Core Subject Composition

Content

Holders of the “Master 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.

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Structure

The MAS module runs for one semester. Students who complete it successfully are awarded a “Master of Advanced Studies in Music Creation/Composition”. As part of the MAS module, candidates realize an artistic degree work and write 15-20 pages of documentation. 

As part of the MAS module, students also compile a portfolio of at least three 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 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.

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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 (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 three documented works created during the course (sound carrier and short written documentation).
  3. Written documentation
    A written documentation of 15-20 pages (excl. pictures and appendix) highlighting the personal reference to the chosen practical project.
  4. Presentation and colloquium
    30-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.
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Eligibility and admission requirements

The “Master of Advanced Studies (MAS) in Musical Creation/Composition” degree comprises at least 60 ECTS credits. These are acquired as part of CAS study programs, at least half of which should be in the focus area of composition, 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.

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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. 

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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 documentation, 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 documentation, colloquium

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

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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/Composition”, study starts in the 2025 autumn semester

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

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Terms and conditions

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