Haute École d'Art et de Design (HEAD)
Where Swiss precision meets the frontiers of creative innovation.
📍 Geneva, Switzerland 🇨🇭
Quick Facts about Haute École d'Art et de Design (HEAD)
- Tuition: $500 – $500/year
- Intakes: Fall, Spring
About Haute École d'Art et de Design (HEAD)
Academics
The university offers a wide range of Bachelor and Master programs across departments such as Fine Arts, Cinema, Interior Architecture, and Visual Communication. Its teaching approach emphasizes a balance between technical skills and critical thinking through hands-on workshops and theoretical seminars. Notable programs include the world-class Media Design and Fashion Design tracks which frequently receive international accolades. The curriculum is highly multidisciplinary, encouraging students to collaborate across different artistic fields to solve complex design challenges.
International Students
HEAD maintains a diverse student body with over 40 percent of its population coming from outside Switzerland. While many undergraduate courses are taught in French, several Master programs are offered in English to accommodate international applicants. The school provides dedicated support services to help students navigate Swiss residency permits and find local housing. Students also benefit from a vibrant community life through various organizations that host exhibitions and cultural events throughout the academic year.
Campus & Location
The campus is situated in the heart of Geneva, a global hub for diplomacy, finance, and culture. Its facilities are spread across several renovated industrial buildings that feature state-of-the-art laboratories and exhibition spaces. The central location provides easy access to an efficient public transportation network and is within walking distance of Lake Geneva and various world-class museums. Students enjoy a high quality of life in a city that serves as a gateway to the rest of Europe.
Career Outcomes
Graduates of HEAD enjoy high employment rates due to the school's strong reputation and its extensive network of industry partners. The university hosts regular career days and provides professional coaching to help students transition into the workforce or launch their own startups. Many alumni go on to work for prestigious luxury brands, international organizations, and leading design agencies worldwide. The school also supports entrepreneurial ventures through specialized incubators that focus on creative innovation and sustainable business models.
Information for International Students at Haute École d'Art et de Design (HEAD)
Haute École d'Art et de Design (HEAD) in Geneva, Switzerland welcomes international students.
- No visa support offered
- No on-campus work
- Student housing available
Programs at Haute École d'Art et de Design (HEAD) (19 programs)
Haute École d'Art et de Design (HEAD) offers 19 programs across Bachelor, Master, PhD levels.
Bachelor Programs (7)
- Bachelor of Arts in Media Design (BA) — 36 months · French
This program delves into interactive media, animation, video, and sound design, preparing students for careers in digital content creation and new media.
Field: Media Design
Career outcomes: Motion Graphic Designer, Animator, Video Editor, Web Designer - Bachelor of Arts in Interior Architecture (BA) — 36 months · French
Students explore the design of interior spaces, focusing on functionality, aesthetics, materials, and the human experience within built environments.
Field: Interior Architecture
Career outcomes: Interior Architect, Interior Designer, Exhibition Designer, Set Designer - Bachelor of Arts in Fine Arts (BA) — 36 months · French
This program encourages artistic expression and critical thinking through various mediums such as painting, sculpture, photography, and new media, fostering individual artistic development.
Field: Fine Arts
Career outcomes: Artist, Art Educator, Curator Assistant, Gallery Assistant - Bachelor of Arts in Fashion Design (BA) — 36 months · French
This program cultivates creativity and technical skills in fashion design, covering garment construction, textile knowledge, and fashion history.
Field: Fashion Design
Career outcomes: Fashion Designer, Textile Designer, Pattern Maker, Stylist - Bachelor of Arts in Cinema (BA) — 36 months · French
Students acquire comprehensive knowledge and practical skills in filmmaking, covering directing, screenwriting, cinematography, editing, and sound design.
Field: Cinema
Career outcomes: Film Director, Screenwriter, Cinematographer, Editor - Bachelor of Arts in Visual Communication (BA) — 36 months · French
This program focuses on graphic design, illustration, photography, and digital media, preparing students to create impactful visual messages across various platforms.
Field: Visual Communication
Career outcomes: Graphic Designer, Illustrator, Photographer, Art Director - Bachelor of Arts in Product Design (BA) — 36 months · French
Students learn to design and develop innovative products, from concept to prototype, considering functionality, aesthetics, and user experience.
Field: Product Design
Career outcomes: Product Designer, Industrial Designer, UX Designer, Design Consultant
Master Programs (10)
- Master of Arts in Visual Arts (MA) — 24 months · French
This advanced program allows students to deepen their artistic practice, explore contemporary art theories, and develop a strong personal artistic voice.
