Content and structure

Course content.

The different modules are designed as advanced, postgraduate course content that build on the prior artistic and academic experience of its student body. In addition, MATch students also benefit from the (research) interests of their fellow students as they jointly develop, engage with and critically reflect collaborative working processes.

MATch combines a substantial amount of independent study with a rich selection of practical and theoretical inputs that extends the students’ individual expertise and refines their individual research projects. Guest artists from the international performance arts scene regularly conduct workshops, projects and mentoring sessions.

MATch students explore theoretical discourses that view research and criticism as key categories for dealing with contemporary issues in the arts. In the interplay between practice and reflection, students develop critical practice in the field of tension between art and society. 

The independent study component enables students to consolidate their personal interests individually and in collaboration with one another. In feedback and mentoring sessions with faculty and their fellow students, they hone their artistic development potential and social relevance of their own aesthetic and social issues.

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Course structure.

MATch brings together a heterogeneous group of students who have already established a professional practice in the extended field of theatre and education. Students engage with performative practice by experimenting with space, narrative, and embodiment as well as scenic composition. Research projects are developed collaboratively and students are encouraged to explore and reflect on a range of joint working strategies. Throughout, collaborative practice is a core methodology of the MATch programme.

The research project formulated by MATch students to gain admission to the Master’s programme forms the core of their studies. At the end of every development period, students present new findings and (interim) results for discussion in creative presentations and try-outs with faculty, fellow students, and external experts.

The course is divided into three thematic streams, which are jointly undertaken by all students.

  • Collaborative working methods (in modules, mentoring sessions and colloquia)
  • Research and criticism (in seminars and discussions)
  • Students’ own project development (in labs, try-outs and presentations)

Interdisciplinary, elective minor programmes at the ZHdK also enable students to determine their individual course of study in line with their own interests.

Students develop their practice-based research project in a series of public presentations. Moreover, students are expected to reflect on their practice-based research process and findings in a substantive written component.

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Skills acquired in the course.

MATch seeks artists, makers, and researchers keen to reframe their own practice/research, who take key positions in the arts and cultural sector and/or pursue a career in research. 

MATch encourages students to take a critical stance on current aesthetic and sociopolitical developments, engage in institutional critique, and devise new spaces for aesthetic and social action.

In doing so, MATch foregrounds the transformation, future viability and social relevance of the performance arts.

Admissions requirements

Potential candidates should bring the following qualifications to MATch:  

  • A Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in any subject area as well as an existing professional practice in acting, directing, stage design, dramaturgy and theatre education or in an alter-native area of study such as architecture, scenography, scenographic writing.
  • Independence, initiative and interest in the collaborative exchange on embodied knowledge practices
  • A critical stance towards their own professional field and a desire to expand their own working methods 
  • A concrete idea for their practice-based research project as the focus of their study 
  • Proof of sufficient command of English and German (B2) should be provided at the be-ginning of the course; alternatively, skills in one of the two languages can be acquired by attending language courses over the course of the degree programme (access to financial support for language classes is available) 

Benefits of studying at ZHdK.

Infrastructure

ZHdK provides its students with a unique platform to hone their creative process. The Department of Performing Arts and Film (DDK) has an expansive infrastructure of rehearsal spaces, black box stages and workshop ateliers. This includes a fully equipped stage for final productions in the city centre (Stage A). The technical lending service Leihs also has a comprehensive collection of technical equipment which is available to students free of charge.
The final projects benefit from ongoing technical support and financial backing.

Collaborations / minor courses

The degree programmes in the department place interdisciplinary cooperation, ensemble process-es and teamwork at the core of its film, theatre and dance programmes. A rich palette of interdisciplinary minor courses at ZHdK-level facilitate the expansion of students’ skills, enable networking between the specialist areas, with the goal of interdisciplinary collaboration with other ZHdK degree programmes.

Research and practice

With predoctoral and doctoral programmes, ZHdK invests in emerging talent. The Institute for Performing Arts and Film and the Immersive Arts Space are exemplary for the growing importance of innovation, digitality and practice-based research.

International and local networking 

As part of a wide network of international universities of the arts, ZHdK offers a range of opportunities for international exchange to its students. In addition, the theatre programme has close relationships to numerous (theatre) institutions in Zurich and the nearby area, such as Schauspielhaus Zürich, Neumarkt Theatre, Gessnerallee, Theatre Winkelwiese, and Kaserne Basel. 

ZHdK provides comprehensive support services for its international students, assisting newcomers to Zurich. As a member of the European Schengen area, Switzerland offers freedom-of-movement to the wider European continent.