- Letter of motivation (in German, max. two A4 pages):
- Personal details: school education, musical education, musical activities, knowledge of music software, leisure activities, etc.
- Personal statement: Why do I want to study Composition for Film, Theatre and Media at ZHdK? How do I envision my professional future?
- Dossier “Composition” (with list of works enclosed), max. 1,95 GB:
Put 3–5 documented pieces of music or excerpts of music (total 10 min. length) in a “best-of” folder, together with the musical concept and description of work. The dossier must contain only compositions of your own, at least half of the compositions should be from “music+” subjects: “functional compositions” for film, theatre and media.
Optional: short video portait (max 5 Min.) showing how you work in your studio, in a project, in a performance
Convert all files and folders into a ZIP file and upload the ZIP file in your online registration. If the file exceeds 1.95 GB, the video and audio files must be compressed beforehand (mp4, mp3).
Important: The files must be labeled with your first and last name. The file name must not contain any special characters such as \ / : * ? " < > | é, â, ç, Ï or umlauts such as ä, ö, ü, as these can cause compatibility issues.
- Copyright notice
Video artistic-musical performanc
(Interpretation/improvisation, max. 15 minutes / 1.95 GB / format .mov or .mp4)
Presentation of your skills as an instrumentalist, vocalist, conductor, media artist etc. by performing three different pieces (different character, eras/decades etc.). Choose one of the following options:
- Play on the instrument on which you have achieved the highest standard and would like to receive tuition at the university.
- Play on different instruments: One or two pieces on your main instrument and one or two on your secondary instrument(s).
Technical requirements- Video recordings must be taken from a fixed camera perspective – hands and face must be visible
- Recordings may be made on a mobile phone, camera or laptop
- Use of a stereo microphone is desirable
- The quality and format of the recordings must meet the following criteria: HD video (720p; 1080i; 1080p) with 265 kbit/s sound resolution, mov or .mp4
- All performances must be recorded in full and without cuts
- Optional: Additional works according to the list of works (max. 1.95 GB)
Important: The files must be labeled with your first and last name. The file name must not contain any special characters such as \ / : * ? " < > | é, â, ç, Ï or umlauts such as ä, ö, ü, as these can cause compatibility issues.
- Matriculation number
The field “matriculation number” only concerns applicants who have already studied at a university or applied university in Switzerland. Applicants who have studied abroad (not in Switzerland) are not required to fill in the field “matriculation number”.
All students receive a matriculation number when they register for the first time at a university or an applied university in Switzerland or at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology ETH in the shape of a yellow sticker, which is affixed to the reverse of their qualifying diploma (e.g. baccalaureate certificate, Swiss Federal Certificate of Competence). Please provide this number when registering and submit your university entrance qualification certificate as a PDF file.
- Exmatriculation certificate
Confirmation of exmatriculation is issued at Swiss universities upon graduation or upon termination of studies. If issue of the certificate is pending, confirmation must be submitted later.
- Social security number
If you live or work in Switzerland, you will find your Swiss social security number (756...) on your AHV card or on your Swiss health insurance card. Applicants who wish to come to Switzerland to study do not yet have a Swiss social security number and therefore do not need to provide one.
- Photograph JPG
Please upload a recent passport quality photo – no copies/screenshots of the passport page or identity card. The photo must be a frontal shot of the face that is 2/3 of the frame and at least 320 x 400 pixels.
- Identity card or passport
A copy of the identity card (both sides) or passport must be uploaded. If a residence permit for Switzerland is available, please also submit a copy of it.
- Resume / Curriculum Vitae
Please submit in tabular form.
Language skills
The language skills required are listed for each degree programme in the programme regulations. Language skills can be demonstrated as follows:
– Native speaker (does not have to be proven)
– Required language as a subject in the educational certificate, passed or at least grade 4 (submit the upper secondary education transcript as a PDF)
– Recognized certificate (according to the list “Recognized Certificates for Language Requirements”)
– University degree (Bachelor’s/Master’s) in a degree programme where the language of instruction corresponds to the language skills required by the study regulations (submit diploma supplement or official confirmation from the university as a PDF)
Note: The language certificates should usually be no more than five years old. The decision on whether the admission requirements regarding language skills have been met is made during the formal review of the documents.
- Further documents
Please submit the corresponding transcripts, diplomas and certificates to provide evidence of your:- Educational qualifications
- Professional activities (relevant to your degree programme/chosen specialization)
- Internships (relevant to your degree programme/chosen specialization)
Documents must be uploaded in PDF (portrait) format. If you wish to upload several individual PDF files, you may do so one after the other.
The use of artificial intelligence (AI) is permitted and must be stated when submitting the registration.
After the evaluation of the application documents and the homework assignment (see “Aptitude test”), the jury decides on the admission to the aptitude test.