Lucerne School of Design, Film and Art

Independent PhDs

Contact

General inquiries
Responsible

Vicky Kiefer: vicky.kiefer@hslu.ch

Head of the Research Group Art, Design & Public Spheres (content-related questions): Prof. Dr. Rachel Mader: rachel.mader@hslu.ch

Head of the Research Group Visual Narrative: Prof. Dr. Axel Vogelsang: axel.vogelsang@hslu.ch

Key Information

Institution

Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts (HSLU), Lucerne School of Design, Film and Art (D&K)

Degree-granting partner institution

Doctoral students are responsible for finding a doctorate-granting partner university for the primary PhD supervision. HSLU is part of a network of many partner universities, some of which offer doctoral programs. However, other universities outside the existing network can also be requested. The Lucerne School of Design, Film and Art can accompany this process in an advisory capacity.

Supervision

Partner university provides primary PhD supervision and awards the title.

Place of Study
Duration
Languages
Number of Candidates
Workload
Funding

The HSLU supports doctoral candidates in the framework of its various funding schemes. HSLU does not award doctoral grants. Doctoral candidates usually work on their dissertation project as part of one of the School’s research groups’ research projects funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF), Innosuisse or other third-party funding body. They are employed by the HSLU as research associates with fixed-term contracts lasting three to five years maximum. 

Enrollment
Tuition Fees

Key research themes and fields

PhD projects should explore topics that align with the work of one of the Lucerne School of Design, Film and Art's four research groups.

Current research focuses are on social design, circular economy and regenerative systems, postdisciplinarity, storytelling and narration in visual media practices.

Admission

Requirements

Completed four-semester MA/MSc programme (120 ECTS credits) in a relevant or adjacent discipline; several years of creative practice with an artistic/design focus in a relevant or adjacent discipline; the dissertation project matching with the focal points or projects of one of the School of Design, Film and Art’s four research groups; Some partner universities may have additional admission criteria and/or require additional academic achievements. Prospective candidates are advised to consult their university of choice on this topic.

Application documents
Procedure

Prospective doctoral candidates who have developed an idea for a dissertation that aligns with the focal points of the School’s research can apply directly with the heads of the relevant research groups. Open doctoral positions are advertised on the HSLU job board (hslu-jobs.ch/)

Program Structure

 Courses for Doctoral Candidates at the School of Design, Film and Art:

Doctoral Colloquium
The two-day research colloquium takes place once per semester and is delivered by Prof Dr Gesa Ziemer (Hafen-City University Hamburg) and Vicky Kiefer (School of Design, Film and Art). The event is designed to foster academic exchange between doctoral candidates, who present their PhD dissertations in progress. They also discuss methods and content and practical questions around pursuing a doctorate.

Individual mentoring meetings
PhD candidates meet regularly with their supervisors by individual appointment.

Program Completion

Thesis
Examination
Academic title

More information