Zurich University of the Arts
Zürich, Switzerland • Founded 2007
Overview
Within Switzerland's higher-education landscape, Zurich University of the Arts stands as a public university founded in 2007. It operates from Zürich, Switzerland as a higher-education provider.
Academically, Zurich University of the Arts delivers teaching across bachelor's and master's programmes. Its institutional structure includes multiple faculties and runs a catalogue of active programmes across multiple disciplines.
The institution serves 2,100 students across its programmes. A full-time academic staff supports teaching and research alongside support staff who manage student services, operating within its campus environment.
Location & Contact
Zurich University of the Arts's on-the-ground location and digital channels to engage with the institution. Library access for prospective students is often arranged separately through the main library team.
Academic Details
Below are the institutional metrics for Zurich University of the Arts: scale, staffing balance, and accreditation context. These shape the academic experience more than headline rankings often suggest.
Degrees
Also Diploma of Advanced Studies (DAS); Doctoral Degree Programmes offered in cooperation with the Zurich University of Teacher Education, the Stuttgart State Academy of Art and Design, and the Freiburg University of Education.
Bachelor's 8 programs
Bachelor's programmes build foundational expertise, preparing graduates for entry-level professional roles and further postgraduate study.
- Art Education
- Communication Arts
- Dance
- Design
- Film
- Fine Arts
- Music
- Theatre
Master's 17 programs
Master's programmes develop advanced specialised expertise, suited to senior industry positions and applied research.
- Acting
- Art Education
- Cinema and Television
- Design
- Display and Stage Design
- Film
- Fine Arts
- Graphic Design
- Industrial Design
- Museum Studies
- Music
- Music Education
- Music Theory and Composition
- Musical Instruments
- Photography
- Theatre
- Writing
Faculties & Divisions
Below is how Zurich University of the Arts divides teaching by faculty and subject. Dual-major pathways spanning two faculties exist at some universities but require coordination between departments.
Art and Media (Department/Division) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Fine Arts
- Media Studies
Common Career Paths
- Media Producer
- Content Strategist
- Broadcast Journalist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Cultural Analysis (Department/Division) 10 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Art Education
- Cultural Studies
- Design
- Film
- Fine Arts
- Music
- Music Education
- Music Theory and Composition
- Performing Arts
- Theatre
Design (Department/Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Design
Common Career Paths
- Designer
- Creative Director
- UX Researcher
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Music (Department/Division) 8 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Conducting
- Jazz and Popular Music
- Music
- Music Theory and Composition
- Musical Instruments
- Religious Music
- Singing
- Sound Engineering (Acoustics)
Performing Arts and Film (Department/Division) 4 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Dance
- Film
- Performing Arts
- Theatre
Programs Offered
Below are Zurich University of the Arts's active programmes grouped by degree level, with search. Use the filter to narrow by keyword and the level groupings to compare options at the same qualification tier.
Bachelor's Degree
12 programmes
At undergraduate level, Zurich University of the Arts offers 12 programmes. These bachelor's degrees typically open both direct employment pathways and routes into postgraduate specialisation.
Bachelor Contemporary Dance BA Contemporary Dance Performing Arts
Bachelor Music Lecturers Music Music
Bachelor Theatre Education BA Theatre, Theatre Education Education & Teaching
Bachelor Music International Music – International Music
Bachelor Design Bachelor's programme in Design Applied Design
Bachelor Art Education BA Art Education Education & Teaching
Bachelor Film BA Film Film & Animation
Bachelor Film Production Design BA Film, Production Design Film & Animation
Bachelor Fine Arts BA Fine Arts Visual Arts
Bachelor Theatre Acting BA Theatre, Acting Performing Arts
Bachelor Theatre Directing BA Theatre, Directing Performing Arts
Bachelor Theatre Scenography BA Theatre, Scenography Performing Arts
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Master's Degree
24 programmes
Zurich University of the Arts offers 24 programmes at master's level — postgraduate programmes that deepen a specialism, usually over one to two years after a bachelor's degree.
