Bachelor of Arts in Editing

Editing is about creating a dramaturgical structure out of audio-visual material. It is in the cutting room that the screenplay is completed and the story to be told is arrived at. Film is where the art of editing originated. In seminars on theory and practice as well as in supervised tutorials and projects, students learn the artistic and technical basics of editing video and audio material. It is the sum of all individual contributions and their interplay that ultimately determine a film’s quality. This bachelor’s degree programme in editing serves as a basis upon which to experience and learn about these artistic synergies inherent to filmmaking.

This programme of study begins with a basic introductory phase lasting three semesters during which students have the opportunity to explore the most varied aspects of filmmaking both in theory and in practice. Flexibility and personal responsibility, group dynamics, and self-awareness are principles that play a fundamental role in this introductory phase, during which all participants receive equal amounts of instruction in all of the Film Academy’s BA programme fields. Thereafter, in their fourth semester, students begin a process of intensive and individualised immersion in their respective main artistic subjects and also choose a module (as a second subject).
Graduates of the Editing bachelor’s degree programme typically aim to work in positions such as: 
film editor / assistant editor / sound designer for feature films, made-for-TV films, series, documentaries.

Upcoming Events

Each November, the Film Academy Vienna presents a survey of its works at the Gartenbaukino in Vienna. This event is an opportunity to see current films by students and chat both with the film teams and with members of the Film Academy Vienna teaching staff. Admission to these screenings is free, but please reserve your seats in advance. You’ll find our event schedule under Events.

Applying for this Programme of Study

1. The document “Information on Entrance Examinations” (download link above) informs you about what you need to prepare for this examination. 
2. Please set up an applicant account in mdwOnline if you don’t already have an mdwOnline account from another mdw programme of study.
3. Log into your account, click on “Entrance Exam Registration”, and then on the link “Enter new application” at the upper right. Follow the instructions that appear. If you can’t find a particular programme of study in the online registration system, it means either that the registration deadline has passed or that registration is not yet possible!
4. Important: If you are a citizen of a “third country” (from a country not belonging to the EU/EEA; exceptions: Switzerland and Liechtenstein), please inform yourself in a timely manner concerning the applicable requirements for entering and staying in Austria.
5. Once you’ve registered to take the entrance exam, you’ll receive an E-mail that informs you of your assigned exam date.
6. Take the entrance examination. Remember to bring along a photo ID.

After the Entrance Examination

1. You’ll receive the results of your entrance exam by E-mail.
2. If you have passed the entrance exam, you’ll still need to register in order to be enrolled and commence your studies at the mdw. You can do so by visiting the Studies Center within the admissions period; please bring along your passport or personal ID.
3. You can find out about the further steps you need to take in the brochure “New at the mdw?”.