral studies. The M.F.A. prepares students for professional artistic project realisation in public, gallery, museum, or corporate settings.
Bridging courses are available for students who do not meet the required credit points at the time of admission. These can be completed alongside Master's modules or beforehand, with a tailor-made schedule coordinated with programme heads.
Information on specific tuition fees for international students is not provided on the program page. Students are advised to contact the university directly for detailed financial information.
The program awards a Master of Arts (M.A.) or Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.) degree.
For M.A. applicants, a degree in art therapy, dance/theatre pedagogy, or dance/theatre education with 240 Credit Points is required. M.F.A. applicants need an arts degree with 240 Credit Points. Bridging courses are available for those with related degrees or who need to acquire missing credit points.
The program can be completed in one year of full-time study or two years of part-time study. Learning is organized into intensive block weeks.
The application deadline for the Winter Semester 26/27 is May 31, 2026. Admission exams are scheduled for July 6-7, 2026.
M.A. graduates are prepared for roles in healthcare, social welfare, corrections, and cultural institutions, or for doctoral studies. M.F.A. graduates can pursue professional artistic project realization in public, gallery, museum, or corporate settings, with roles such as Art Therapist, Curator, or Artistic Director.
Specific tuition fees for international students are not provided on the program page. Students are advised to contact the university directly for detailed financial information, as standard tuition for German public universities typically applies.