Fine Arts MA, Basel Academy of Art and Design

Through these four modules, the MA programme allows students to consolidate and advance their artistic expertise in terms of method, theory, and practice. The focus is on the development of an independent artistic language and position. Project-oriented thinking and working, the ability to develop cogent research methods, and a targeted approach situated between experiment and conception are further focal points of the programme. In addition, students will learn more about theory, scientific research and work as well as project management in the art context.

The programme follows no specific teaching method and offers no standard guidelines as to how things are done; instead it provides an environment that allows you to explore and find yourself as an artist.

The master’s degree programme focuses on an in-depth examination of the students’ artistic practice. By means of reflection they advance their practice and relate it to the current as well as historical art context. The programme ranges between experiment, research, theory and critical self-reflection.

The master’s degree courses comprises plenums, seminars, biannual symposia, workshops, and mentoring, which are intended to encourage and deepen the respective artistic practice and related questions. The core aspect of the studies involves the artistic engagement and examination in an ongoing discourse with mentors and experts from the art context. The Master programme cooperates with the Bern University of the Arts (HKB, Master Contemporary Arts Practice) for seminars and mentoring.

Modules 1 – 3 are ongoing from semester 1 through semester 3. In semester 4 you complete your Master Thesis.

Module 1: Art studies and reflection (15 ECTS)
In Module 1 you devise independently but in consultation with your mentors the focal points of your artistic work. Individual artistic enhancement is complemented by the discourse emerging from the plenary courses, projects and excursions.

Module 2: Art in context (9 ECTS)
In Module 2 you take courses in art and media theory (seminars, lectures, reading courses, presentations, scholarly work). The events are coordinated with our Master partner MA CAP in Bern and include courses offered by the University of Basel and other institutions. The focus of the module is on the topic of art discourse; it is complemented by in-depth courses in the fields of theory, research and artistic practice.

Module 3: Theory and practice, Platform Pool CH (6 ECTS)
Module 3 includes courses offered by the Master of Fines Arts Platform Switzerland in the fields of theory, technology and context. The courses are publicized in a pool throughout Switzerland. The platform facilitates the exchange between students of the various Master of Fine Arts programmes in Switzerland.

In addition, every semester students have the opportunity to take part in the Master Symposium which is held in Switzerland.

Module 4: Master Thesis
Based on the experience and knowledge gained in the previous semesters, students concentrate on designing, producing and completing their Master Thesis in semester 4. Completion is followed by a public presentation.

We expect of our students a high degree of curiosity and a willingness to develop an enhanced sense of what they themselves create and what others bring into being. Prerequisite is the ability to think differently. We expect from students to be able to comprehend modes of thought different to their own. The Institute of Art appreciates students who feel drawn to the unknown and who wish to join the debates on creating art.

Finding one’s own voice takes time. The Institute of Art is willing to support you on this journey when and wherever it can. Studying art offers no clear-cut answers but it can you help find and formulate the right questions. We want you to understand that these questions – the questions of art – lead a public life.

With its studios and central Campus.Workshops, HGK offers ideal conditions for combining craft curiosity, the acquisition of technical skills, and the necessary digital know-how. In addition, all students have their own 24/7 workspace in one of the spacious studios.

At the institute, students have in addition at their disposal in-house workshops for analogue and digital media as well as the fitting equipment and software. The institute also has its own exhibition space – “the TANK” – where students can present their work.

Further information on our events, projects and publications can be found on our blog.

Academical qualifications
Admission to the aptitude assessment normally requires one of the following qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts or a related field of study.
• A similar, equivalent degree in Fine Arts (at BA level pursuant to the “Dublin Descriptors").

If an applicant shows promising creative potential, lateral entry from a different discipline is possible; in this case, please contact the Head of the degree programme.

Language of tuition
International students are welcome to apply for the Master’s degree programme. The language of tuition is English (B2 level or equivalent).

To apply for a place at the HGK Basel, the required documents must be submitted by deadline 15.03.2026.Please send the specific enquiries to email address.

Info aptitude assessment 2026

• 01.11.2025
  Publication of the detailed information on the aptitude assessment
• 15.03.2026
  Registration deadline and deadline for submitting the required documents for the aptitude assessment.
• 07.- 11.09.2026
  Introductory weeks at the HGK Basel (mandatory)
• 14.09.2026
  Fall Semester begin 2026/27

Study Regulations, Fine Arts (MA) PDF

For materials, travel, excursions, books, information technology etc. students must reckon with the following costs: 1st - 3th semester: up to ca. CHF 2700.- per semester, 4th semester up to ca. CHF 4400.-

Master programme Contemporary Art Practice (MA CAP), Bern University of the Arts:
The Institute is in close collaboration with the Master programme Contemporary Art Practice (MA CAP) at the Bern University of the Arts especially with regard to mentoring, the exchange of modules in the fields of theory and practice, joint excursions and visits to exhibitions. Our mentors include artists and theorists who teach at the university and academy in Bern and Basel respectively. Students have the opportunity to choose from a wide range of theory and practice modules offered in Basel and Bern.

Master Symposium of the Master of Fine Arts Platform Switzerland
The courses are publicized in a pool across Switzerland. The platform facilitates the exchange between students of the various Master of Fine Arts programmes in Switzerland.

In addition, every semester students have the opportunity to take part in the Master Symposium, which is held in Switzerland.

Visiting courses in Art History and the Humanities at the University of Basel:
Our MA programme benefits from cooperation with the University of Basel. Students have the opportunity to take part in selected courses and Humanities conferences organized by the University of Basel.

Further cooperation partners include the Davidoff Art Initiative, Atelier Mondial, Kunsthalle Basel, Kunsthaus Baselland, Crédit Agricole Financements, Nature Addict Fund as well as the artEdu Foundation.