Zurich University of the Arts

Mission Statement

On 1 August 2007 the University of Art and Design Zurich (HGKZ) and the Zurich School of Music, Drama and Dance (HMT) merged to become one of Europe’s largest universities of the arts: the Zurich University of the Arts (ZHdK). Compromising more than 2000 students, the University offers a unique range of programmes from further education opportunities to undergraduate, postgraduate, and research degrees in design, film, art, media, music, dance, theatre, and art education. Our mission is to be at the forefront of learning, research, and practice. While anchored in Greater Zurich, our influence extends well beyond Switzerland to the international stage. Closely aligning teaching and research, our programmes are designed to promote transdisciplinary work. We provide a bridge between higher education, professional practice, and the general public by showcasing the achievements of our staff and students in the University’s own exhibition spaces, theatre, dance and concert halls, including the renowned Zurich Museum of Design and the newly established Theatre of the Arts (formerly the Sihl Theatre). We thus make a significant contribution to cultural life in the city and region of Zurich.

International Role

Zurich University of the Arts maintains numerous international partnerships, and engages with a range of networks and selected international organizations. An interest in the “foreign”, experience of the “other”, reflecting on one's own person, and, where possible, the evolution of something new in a “third space” that is shared – all this forms the basis for a diverse range of programmes and projects.

An awareness of globalization and of being globally connected is essential for all people at ZHdK. The objective of the Internationalization Strategy at ZHdK is to strengthen the position of ZHdK graduates for increasingly globalized professions and labour markets. This strategy targets not only international contexts, but also a Switzerland that has been internationalized as a result of migration. Accordingly, core tasks of internationalization involve a critical consideration of globalization models, and the role played by the arts and design in this. Likewise, a priority is to impart sensitive intercultural and cross-cultural practices, and an informed treatment of social, economic and political asymmetries. Lastly, students acquire an in-depth knowledge of the various methods for exchange and collaborative models.

Students, teachers and researchers at ZHdK are all free to participate in exchange programmes, collaborative projects such as “arts for change” and “Connecting Spaces”, and also international networks and research communities. Findings from these activities are then integrated into the cyclical international learning process.

National Role

Biggest Art School in Switzerland, part of the cultural live of Zurich and its surroundings. Lots of co-operation projects with the other institutions of higher education (different Universities), with the Swiss Institut of Federal Politechnics, with business partners (most in design) and industries. Project in the field of the education and the research.

Main Focus

BA and MA Programs in

Design, Art Education, Fine Arts, Drama, Film, Music and Dance