Mas­ter­stu­dio Scenog­ra­phy, Basel Academy of Art and Design

The Masterstudio Scenography aims to enable independent designers to take up progressive positions in the context of scenography. Relevance in the sense of 'social scenography', the economical use of resources and the application of contemporary production techniques form the framework of project-based, research-based practice.

Graduates are qualified to work as designers in cultural or business settings and assume responsible positions in full-service design agencies; they can set up their own business, either alone or in a team, or they can choose to pursue a career in teaching and research. Students with an MA degree command cross-disciplinary skills that qualify them for professional work as a designer in a design agency, for a career in teaching and research, for free-lance work, either alone or in a team, or to set up a business of their own.

The Masterstudio Scenography centres on the advancement of spatial design, with a strong focus on engaging critically with social, ecological, and cultural conditions. Students develop practice-oriented approaches within the fields of Environmental and Spatial Futures, exploring the tensions between speculative spatial concepts and present-day challenges.

Within this framework, space is understood as a socially constructed, dynamic phenomenon. Particular emphasis is placed on the conception of spatial situations that bring together diverse forms of living and reflect ongoing transformations in society.

Through interdisciplinary formats, participants are encouraged to create narrative environments that merge ecological awareness with social responsibility. The programme aims to foster independent practitioners capable of articulating forward-looking and socially engaged positions within scenography and spatial design.

The course is aimed at interested and critical designers, architects, interior designers, and other professionals with an affinity for design who want to further develop their conceptual skills and their interdisciplinary communication and who want to help shape our world as creatives.

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. In addition, the programme Interior Design & Scenography features an analogue and a digital workshop. The facilities are open to students 365 days a year.

The Masterstudio Design builds on existing knowledge and previously acquired skills. Students actively engage with their own design approach in terms of methodology and content within a larger context. The three studios (Fashion Design, Industrial Design and Scenography) are designed to be permeable and cross-disciplinary in order to make full use of the potential of design as a practice that shapes living spaces and thus shapes the environment for the pressing issues of our time.

Masterstudio Zine is the online magazine of ICDP Masterstudio.

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

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

If an applicant shows promising design 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 15.03.2027. Please send the specific enquiries to email address.

Info aptitude assessment 2027

• 01.11.2026
  Publication of the detailed information on the aptitude assessment
• 15.03.2027
  Registration deadline and deadline for submitting the required documents for the aptitude assessment.
• 13.- 17.09.2027
  Introductory weeks at the HGK Basel (mandatory)
• 20.09.2027
  Start of studies - Autumn Semester 2027/28

Study Regulations, Masterstudio Design (MA) PDF