The main programme activities for PhD candidates take place in one of the five focus groups listed below. Each of these groups is assigned to one of the five departments of ZHdK and formed with specific thematic, transdisciplinary and methodological interests in mind. Applications are directly addressed to one of the groups. The small-group format (5–10 participants) enables candidates to exchange experiences and acquire skills in a supportive peer environment. They organize their own meetings (10–15 days per year) and employ a variety of formats of professional artistic exchange that extend beyond the traditional academic seminar.