University Of Art And Design Lausanne ECAL
MAS in Design for Luxury & Craftsmanship
Lausanne, Switzerland
MA
DURATION
LANGUAGES
French
PACE
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Feb 2027
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
Key Summary
About: This Master of Advanced Studies (MAS) in Design for Luxury and Craftsmanship at ECAL is for Bachelor or Master holders. It builds on Switzerland’s craftsmanship tradition and lasts one year. It covers industrial design, watchmaking, tableware and noble-material techniques. You’ll work with heritage brands, use ECAL workshops to prototype, 3D model, photograph products, attend brand-identity analyses, expert talks and factory tours. A partnership with IMD Lausanne adds brand-launch training.
Career Outcomes: Graduates leave with a professional portfolio and secure internships or employment. They can work as product designers, luxury goods designers, watch designers, material specialists, prototypers, design consultants, entrepreneurs.
Switzerland is a privileged country in terms of know-how in the field of luxury and craftsmanship. Building on this tradition, this Master of Advanced Studies is for the holders of a Bachelor or Master’s degree wishing to further their knowledge in industrial design and investigate sectors of excellence as diverse as fine watchmaking, tableware, or specific techniques using noble materials.
Through collaborations with prestigious brands (some with century-old heritage) and workshops provided by designers of the international scene, students experiment with all production stages: from designing an object to its completion, via 3D rendering models or photography. They also have the benefit of brand identity analyses and conferences delivered by experts in the field, as well as tours of luxury goods manufacturers. Many projects are singled out by partner companies to be produced, exhibited, and published in the international press.
After one year at ECAL, the students are able to submit a varied portfolio to the highest professional standards. Highly sought after by international agencies and world-leading companies, they also often have the opportunity to simultaneously establishing their own business. Graduates are frequently offered internship opportunities right at the end of their curriculum – often leading to steady employment.
Since the beginning of 2018, students from this programme have been benefiting from a partnership with IMD Lausanne Business School, a world leader in its field; this partnership is allowing them to learn about what is at stake when launching a brand and starting a business.