Field: Visual Arts
Career outcomes: Artist, Art Critic, Curator, Art Educator - Master of Arts in Space and Communication (MA) — 24 months · French
This interdisciplinary program explores the intersection of space, communication, and interaction, focusing on designing experiences in physical and digital environments.
Field: Space and Communication
Career outcomes: Experience Designer, Exhibition Designer, Spatial Strategist, Creative Director - Master of Arts in Critical, Curatorial, Cybernetic Studies (CCC) (MA) — 24 months · English
This program offers a unique approach to contemporary art and design through critical theory, curatorial practices, and an engagement with cybernetics and new technologies.
Field: Art Theory and Curation
Career outcomes: Curator, Art Critic, Researcher, Cultural Manager - Master of Arts in Film Studies (MA) — 24 months · French
This program offers an in-depth exploration of film theory, history, and aesthetics, preparing students for critical analysis, research, and advanced filmmaking practices.
Field: Film Studies
Career outcomes: Film Critic, Film Researcher, Documentary Filmmaker, Film Curator - Master of Arts in Critical Curatorial Cybermedia (MA) — 24 months · English
This program explores the intersection of art, technology, and curatorial practices, focusing on new forms of exhibition, digital culture, and critical discourse.
Field: Curatorial Studies
Career outcomes: Curator, Art Critic, Exhibition Designer, Art Administrator - Master of Arts in Product Design (MA) — 24 months · French
This master's program focuses on advanced product design methodologies, research-driven innovation, and the development of complex design solutions.
Field: Product Design
Career outcomes: Lead Product Designer, Design Researcher, Design Strategist, Innovation Consultant - Master of Arts in Media Design (MA) — 24 months · French
This master's program focuses on advanced research and experimentation in interactive media, digital experiences, and new technologies, pushing the boundaries of media design.
Field: Media Design
Career outcomes: Lead UX Designer, Creative Technologist, Digital Strategist, Media Artist - Master of Arts in Fashion and Accessory Design (MA) — 24 months · French
This program offers advanced study in fashion and accessory design, emphasizing conceptual development, sustainable practices, and industry innovation.
Field: Fashion Design
Career outcomes: Senior Fashion Designer, Accessory Designer, Fashion Consultant, Brand Manager - Master of Arts in Interior Architecture (MA) — 24 months · French
This program provides advanced study in interior architecture, exploring complex spatial challenges, material innovation, and the social impact of design.
Field: Interior Architecture
Career outcomes: Senior Interior Architect, Design Project Manager, Architectural Consultant, Researcher - Master of Arts in Film Studies (MA) — 24 months · French
This program offers an in-depth exploration of film theory, history, and aesthetics, preparing students for critical analysis, research, and advanced filmmaking practices.
Field: Film Studies
Career outcomes: Film Critic, Film Researcher, Documentary Filmmaker, Film Curator
PhD Programs (2)
- PhD in Design and Art (PhD) — 36 months · French
This doctoral program offers advanced research opportunities in various fields of design and art, fostering original contributions to knowledge and practice through rigorous academic inquiry.
Field: Design and Art
Career outcomes: University Professor, Researcher, Academic, Senior Design Consultant - PhD in Design and Art (PhD) — 36 months · French
This doctoral program offers advanced research opportunities in various fields of design and art, fostering original contributions to knowledge and practice through rigorous academic inquiry.
Field: Design and Art
Career outcomes: University Professor, Researcher, Academic, Senior Design Consultant
Scholarships & Tuition at Haute École d'Art et de Design (HEAD)
Annual tuition for international students: $500 – $500/year
Visit the university's financial aid page for the latest scholarship information.
Campus & Facilities at Haute École d'Art et de Design (HEAD)
- Student housing available
- No sports facilities
- No disability support info
Key Highlights
- Leading European art and design school
- Member of HES-SO University network
- Renowned interior architecture and jewelry programs
- Hosts major international fashion shows
- Based in historic Geneva urban campus
- Strong focus on contemporary digital media
Fields of Study at Haute École d'Art et de Design (HEAD)
- Art
- Design
- Visual Communication
- Fashion
Frequently Asked Questions about Haute École d'Art et de Design (HEAD)
What is Haute École d'Art et de Design (HEAD)?
Haute École d'Art et de Design (HEAD) is a university located in Geneva, Switzerland. .
How much does it cost to study at Haute École d'Art et de Design (HEAD)?
Tuition fees at Haute École d'Art et de Design (HEAD) for international students range from $500 – $500/year.
How many programs does Haute École d'Art et de Design (HEAD) offer?
Haute École d'Art et de Design (HEAD) offers 19 programs: 7 Bachelor's, 10 Master's, and 2 PhD programs across various fields of study.
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