MAS degree module

Short Description

Anyone who has attended three CAS programmes from the Strategic Design portfolio over a period of 3–6 years (see also individual options) and now wants to complete them into a fully-fledged MAS degree can register for the MAS degree module. In a total of three colloquia and over the course of approximately eight months, participants are supported in the realisation of their practice-oriented project and in the preparation of a written certificate thesis. The final thesis reflects on and analyses selected aspects of strategic design with direct reference to their own professional activities.

Informations

Number of participants
Maximum 10 participants (per cohort)

Teaching language
German, some lessons and presentations in English 

Degree
Master of Advanced Studies in Strategic Design (60 ECTS)

Venue
Zurich University of the Arts, Toni-Areal, Pfingstweidstrasse 96, 8005 Zurich

Dates

  • MAS degree module – 15th edition (August 2025 – April 2026)

    The degree module starts end of August 2025 and lasts until April 2026. In addition to project discussions in the group and selected inputs in the context of three MAS colloquia, participants are supervised by a mentor in regular intervals. The 4th meeting corresponds to the defence of the certificate thesis.

    1rst MAS colloquium

    Friday, 22.8.2025, 9 am to 4.30 pm

    2nd MAS colloquium

    Friday, 7.11.2025, 9 am to 4.30 pm

    3rd MAS colloquium

    Friday, 16.1.2026, 9 am to 4.30 pm

    Submission of certificate thesis
    Monday, 5.3.2026, 5 pm via PDF
    Thirsday, 19.3.2026 via Print

    Defence of the certificate thesis
    Montag, 13.4.2026, 8.30 am to 6 pm

    Evaluation talks
    Monday, 4.5.2026, 1 to 6 pm

    Graduation ceremony & dinner
    Monday, 4.5.2026, 6 to 9 pm

    Subject to change

  • MAS degree module – 16th edition (March – November 2026)

    The degree module starts end of August 2025 and lasts until April 2026. In addition to project discussions in the group and selected inputs in the context of three MAS colloquia, participants are supervised by a mentor in regular intervals. The 4th meeting corresponds to the defence of the certificate thesis.

    1rst MAS colloquium

    Friday, 6.3.2026, 9 am to 4.30 pm

    2nd MAS colloquium

    Friday, 29.5.2026, 9 am to 4.30 pm

    3rd MAS colloquium

    Thursday, 20.8.2026, 9 am to 4.30 pm

    Submission of certificate thesis
    Tuesday, 29.9.2026, 5 pm via PDF
    Thursday, 29.10.2026, 5 pm via Print

    defence of the certificate thesis
    Thursday, 5.11.2026, 9 am to 4.30 pm

    Evaluation talks
    Friday, 4.12.2026, 1–6 pm

    Graduation ceremony and dinner
    Friday, 4.12.2026, 6–9 pm

    Subject to change

  • MAS degree module – 17th edition (August 2026 – April 2027)

    The degree module starts end of August 2026 and lasts until April 2027. In addition to project discussions in the group and selected inputs in the context of three MAS colloquia, participants are supervised by a mentor in regular intervals. The 4th meeting corresponds to the defence of the certificate thesis.

    1rst MAS colloquium

    Friday, 21.8.2026, 9 am to 4.30 pm

    2nd MAS colloquium

    Friday, 6.11.2026, 9 am to 4.30 pm

    3rd MAS colloquium

    Friday, 22.1.2027, 9 am to 4.30 pm

    Submission of certificate thesis
    Thursday, 11.3.2027, via PDF
    Thursday, 18.3.2027 via Print

    Defence of the certificate thesis
    Thursday, 8.4.2027, 8.30 am to 6 pm

    Evaluation talks & Graduation ceremony
    Friday, 14.5.2027, Afternoon and onwards

    Subject to change

Costs

CHF 4300.– (plus CHF 200.– application fee)

Online application

Applications for the MAS degree module are processed directly via the online tool of the ZHdK (ONLA). Further information on the use of ONLA can be found below.

→ Online application for the 16th edition (starting in March 2026) 

  • Information for the online application

    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: Contact.

  • Sign in with 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.

Terms and conditions

The general terms and conditions of the Center for Continuing Education apply to registration for the MAS degree module.