Apply

The joint Master of Advanced Studies at the ETH Zürich and EPFL builds an innovative urban and territorial design education addressing social and environmental challenges both within the city-territory and across wider landscapes. Design and research studios form the core of the programme. Design is explored as a tool for synthesis in an expanded field of inter- and transdisciplinary exchange. The curriculum extends the scope of urban design teaching, to include both emerging developments in urban theory and a deeper understanding of the cultural and ecological dimensions of territories. Scientific research on planetary urbanisation, postcolonial thought, and the Anthropocene will be engaged in relation to urban design, landscape architecture, urban and landscape ecology, sustainable construction, and low carbon mobility.

The MAS serves as a laboratory and a forum where we propose agendas, design strategies and governance models for concrete territories. Both Swiss and international case studies are investigated through intensive, ethnographic explorations and in situ workshops. The programme engages in dialogue with communities, local actors, NGOs and governance bodies.

The next application cycle for the MAS UTD 2027-2028 will open on January 1, 2027.

DURATION

1 year full-time; 900 hours of contact held at EPFL ENAC, Laboratory of Urbanism (Autumn Semester, September–January) and ETH Zürich D-ARCH (Spring Semester, February–June)

LOCATION

The programme will take place at EPFL in Lausanne (Autumn Semester 2027) and ETH Zürich (Spring Semester 2028) in Zurich. The programme is committed to cultivating a successful social environment in Switzerland and cannot be attended remotely.

FEES

CHF 15,500 (excluding excursion fees max. CHF 1,500). Application fee: CHF 50 for applicants with a Swiss university degree, CHF 150 for others (non-refundable, credit card payment only).

ELIGIBILITY

The programme is addressed to Swiss and international graduates, young professionals, designers, and researchers wishing to link research and design expertise to the extended urbanisation of territories. A previous bachelor and master degree (or equivalent) are both required.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Copy of diploma certificate & transcript of records, curriculum vitae, passport copy or identity card, Declaration of consent, motivational letter, portfolio.

HOW TO APPLY

Applications are submitted via the ETH eApply platform. Participants requiring a visa to Switzerland are advised to complete the application process as early as possible.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

FAQs

SCE website

Alumni testimonials

Collaborating Universities

ETH Zürich D-ARCH, Institute of Landscape and Urban Studies (LUS) & EPFL ENAC, Habitat Research Center (HRC), Assoc. Prof. Milica Topalović (co-director ETHZ) & Asst. Prof. Charlotte Malterre-Barthes (co-director EPFL); Jan Westerheide & Flore Guichot (programme co-ordinators)

Teaching Teams

(Autumn EPFL) Prof. Charlotte Malterre-Barthes: Charlotte Malterre-Barthes, Flore Guichot, Elif Erez-Henderson, Jeremy Ratib, Romain Dubettier-Grenier.

(Spring ETH Zürich) Prof. Milica Topalović: Milica Topalović, Jan Westerheide, Meike Stender, Stefan Laxness.

For any questions or additional information please contact us here.