Core Subject Computer Music

Content

Holders of the “Master of Advanced Studies in Music Creation/Computer Music” 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 MAS module runs for one semester. Students who complete it successfully are awarded a “Master of Advanced Studies in Music Creation/Computer Music”. As part of the MAS module, candidates realize an artistic degree work and write a thesis.

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

A total of eight mentoring hours are available for the MAS module. These can be used to supervise the practical project and/or the written thesis. 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 MAS module, the competencies acquired in the continuing education program are summarized and concluded with a "Master of Advanced Studies" (MAS). The module is assessed with 15 ECTS credits.

The MAS degree in Music Creation includes the following elements:

  1. Degree project
    Realization of an own musical-artistic work in consultation with the main subject lecturer.

  2. Portfolio
    List of works with at least four documented works created during the course (sound recording and short written documentation).

  3. Thesis
    The thesis (length: 50,000-75,000 characters, excluding bibliography and appendices) deals with a topic relevant to the field of computer music. It may be an analysis of a work or a discussion of a technical, cultural-theoretical or historical issue.

  4. Presentation and colloquium
    30-minute presentation of the final project and thesis. Followed by a discussion (max. 30 minutes) on the content of the project, presentation, portfolio and thesis.

Eligibility and admission requirements

The “Master of Advanced Studies (MAS) in Musical Creation/Computer Music” degree comprises at least 60 ECTS credits. These are acquired within the framework of CAS study programs, at least half of which should be in the main area of computer music, and are completed with the MAS 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.

Costs

The cost of taking the MAS module is CHF 2,400.
This includes the individual lessons/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 MAS module. 

Dates

The MAS degree is offerend twice a year.

MAS module “autumn semester option”

  • Deadline for applications: 31 May
    Registration for the MAS module, incl. submission of additional documents
  • Mid-June   
    Interview with the Head of Continuing Education Music and written MAS 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 thesis, colloquium
     

MAS module “spring semester option”

  • Deadline for applications: 30 November
    Registration for MAS module, incl. submission of additional documents
  • Mid-December
    Interview with the Head of Continuing Education Music and written MAS 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 thesis, colloquium

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

Online application

The application for the MAS 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 “MAS in Music Creation/Computer Music, 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 to the online application with SWITCH edu-ID

    A SWITCH edu-ID is required for the online application. It only needs to be requested once.
    → Instructions for creating and using a SWITCH edu-ID

    If you already have a Switch edu-ID but have forgotten your password, you can reset it via Switch edu-ID – Reset password.

  • 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

Terms and conditions

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