Teaching philosophy
To learn how to draw, one must first learn how to see. The course begins with an introduction to the fundamentals of visual perception and design. Through dynamic exploration in which trial and error plays a role, students familiarise themselves and become proficient with different media and techniques. In the process, they learn to better understand the elements of visual language before applying and internalising this knowledge later in the course of their studies.
The programme of study also includes projects in cooperation with institutions close to the industry, such as publishing houses and cultural and social institutions. These collaborations enable a developing understanding of everyday professional life in the field. Lectures, workshops and meetings with well-known illustrators and alumni offer in-depth insights and contact to international creative practice.
Since the implementation of the study programme in 2022, the theory modules have been restructured and thematically realigned with the subjects of the core modules. Theory (visualisation) is directly related to practical application. In this way, comics, for example, can be explored and analysed with and through the medium itself.
Innovative techniques, media and technologies are continuously introduced throughout the course. The programme of study aims to empower students in their own personal development so that they become more independent in their individual practice, developing the necessary confidence in their own abilities to compete in the contemporary field.
Increasingly as the course progresses, space is created for the intensified exploration of individual approaches. This includes the internalisation of know-how through practice and repetition. The principal of authorship, in which students are seen as unique in their viewpoints, skills and abilities, as well as in their very special interests, always remains in focus.
Thanks to this methodical approach, the programme enjoys an excellent reputation. It produces successful graduates in all fields of illustration who have gained international recognition, but also in other design sectors, as well as in a wide range of creative professions.
The course is structured in a sequence of modules with teaching units lasting several weeks. Successive modules are designed to relate to one another, each building and expanding on the skills and knowledge already established. Each module includes exercises, introductions to practice and theory, individual and group assignments, as well as self-initiated project work. Individual and group discussions enable students to approach criticism constructively in order to redefine individual aspirations and ambition.
The Illustration block together with compulsory modules required by the wider curriculum forms the main component of the degree programme.
Additionally there are a range of elective modules (bright yellow) including the +Reflect weeks and the 6-week +Colabor modules. The former offer a diverse range of one-week theory modules, the latter offers a choice of seventeen interdisciplinary modules.
The Open Subject Module (pistachio green) is a new option, taking place during the last four weeks of the spring semester. These are conceived and offered by the different departments - like Illustration or Animation– to create an opportunity for students from different disciplines to work and learn together.
The curriculum is rounded off by a further choice of elective +Focus workshops (banana yellow), from which students must select modules amounting to at least 10 ects points* over the first five semesters. +Focus offers the opportunity to learn a range of new skills in a workshop setting – such as creative writing, 3D modelling, photography, or finding out what happens when you combine laser-cutting with bookbinding.
The programme of study also includes evening lectures on design, media and art history, as well as themed lecture series. Language courses are also available, as are all the interdisciplinary courses offered by the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts (ISA).
A complete list of modules, by semester
Nb. Part-time study of this degree is not possible due to the structure of the degree programme.