Master Teaching Dance MA Dance, Teaching and Rehearsing Dance Professionals Performing Arts
Master Choreography MA Dance, Choreography Performing Arts
Master Woodwind Instruments Woodwind Instruments Music
Master Voice Voice Music
Master Stringed Instruments Stringed Instruments Music
Master Brass Instruments Brass Instruments Music
Master Choral Conducting Choral Conducting Music
Master Conducting Conducting Music
Master Instrumental-Vocal Pedagogy Instrumental / Vocal Pedagogy Music
Master Jazz Jazz Music
Master Keyboard Instruments Keyboard Instruments Music
Master Organ Organ Music
Master Percussion Instruments Percussion Instruments Music
Master Sound Engineering Sound Engineering Digital Media & Game Development
Master Cinematography MA Film, Cinematography Film & Animation
Master Fine Arts MA Fine Arts Visual Arts
Master Design Master's programme in Design Applied Design
Master Teaching Art MA Art Education, Teaching Art Education & Teaching
Master Critical Social Practice MA Art Education, Critical Social Practice in Art Education Education & Teaching
Master Directing Fiction MA Film, Directing Fiction Film & Animation
Master Documentary MA Film, Documentary Filmmaking Film & Animation
Master Film Editing MA Film, Film Editing Film & Animation
Master Producing MA Film, Creative Producing Film & Animation
Master Screenwriting MA Film, Screenwriting Film & Animation
No programmes match your filter in this level.
How to apply to Zurich University of the Arts
The standard application path for Zurich University of the Arts, broken into five practical steps with the documents and channels you will need at each stage.
- 1 Identify the right programme
Use the programme finder to browse Zurich University of the Arts's 36 active programmes. Filter by keyword or scan by degree level. Read curriculum details on each programme's dedicated page if available.
- 2 Check entry requirements
Programme-level requirements at Zurich University of the Arts typically include academic transcripts, language proficiency proof, identity documents, and a personal statement or interview. Confirm specific requirements with the admissions office.
- 3 Prepare your application documents
Prepare academic transcripts, ID/passport copies, language proficiency proof, a personal statement, and reference letters. International candidates may need apostilled or notarised translations — start early to avoid deadline pressure.
- 4 Submit via the institution
Zurich University of the Arts processes applications through www.zhdk.ch. Create an account, fill out the application form, and submit your documents. Note application deadlines, which vary by intake and programme.
- 5 Get in touch with admissions
Confirm receipt of your application with the admissions office and keep an eye on your portal for status changes. Quick responses to any follow-up requests keep your application moving smoothly through the review process.
Frequently Asked Questions about Zurich University of the Arts
Quick reference for Zurich University of the Arts: founding, control type, student body, rankings, and recognition status in one place.
When was Zurich University of the Arts founded?
Zurich University of the Arts was established in 2007 (approximately 19 years ago).
Where can I find Zurich University of the Arts?
The institution is located in Zürich, Switzerland.
Is Zurich University of the Arts a public or private institution?
It is a public higher-education institution.
How many students does Zurich University of the Arts have?
The institution has a student body of 2,100.
What programmes are available at Zurich University of the Arts?
Zurich University of the Arts delivers bachelor's and master's programmes across its academic units.
Where can I learn more about Zurich University of the Arts?
Zurich University of the Arts's official website is www.zhdk.ch.
Top-Ranked Universities in Switzerland
Subject-specific rankings sometimes diverge from overall national rankings. A university below Zurich University of the Arts overall may lead in your subject — worth checking subject tables separately.
Faculties at Nearby Universities
The universities below sit close to Zurich University of the Arts geographically and may suit students who want to stay within the same region for study. Proximity affects commuting cost, family contact, and the ease of switching institutions if circumstances change.
Where Else to Study Music
Capstone publication or portfolio output from Music programmes affects what you graduate with. Some Switzerland institutions retain student work; others publish it as part of programme outputs.
Universities Often Compared with Zurich University of the Arts
Peer cohort diversity — gender, nationality, socioeconomic background — varies more than rankings might suggest. Diversity affects classroom dynamics and post-grad networks.
