Visual Studies and Creative Conception

Visual expertise. Critical thinking. Your own creative signature.

An interdisciplinary online certificate for professionals who analyse visual media, develop creative concepts and wish to further develop their design practice on a theoretical basis.

The certificate programme at a glance

The certificate programme offers an interdisciplinary exploration of visual culture, creativity and critical thinking.

Participants learn to analyse images, develop ideas and implement meaningful media projects. The programme combines academic reflection with practical creative production.

It is aimed at professionals who want to hone their visual skills in media such as photography, film and generative artificial intelligence, deepen their conceptual abilities and contextualise their creative work in cultural and technological contexts.

Graduates leave the programme with a well-founded critical perspective and a sharpened creative signature.

What you can expect from the programme

Completely online: Study flexibly and independently of location alongside your job.

Individual support: Small groups ensure personalised support and intensive learning guidance.

English language of instruction: Work can also be submitted in German by arrangement.

Practical & interdisciplinary: Theory and creative practice in photography, film and generative AI are closely linked.

Creative freedom: Develop your own signature style and turn your ideas into meaningful media works.

Contemporary perspectives: Learn to contextualise your creative work in cultural, social and technological contexts.

Module Overview

The certificate programme consists of three modules, each worth 8 ECTS credits, for a total of 24 ECTS credits.

Module 1: Photography and Film

This module introduces photography and film as key cultural forms of expression that shape perception, memory and understanding of the world. It covers historical developments, iconic works and relevant genres. Images are analysed as aesthetic, social and philosophical statements.

Practical exercises sharpen visual perception, for example in relation to light, colour, form and rhythm, and connect technical decisions with meaning and intention. Storytelling plays a central role and supports the translation of ideas into compelling still and moving images. The module lays a critical foundation for a reflective approach to contemporary visual media.

Module 2: Culture and Self

Identity has become a key concept in postmodernism – both in the humanities and cultural studies as well as in marketing and pop culture. This module is dedicated to the critical reflection and practical testing of forms of representation of individuals and cultural contexts. In addition, the module addresses and develops students’ own presentation as creative-conceptual individuals.

Module 3: Conceptual Projects

The focus is on developing independent, concept-based creative projects with a theoretical and scientific foundation. Participants analyse artistic practices, media effects, and presentation and exhibition contexts. Abstract ideas are translated into coherent visual, spatial, or narrative forms and reflected upon through writing, documentation, and storytelling.

We are happy to answer any questions you may have about the certicitace programme!

Admission Requirements

A solid academic or professional background in a relevant field is required. As a rule, the following applies:

Bachelor’s degree and practical experience (e.g. internship or self-employment)
OR
University entrance qualification with proven relevant professional experience

Lecturers

The certificate programme consists of three modules, each worth 8 ECTS credits, for a total of 24 ECTS credits.

Prof. Dr. Maja Tabea Jerrentrup

International photographer, author, journalist and lecturer who combines photography, visual culture and theory. Under the pseudonym Jamari Lior, she was a Nikon and Sony ambassador. Her work explores identity, staging and social perception, and she contributes her expertise to international exhibitions and teaching activities. She holds professorships at Landshut University of Applied Sciences and Ajeenkya DY Patil University in India, and also heads the Centre for Media Culture at Landshut University of Applied Sciences.

Prof. Andrea Sunder-Plassmann

Photographer, media artist and professor with many years of experience in photography, film and installation. Her work operates at the intersection of image, body and cultural reflection. She teaches at Alanus University of Arts and Social Sciences, Landshut University of Applied Sciences and the Universidad del Pacífico in Colombia, and has presented and curated her work worldwide.

Gastdozierende

External experts from the fields of art, marketing and culture are regularly invited to give lectures and workshops. They bring practical insights, exciting perspectives and inspiration directly into the programme – including internationally renowned body painters, tattoo artists, influencers and marketing professionals.