Core Subject Composition

Content

Holders of the “Diploma of Advanced Studies in Music Creation/Composition” demonstrate a personal connection to the field in which they completed the course of study, and present a paper which comprehensively outlines and explores a theoretical and/or practical focus related to the field in question.

Structure

The DAS module runs for one semester. Students who complete it successfully are awarded a “Diploma of Advanced Studies in Music Creation/Composition”. As part of the DAS module, candidates realize an artistic degree work and write 10-12 pages of documentation. 

As part of the DAS module, students also compile a portfolio of at least two works which they produce during their study.

A total of four mentoring hours are available for the DAS module. These can be used to supervise the degree work and/or the written documentation. The choice of mentor depends on individual needs and is determined in consultation with the Head of Continuing Education in Music.

Qualification

With the successful completion of the DAS module, the competencies acquired in the continuing education program are summarized and concluded with a "Diploma of Advanced Studies" (DAS). The module is assessed with 6 ECTS credits.

The DAS degree in Music Creation includes the following elements:

  1. Degree project (degree work)
    Realization of own musical-artistic work in consultation with the main subject lecturer. This may include exploring performance, installation, sound art or collaborative projects as well as experimenting with new performance formats.
  2. Portfolio
    List of works with at least two documented works created during the course (sound carrier and short written documentation).
  3. Written documentation
    A written documentation of 10-12 pages (excl. pictures and appendix) highlighting the personal reference to the chosen practical project.
  4. Presentation and colloquium
    20-minute presentation of the degree project and written documentation. This is followed by a discussion (max. 20 minutes) on the content of the degree project, presentation, portfolio and documentation.

Eligibility and admission requirements

The "Diploma of Advanced Studies (DAS) in Musical Creation/Composition" comprises at least 30 ECTS credits. These are acquired as part of CAS study programs and are completed with the DAS module. Admission is granted by the Director of Studies and the Director of Continuing Education in Music and is usually granted by passing a corresponding admission and dossier examination.

Advanced degree in musical creation

→ MAS in Musical Creation/Composition

Costs

The cost of taking the DAS module is CHF 1,600.
This includes the mentoring sessions, the administration fee, the expert assessors’ fees as well as the examination fee. The costs are all invoiced together when the student signs the agreement to take the DAS module. 

Dates

The DAS degree is offerend twice a year.

DAS module “autumn semester option”

  • Deadline for applications: 31 May
    Registration for the DAS module, incl. submission of additional documents
  • Mid-June   
    Interview with the Head of Continuing Education Music and written DAS agreement (next steps, mentoring, schedule, etc.)
  • 30 November
    Interim report to the Head of Continuing Education Music
  • 28 February
    Submission of the written documentation and the portfolio
  • End of March  
    Presentation of degree project and documentation, colloquium

DAS module “spring semester option”

  • Deadline for applications: 30 November
    Registration for DAS module, incl. submission of additional documents
  • Mid-December
    Interview with the Head of Continuing Education Music and written DAS agreement (next steps, mentoring, schedule, etc.)
  • 31 May       
    Interim report to the Head of Continuing Education Music
  • 31 August   
    Submission of the written documentation and the portfolio
  • End of September
    Presentation of degree project and documentation, colloquium

The dates and times of the mentoring sessions will be agreed on an individual basis.

Online application

The application for the DAS degree is possible twice a year (cf. “Dates of admission procedure”). Applications are processed via the online tool of ZHdK (ONLA). 

Application deadline: 31 May resp. 30 November

→ To the online application for the “DAS in Music Creation/Composition”, study starts in the 2026 autumn semester

  • Information about the online application (ONLA)

    You can interrupt the application process at any time and complete it at a later date. The information you have entered will be saved. Mandatory fields are marked with a *.

    Once you have entered all your information, complete the process by clicking on “Finish entry”. The data can no longer be amended. Your submission will be reviewed by the Continuing Education Office.

    Please check your e-mail spam folder during the application period. If you have any further questions about online application or experience any technical difficulties, please contact the Continuing Education Centre.

  • Sign in ZHdK-Login or SWITCH edu-ID

    If you already have a ZHdK login, you can sign in with your normal access data. Those without a ZHdK login require a SWITCH edu-ID in order to apply online. You can create one really easily here.

  • Required documents

    Curriculum Vitae
    A brief and clear list of your education and professional career history.

    Covering letter
    Set out your reason for applying for the continuing education degree programme on a maximum of one side of A4. If you do not have a university degree, please describe your professional experience up to this point and why you are applying for your chosen continuing education degree programme (maximum of two sides of A4).

    Photo of yourself in JPG format
    Upload a recent photo in passport photo quality (at least 320 x 400 pixels). The photo must be high-contrast and your face must be clearly visible. It may not feature other people or objects.

    Social security number
    If you live or work in Switzerland, you will find your Swiss social security number (756…) on your OASI card or on your Swiss health insurance card. 

    Further documents

    • Transcripts
    • Degrees
    • Certificates

    The documents must be uploaded in PDF format. If you have several individual PDF files, you can upload these one after another.

  • Further documents to be submitted

    The following must be submitted with the application for the DAS module:

    Content-related and conceptual description of the intended diploma project and written documentation

After the application has been reviewed, a binding agreement is made in consultation with the Head of Continuing Education in Music regarding the practical project and the choice of topic for the written documentation, the supervision of the mentorship and the course of the DAS module.

  • Contact

    Questions concerning the programme?

    Mirko Wegmann

    +41 43 446 51 86
    Email

    Opening hours:
    Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 13:00–16:30 h

Terms and conditions

The general terms and conditions of the Continuing Education Centre apply for applications for this programme.