Core Subject Composition for Film, Theatre, and Media

Content

Holders of the “Master of Advanced Studies in Music Creation/Composition for Film, Theatre and Media” 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 for Film, Theatre and Media”. As part of the MAS module, candidates realize an artistic degree project (in the form of a film score, a theatre performance, a (musical) play, video game soundtrack, an audio play, an installation or another transdisciplinary format) 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 (including diploma project, see archiving concept).

A total of eight mentoring hours are available for the MAS module. These can be used to supervise the degree project 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
    Realization of a sound engineering project in discussion with the lecturer teaching the major. Presentation of the project in front of experts with a subsequent colloquium.
  2. Portfolio
    Compilation of at least three works produced during the degree programme.
  3. Written documentation
    15-20 pages of written documentation (excl. images and appendices) containing an outline of the student’s personal connection to the practical project of choice.
  4. Presentation and colloquium
    30-minute presentation of the final project and written documentation. This is followed by a discussion (max. 20 minutes) on the content of the presentation, portfolio and documentation.
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Eligibility and admission requirements

The degree “Master of Advanced Studies (MAS) in Musical Creation/Composition for Film, Theater and Media” 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 focus area of Composition FTM, 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 the required 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 the MAS module, incl. submission of the required 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 for Film, Theatre, and Media”, study starts in the 2025 autumn semester

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After examining the application, 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 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.