In the Knowledge to Society major, students develop practical and theoretical skills to realise transdisciplinary art and art education projects within science communication and socially involved art. They develop artistic strategies and methods to promote the dialogue between society and science and to boost participation in the knowledge society. At the same time, they acquire the communication skills and action competence required to work with experts and to foster dialogue between expert and lay cultures. In order to expand reflective competences, a collaboration with the science research department at the University of Lucerne is also in preparation.
The programme enables artistic work across the full range of media and materials in the field of critical image and situated practices (CRISP). It promotes engagement with a broad spectrum of scientific themes from science, engineering, the humanities, social sciences and medicine alike.
The programme spans two years (full time). Upon consultation with the head of degree programme, part-time study may be approved according to a model specification.
This major empowers students to act as specialists for artistic and communication projects at the intersection of science and society. These projects are typically associated with university-level institutions, NGOs/NPOs, science museums and festivals, sociocultural institutions, companies, foundations, consulting agencies or the cultural sector. At the same time, students develop a profile as artists in their own right. This programme lays the foundations for further qualifications and activities in the framework of artistic research and/or a PhD project.
In specialised modules, students acquire knowledge and tools for work in the field of artistic knowledge and science communication. They explore various mediation and display strategies at the intersection of art and science and engage with contemporary theories and discourses relevant to their major’s focus. Guest experts from the fields of mediation and funding provide insights into the mechanisms of their professional practices and offer input on practical collaboration with specialists and organisations from diverse professional and societal contexts. The specialised study is complemented by courses on topics in science studies, where students gain foundational understanding of scientific knowledge, its cultural and social significance, and are encouraged to critically reflect upon it.
Students refine and specify their artistic perspective through thematic StudioLabs (ecosocial, posthuman, ¿where?). Open to students from all Master of Arts majors, the StudioLabs provide a space for both individual and collaborative project work. In these modules, students develop their projects, discuss their work in workshops, and receive individual feedback from instructors. The StudioLabs cover all phases of artistic and art-mediatory project work, from research and conceptualisation to building and coordinating collaborations, as well as realisation and public presentation. These modules span three semesters, with the fourth semester dedicated to the development of the Master’s thesis.
To explore potential career paths, students are given time for internships and work placements. Based on their interests, they may undertake these in cultural, technical, or science museums, in research departments at universities or companies, as part of thematic exhibitions, or within science communication. Through these experiences, students gain insights into the cultures and practices of science and science communication, while also building networks during their studies. Faculty members support students in finding and planning their internships and placements.
The programme is further enriched by transfer modules, which allow students to attend courses from other Master of Arts majors (CIP/MAPS), as well as by interdisciplinary modules that bring together students from all three master’s programmes (Art, Design, Film). The +Network modules provide insight into the working methods of design and film, equipping students with skills and competencies from these disciplines. The +Research modules integrate the Master’s programme with the department’s ongoing research projects. Here, students learn about relevant research methods and approaches drawn from current projects and are encouraged to connect them with their own areas of expertise.
The KNOTS major requires students to take courses at the Chair of Science Studies at the University of Lucerne. In these courses, students learn the fundamentals and practices of scientific knowledge and develop a well-founded understanding of the cultural and social significance of scientific research. Science studies combines historical, social science, and scientific theory approaches. The modules are integrated into the KNOTS curriculum and are taken during the first semester.
This major is for students interested in translating scientific and technological knowledge through the medium of art and making it accessible and open for discussion. Both in terms of content and methodology, they want to develop and reflect on their artistic and communication practice at the intersection of science and society. They are curious, critical and eager to shape the cutting-edge field of artistic science communication, and they want to use their role as artists to contribute to a sustainable and inclusive knowledge society.
People who enrol for a Knowledge to Society major hold a bachelor’s or equivalent degree in fine arts, art education or related field such as film, photography, sound, architecture, illustration, design, visual communication, curating, etc. Graduates from university-level institutions with a documented artistic component to their programmes, e.g., in the field of visual anthropology, may apply as well. Read this fact sheet for more information on the admission requirements.
On the new premises of the MA in Fine Arts, students find generous group and single studio spaces as well as venues to hold workshops and conferences. The library of the MA in Fine Arts as well as a kitchen are situated in the studio spaces. The Lucerne School of Art Film and Design boasts extensive and state-of-the-art infrastructure with numerous workshops, labs and studios.
The infrastructure is accessible to students 24/7.
