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EPFL, the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne, is one of the most dynamic university campuses in Europe and ranks among the top 20 universities worldwide. The EPFL employs more than 6,500 people supporting the three main missions of the institutions: education, research and innovation. The EPFL campus offers an exceptional working environment at the heart of a community of more than 18,500 people, including over 14,000 students and 4,000 researchers from more than 120 different countries.

Postgraduate Programme in Design Research

Overview

The Postgraduate Programme in Design Research is an innovative full-time education opportunity run by the EPFL+ECAL Lab. Running over two years, it combines a research assistant position at 70% with a dedicated Master of Advanced Studies curriculum at 30%.

 

This unique offering is dedicated to innovative minds with a background in design, art and emerging technologies. Each year, the EPFL+ECAL Lab selects 3-4 candidates at the international level to become part of the team as research assistants. Candidates develop a full research project from conception to implementation, with results generating knowledge about human perception, adoption and impact. The fully accredited MAS curriculum, followed in parallel, provides a personalised education in core disciplines including design research methodologies, prototyping tools, UX psychology practices and ethics. Income from the research assistant position covers the MAS tuition fees and ensures the candidate financial autonomy over the two years.

 

  • Length: 2 years
  • Credits: 60 ECTS
  • Rules & Regulation: Download the document
  • Qualification issued: Master of Advanced Studies in Design Research for Digital Innovation by EPFL & HES-SO
  • Status: Dual status as a student and employee

 

For further details, please consult the dedicated page 

Profile

Candidates come from a range of backgrounds. In order to be accepted on the course, you require a Master’s degree or equivalent foreign certificate in:

  • Interaction design
  • Visual communication with digital media competences
  • Industrial and product design with digital media competences
  • Engineering with digital media competences and visual culture
  • Architecture with digital media competences

 

Fluency in written and spoken English is also essential. French is not a requirement.

Informations

Please submit the three following files as PDFs. 

 

Administrative File

Your administrative file should contain:

  • A copy of passport or identity card
  • A copy of your Master’s degree (or equivalent certificate), diploma supplement and transcripts (an authentic translation is required for non-latin languages)
  • For foreigners who already live in Switzerland: your residence permit

 

Personal File

Your personal file must contain the following documents in English:

  • Your Résumé: Submit a brief résumé/curriculum vitae summarising your academic qualifications, relevant work experience, volunteer/community work, travel, exhibitions, public speaking, or any other relevant experiences as they may relate to your field of study, including dates and positions held. Please also note any special language or computer skills that you have.
  • A Statement of Purpose: Please outline your reasons for applying to this programme. In what ways will you contribute to the lab and its research themes? You should include a thoughtful description of your background, your professional goals, and how this graduate programme will help you realise those goals. Pease address anticipated opportunities and challenges in pursuing the degree and future career expectations upon completion of the programme (500–750-word limit).
  • Your Portfolio: Your portfolio should be a visual and narrative reflection of the work listed on your résumé. Your projects and portfolio pieces should tell a story about you and what is important to you. Your selection of projects should make the case for why you are a good fit for the Postgraduate Programme in Design Research. We are not looking for a particular type of work, nor do we require examples of digital works. It is up to you to decide which work is most representative of your thinking. Be honest and submit the work you think is your best. Any and all media are acceptable, whether in the commercial design, fine art, or non-design realms.

 

Application Form

 

Application deadline: 15.04.2025
For more information, please contact: education@epfl-ecal-lab.ch

 

Contract Start Date : 09/01/2025

Activity Rate : 70.00

Contract Type : CDD

Duration : 1 year, renewable up to 2 years

Reference : 1319










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