ZHdK - Zurich University of the Arts

What you'll study

The laboratory supports doctoral projects across the full range of arts and media with a focus on epistemological questions: art philosophy, composition, music theory and performance practice, theatre, dance, exhibitions, film, visual arts, literature, media art, performance and installation, as well as related theory, art education, design and design philosophy. The structured programme includes colloquia, workshops, lecture series, retreats and a summer school, and also enables development of new formats for cross-disciplinary research.

Entry requirements

Applicants must hold an outstanding degree in a humanities or artistic discipline and submit an independent doctoral project that fits the laboratory's thematic scope. Good German and English language skills are required. Application materials specified in the call include a concise research proposal (sketching topic, research idea and method; maximum ten standard pages), a curriculum vitae and academic transcripts. Graduates of universities of applied sciences must provide additional evidence of exceptional achievement; such dossiers are jointly reviewed by the participating faculty.

Career prospects

The programme is designed to support completion of doctoral research in aesthetics and artistic practice and to strengthen Zurich as a centre for aesthetic research. Candidates can expect intensive supervisory input from faculty across the three institutions and opportunities to work in transdisciplinary formats that may suit careers in academia, research institutes, cultural institutions, curatorial practice or other research-led roles within the arts and humanities.

Scholarships & funding angle (general)

The laboratory's call explicitly states that no stipends are awarded. Applicants should plan for independent funding or external scholarships and investigate funding opportunities at their home institutions or national doctoral funding bodies.