PHD Programmes

    The FHNW Academy of Art and Design Basel offers the PhD programme MAKE/SENSE as well as two other doctoral programmes.

    The Basel Academy of Art and Design FHNW (HGK Basel) offers the PhD programme MAKE/SENSE, in partnership with the University of the Arts Linz and specifically supports PHDs in practice-based research.

    PHD projects are supported by promoting young scientists as well as staff development.

    PHD projects can be implemented within the framework of two models: "Fördermodell 1" is a model for those interested from outside and "Fördermodell 2" is a model for interested employees of the HGK Basel. Both models are regulated by an agreement between the HGK Basel and the PHD students.

    MAKE/SENSE PhD programme in partnership with the University of the Arts Linz 

    The MAKE/SENSE PhD programme is offered in partnership with the University of the Arts Linz and is funded by swissuniversities. PhDs in the field of practice-based research in art and design are supported. The programme aims to collectively explore the potential of practice-based research in art and design for sociocultural, political and ecological transformations.

    MAKE/SENSE is a “low-residency programme”. Residence in Basel is not required. The programme itself does not provide financial support for the dissertation.

    After admission to the MAKE/SENSE PhD programme, PhD candidates are enrolled at the University of Art and Design Linz, according to its admission procedures and tuition fees. The PhD candidates receive supervision in Basel and Linz and participate in the colloquia in Linz.

    MAKE/SENSE complements the colloquia in Linz with a study programme that typically focuses on two weeks per year (one in the spring and one in the fall). The programme includes project presentations, reading groups, generic skills workshops, screenings, and curated events organized by the PhD candidates in collaboration with guests.   

    A joint event is held with the University of Art and Design Linz once a year. The MAKE/SENSE PhD programme cooperates with the Diamond Open Access Journal Brand-New-Life to publish content from the PhD candidates.

    Contact 

    Interested parties can find further information on the MAKE/SENSE website; the current Calls for Applications are also published there. makesensephd.ch  

    If you have any questions about the application process, please email the head of the MAKE/SENSE PhD programme.

    In "Fördermodell 1", temporary new employments are made at HGK Basel to enable prospective students to pursue a PHD degree as part of a research project. Funding is provided by third-party foundations, which were raised by researchers from HGK Basel (e.g. project funding from the Swiss National Science Foundation).

    The duration of the employment depends on the project duration, usually 3-4 years. The PHD is carried out in partnership with a university in Switzerland or abroad; the workplace is Basel. The degree of employment is usually 100%. Part-time employment is possible in justified cases.

    Vacancies are advertised via the FHNW job portal.

    Contacts

    If you are interested in initiating a research project and completing a PHD programme as part of this, interested persons contact the head of research of the institutes of th HGK Basel.

    "Fördermodell 2" is for employees of HGK Basel who are aiming for a PHD. The prospective PHD students in "Fördermodell 2" already have a position as an assistant, research assistant or lecturer at HGK Basel.

    "Fördermodell 2" (working time relief for PHD projects) is regulated in the FHNW staff development concept, the working time relief is usually 20% of the workload.

    Contacts

    Interested employees contact their superiors.
    Further information is available to employees on the intranet: Inside HGK Basel (aai-Login required)

    Dreispitz Basel

    FHNW University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland
    Basel Academy of Art and Design

    Freilager-Platz 1

    4142 Münchenstein near Basel