Dates and times are subject to change. More information on the exact dates and admission procedures will be communicated on this page continuously. For questions, please contact the Programme Management.
2024 Call
The thematic focal point for the 2024 call revolves around the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and around scenarios relating to planetary boundaries (Earth4All, 2022). We expected compelling proposals for practice-based research projects in the field of eco-social innovation in design. To ensure high-quality supervision, PhD projects should explore topics that align with the work of one of the Lucerne School of Art and Design's research groups, and with the NID’s key research areas (crafts and culture, innovation, entrepreneurship) and PhD programme. If you are not sure whether your dissertation project fits into the programme, do not hesitate to contact the programme management.
A maximum of 3 doctoral students will be accepted into the programme for the 2024 call. Depending on the proposal’s thematic focus, candidates admitted to the programme will pursue an independent, self-funded doctorate. If possible, and if the content of the proposal fits, candidates can be integrated into one of the research groups and have their dissertation partially funded through a paid position at the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts (HSLU). During the admission process, the jury will decide to what extent employment at the HSLU is possible. There are no fully funded doctoral positions in SNSF projects in this year's call.
Find a full list of guides and their focal points here. Based on the proposal submitted, the selection committee decides whether supervision and, with it, acceptance to the PhD programme can be offered.
Admission Process
Eligibility Criteria
- Master's degree (MA) in design, architecture or fine arts, issued by a university, art college or university of applied sciences
- Language skills: Advanced English skills (C1/C2) according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)
- Candidates must show a demonstrable interest in a research area that aligns with the thematic research foci at the NID and HSLU
- Details on the admission criteria are provided in NID’s PhD Handbook and the programme ordinances.
Proposal
Candidates are required to submit, a research proposal in English that encompasses approximately 20’000 characters in length and reflects on the proposed research project. Required content:
- Overview of the broader field of study or general background, on the context of the research
- Literature review illustrating the context of the research, including a list of references and/or a bibliography
- Research problem and scope of the proposed project
- Rationale for and the significance of the study
- Research questions and objectives of the study
- Approach/methodology to be followed
- Candidate’s skills, knowledge and research or work experience relevant to the study
- The research project’s potential contribution to knowledge formation in the chosen field
- Presentation of how practice and research objectives relate to each other
In addition, the following information must be enclosed (in the same document):
- CV: 2 pages maximum or link to online profile
- Optional:
o Portfolio: showcase of prior practice-based research and/or art/design practice (add download link to proposal)
o Budget plan: for any additional project costs incurred for materials, travelling, etc.
All documents must be submitted in one PDF document (maximum size 5MB).
The NID will use anti-plagiarism software to verify the originality of the proposals submitted.
For detailed information on the proposal, refer to the NID’s PhD Handbook.
Proposal Submission
The proposal including all documents must be submitted online via the NID registration platform. The HSLU itself does not accept proposals. Questions regarding the submission of documents will be answered by the NID.
Important information on the enrolment at the NID
Candidates admitted to the PhD programme must enrol at the NID after admission and submit a range of documents. The NID will inform the candidates by e-mail. For the enrolment, it is helpful to obtain the following documents early - preferably immediately after the submission of the proposal:
- Birth certificate
- All (post-)graduation certificates (degrees/diplomas) as well as school reports/certificates including the mark sheets from the 10th school year onwards
- First and last page of valid passport
- Written confirmation of the current employer (if applicable) agreeing to the candidate’s participation participate in the doctoral programme (“NOC - no objection certificate”)
- Official certificate of equivalence from the Association of Indian Universities for the recognition of foreign educational qualifications. This document must be submitted to the NID by the end of the selection procedure at around the beginning of May. As this process may take longer, the certificate should be applied for as early as possible, preferably even before the proposal is submitted.
Selection Process
The multi-stage selection process is conducted by the NID and exclusively takes place online. Both the NID and the HSLU are represented on the selection committee. The formal correctness of the proposals submitted is verified according to the requirements and thematic alignment with the key research areas of either university and the candidate’s potential guides. Candidates who meet the criteria will be admitted to the admission process at the NID and present their proposal in an online interview. Candidates with less than 15 years of work experience must also pass a written test (Design Research Test). After successfully passing the test, candidates are invited for the interview. Candidates will be informed by the NID at the appropriate time about dates, procedures and about the admission to the programme. Cf. the PhD Handbook of the NID.
Programme Start
Admitted candidates will begin their doctoral studies at the NID on 1 July 2024 and at HSLU on 16 September 2024. The introductory module will be delivered on site at the NID in summer 2024. In person attendance is mandatory.
For questions and further information, please directly contact the NID.
