Study Creative Arts in Berlin: Music, Film, Acting, Digital Media & Psychology

Creativity is more vital than ever in our evolving world. Artists help us challenge assumptions, process emotion and imagine better futures. Whether through film, music, visual storytelling or performance, art is an invitation to see differently and think critically.

The artistic creations of our role models – whether the music of Nina Simone, installations by Ai Weiwei or films by David Lynch – have helped both individuals and societies confront its biggest questions. As the world navigates political, environmental and technological shifts, pursuing a career in the arts is more than just a personal choice, it’s a commitment to contributing to culture and society.

It’s saying that creativity matters, and that the stories we tell, the music we make, the worlds we build through film, sound or performance all play a vital role in how we see each other and the world around us. Choosing to pursue the arts as a profession is an investment in this shared humanity.

Careers in the creative industries are as varied as the people in them. From sound design for games to directing documentaries, from writing scripts for interactive media to working as a performer or creative producer – the opportunities are wide-ranging. But success in these fields isn’t just about technical ability. It’s about being versatile, adaptable and self-aware. It’s about understanding how to manage your creative practice, connect with collaborators, pitch ideas, navigate freelance work and sustain a life as an artist.

At Catalyst, we focus not only on developing your craft, but also on helping you build the tools and mindset you need to thrive in the real world. You’ll leave with more than skills – you’ll leave with the experience, confidence and resilience to build a meaningful career on your own terms.

Study at Catalyst in Berlin – a home for artists, makers and creative minds

Catalyst is an international creative arts institute based at the historic Funkhaus in Berlin. We offer Bachelor’s, Master’s and 4-week short courses across music, sound, film, acting, digital arts and creative psychology.

Our learning model focuses on:

• Practice-based education
• Hands-on learning from day one
• Collaboration across disciplines
• Development of your creative identity and artistic voice
• A diverse international student community

Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced creative looking to deepen your skills, Catalyst offers the structure, support and freedom to grow.

Learn with a global creative community

Catalyst is home to students from over 70 countries. Everyone is on a different journey, but united by a passion for making. That shared purpose creates a vibrant, collaborative learning environment.

As music producer Rick Rubin says:

“Your creative family doesn’t need to make what you make. They just need to care about making. Sharing your work and witnessing others share theirs can unlock new ways of seeing and creating.”

Here, your peers become collaborators, supporters and sounding boards. You’ll learn by doing, and by watching others do the same.

Interdisciplinary study across music, film, acting, digital arts and psychology

Creative work doesn’t happen in isolated. Our courses are designed to encourage collaboration across disciplines. You might:

• Write a script in the Screenwriting BA, then work with Film Production, Acting and Sound Design students to bring it to life
• Produce a track in Electronic Music Production BA, then team up with VFX and Animation students to design an immersive visual experience
• Explore your own creative identity on the Acting BA while contributing to film and game projects
• Dive into the science of creativity in the Applied Creative Psychology MA, while designing tools that support mental health through art

This cross-pollination reflects the way the creative industries really are: collaborative, adaptable and innovative.

Creative arts courses designed for real-world practice

At Catalyst, you can choose from a range of hands-on Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programmes. Each programmeis designed to help you develop your skills, build a creative portfolio and step into professional practice. All courses are taught in English and take place at our campus in Berlin’s iconic Funkhaus.

Bachelor’s degrees (BA Hons) & HE Certificates

Each Bachelor’s programme can also be taken as a one-year Higher Education Certificate (HE Certificate), which covers the first year of study and can be used as a standalone qualification or a pathway to the full BA.

School of Music & Sound

• Creative Audio Production & Sound Engineering
• Electronic Music Production & Performance
• Music & Sound Design for Visual Media

School of Film & Visual Media

• Film Production
• Screenwriting
• Visual Effects, Video Game & Digital Arts
• Documentary Photography

School of Acting

• Acting

Master’s degrees (MA)

Our MA programmes follow a practice-based research model, allowing you to define your own creative path while receiving mentorship and peer support. Choose between full-time (1 year) or part-time (2 years) study options.

School of Music & Sound

• Creative Production (Music)

School of Film & Visual Media

• Creative Production (Film)

School of Creative Human Development

• Applied Creative Psychology

All our programmes combine technical skill-building with creative exploration, and offers multiple opportunities to collaborate across disciplines. Whether you want to compose soundtracks, direct films, develop games, perform for screen or explore the psychology of creativity, you’ll find the space to grow your ideas into reality.

Study creative arts in Berlin, a city known for artistic freedom

Catalyst’s campus is located in the iconic Funkhaus – a historic riverside recording complex in Berlin, one of the world’s leading cultural capitals.

Your learning happens in professional equipped spaces, like our Dolby Atmos studio, black box theatres and modular labs. But it also continues through a rich extracurricular offer. Whether you’re presenting a project at a student-led exhibition, performing a live set at Etikett Radio or collaborating on an immersive installation, you’ll be part of a real, working creative community.

Who is Catalyst for?

Catalyst is designed for:

• Aspiring creatives looking to start a career in the arts
• Career changers wanting to retrain or explore a new direction
• Established artists seeking structure, feedback and professional development
• International students looking for a progressive and inclusive learning environment
• Curious minds who want to work creatively across disciplines

Whether you’re joining us for a full degree or a 4-week short course, you’ll find a space that meets you where you’re at and helps you grow from there.

Start your creative journey today

Join a new kind of arts school, built on collaboration, experimentation and real-world learning. Find your voice, build your portfolio and become part of a global creative network.

Learn more about Catalyst - Institute for Creative Arts and Technology