Cinematography and Photography
Language of instruction: polish
Studies at the Cinematography and Photography degree programme are aimed at preparing the students to work as cinematographer and camera operator, photographer and photo operator.
The aim of education is to prepare students for work as a director of photography, TV programmes producer, stills photographer, photography and photo operator. The five-year curriculum includes courses in humanities, such as: introduction to cultural studies, philosophy, history and theory of film, history of art, literature and drama, and also programme courses aiming to prepare the student to produce cinematographic films, TV programmes, analogue and digital photography and other audio-visual productions based on recent recording technology and image reproduction (for example computer special effects, virtual space etc.). In the course of studies, the student has contact with both theoreticians in given fields and practitioners employed in cinematography units and television. During the studies, students participate in practical workshops, the annual final effect of which is individual TV and film etudes. The studies are finished with the preparation and discussion on the master diploma thesis consisting of practical (production) and theoretical (written) parts.
The graduate is equipped with knowledge of humanities, aesthetic awareness and social competences relevant for operating and photography. They have knowledge of technical and technological aspects of film and TV production and photography. After graduation they are prepared to make feature and documentary films in photosensitive and electronic systems; prepare lighting and vision in TV programmes and shows with the use of professional filming systems. They have knowledge and abilities necessary to produce other forms, such as animated and educational films, advertisements, music videos and photography and multimedia forms. Therefore, they can work in the film and television industry and in other institutions where film, photography, television broadcasting is applied or used in their activities (art galleries, museums, advertising agencies, production houses, etc.).
Sign up for studies
(Recruitment starts on June 1)
The five-year programme consists of subjects in humanities, including, among others: propaedeutic of culture, philosophy, history and theory of film, history of art, literature and drama, as well as programme-specific subjects aimed at preparing the student for the production of cinematographic films, television forms, analogue and digital photography and other audio-visual productions based on the latest image recording and playback technologies (e.g. computer special effects, virtual spaces, etc.). Over the course of the programme, the student has contact with both theoreticians in selected fields and practitioners employed in cinematography and television units. During their studies, students participate in practical workshop exercises, the final effect of which is individual television and film etudes each year. The studies end with the preparation and defence of a Master’s thesis, which consists of a practical (executive) and theoretical (written) thesis.
Form of studies: full-time, long-cycle studies
Duration: 5 years (10 semesters)
Classes are conducted in the form of lectures, practicals, workshops and labs.
With its artistic, educational and research activities, the K. Kieślowski Film School sets standards for the education of filmmakers and producers in Poland. The element that makes the Film School competitive is, first of all, the academic teachers associated with the film environment, outstanding cultural creators and practitioners of audiovisual industries. The K. Kieślowski Film School at the University of Silesia is one of only two public institutions of higher education in Poland, which offers studies in Directing, Film, Television Picture Production and Photography, Film and Television Production, Creative Management in New Media. Studying at the K. Kieślowski Film School opens the door for young art students to enter the world of film and creative industries. The K. Kieślowski Film School is a faculty friendly to students from all over the world, as shown by the record number of incoming students from the Erasmus+ programme. Another asset is the architecturally unique building (awarded many times in the world for its unique architecture) with its infrastructure reflecting European technical standards in the training of directors and cinematographers.
You can find detailed information about the subjects, stages and specifics in study programme.
For candidates with the new and the old MATURA:
The prerequisite for entering Stage 1 is to submit:
It is mandatory to have a minimum of 10 photographs printed on photographic paper with a minimum size of 18×24 cm.
Stage 1
- Review and evaluation of personal work portfolios.
Stage 2
- Practical exam: photo study;
- Written exam: workshop analysis of the cinematic image.
Stage 3
- Oral exam: implementation and defence of the staging task;
- Oral exam: interview in the field of knowledge about film art and photography.
The unsatisfactory grade obtained from any examination at any stage shall decide on the negative outcome of the admission procedure.
Candidates must have passed the Matura/secondary school-leaving certificate.
The admission fee for Cinematography and Photography is PLN 150.
The Cinematography and Photography degree programme is one of the elite majors at the K. Kieślowski Film School. Future filmmakers, cinematographers and photographers are educated under the guidance of lecturers known for their works of film, television and photography awarded at festivals and competitions in Poland and abroad. The programme gives the opportunity to easily get a job in the profession because there is a huge demand for film and television cinematographers in the Polish market. The competitiveness of this programme is due to the consistent concept of classes with a large number of workshop classes that prepare the student for work in the profession. The basis of this programme is the transferred content related to writing film narration, understanding the processes occurring in artistic modes of expression or formatting of characters, locations, spaces and objects. Within the framework of the conducted classes, educational courses present the latest advances in visual technologies (e.g. VR, animation) and, above all, the basics of the art of cinematography. The uniqueness of the faculty is also shaped by the great commitment of the lecturers of the K. Kieślowski Film School to Polish and European cinematography.
Krzysztof Kieślowski Film School at the University of Silesia
ul. św. Pawła 3, 40-008 Katowice, Poland
Graduates of film, television image production and photography are recognised in Europe as cinematographers (including directors) of film productions. These are primarily: Łukasz Baka (1920 Battle of Warsaw, Botox, Women of the Mafia, A Little Bit of Paradise, Pokot), Paweł Chorzępa (Synek, Magnesia, When I’m a Bird), Damian Kocur (Next is the Day, My Heart, What I Want), Tomasz Wozniczka (Bus Stop, Great Fear, Beyond the Horizon), Kacper Fertacz (To Leave No Trace, The King, The Last Family, Hardkor Disko), Cezary Stolecki (Bitter!, Home sweet home, Magma, In the forest today no one will fall asleep), Natalia Pietsch (I also have something for you, Frog King).
Additional information is provided by the Secretary of the Faculty Admission Committee – Hanna Bober, MA: hanna.bober@us.edu.pl