Haute école d’art et de design — Genève (HEAD)

Created in 2006 from the merger of two prestigious schools, the École Supérieure des Beaux-Arts and the Haute École d’Arts Appliqués, HEAD – Genève draws on a rich cultural and artistic heritage to nurture young creative talent nationally and internationally. Renowned for the quality of its bachelor's and master's degrees in Fine Arts, Cinema, Interior Architecture, Space and Communication, Visual Communication as well as Fashion and Accessory Design, it has established itself as one of the leading schools of art and design in Europe.

At-A-Glance

What
Global Exchange School
Where
  • Geneva, Switzerland
When

Final dates announced on school’s website.

Spring Semester

February — June

Fall Semester

September — January

Who
Open to RISD students

Juniors + Seniors. Minimum 3.0+ GPA required.

Eligible RISD Departments
  • Apparel Design
  • Architecture
  • Ceramics
  • Graphic Design
  • Industrial Design
  • Interior Architecture
  • Jewelry + Metalsmithing
  • Painting
  • Photography
  • Sculpture
Links

Fact Sheet
University Website
Exchange Website

Spring Semester Application Deadlines
RISD Deadline: Oct 1, 2024
School Deadline: Oct 15, 2024
Fall Semester Application Deadlines
RISD Deadline: Mar 1, 2024
School Deadline: Apr 10, 2024
Academic Credits
Minimum 12 RISD credit equivalency
Instruction Language
  • French

No English instruction

Apply for Global Exchange

The entire application process will be completed using an online application portal. Apply the semester before you plan to attend.

View details

About HEAD

Courses

Bachelor's-level and Master's-level coursework is open for Exchange at HEAD. Master's-level coursework is recommended for seniors and grads only.

Bachelor of Arts

  • Fine Arts
  • Cinema
  • Visual Communication
  • Interior Design
  • Fashion Design
  • Product Design/Jewelry and Accessory
  • Chair in Watch Design

Master of Arts

  • Fine Arts – Work.Master / TRANS /CCC
  • Cinema
  • Space and Communication
  • Media Design
  • Fashion and Accessory Design
  • Chair in Watch Design

Credits

Although RISD only requires Global Exchange participants to complete the equivalent of 12 RISD credits while on exchange, please note that HEAD requires a higher minimum enrollment of the equivalent of 15 RISD credits (30 ECTS). Refer to HEAD Fact Sheet for more information.

Language

Lectures at HEAD are usually taught in French. Some Master classes are taught in English. Exchange students are expected to have good French skills, intermediate to upper intermediate is advised. An introductory French course is mandatory for non-upper intermediate-level French speakers.

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1:1 Advising Session

Have questions? The RISD Global team is available to meet for a 1:1 advising session. We can give you more information about your study options, help you figure out which program makes sense for you, and assist you with the application process.

Schedule an Appointment