Minor “Entrepreneurial Thinking and Action”

Banner Minor

In this application-oriented minor, bachelor's and master's students can learn and test entrepreneurial skills over two or four semesters.

Course content
Students develop entrepreneurial skills as a basis for trendsetting careers and projects in art, culture and the creative industry.

Skills acquired in this minor
Students learn

  • to shape the entrepreneurial foundations of their artistic or design practice autonomously
  • to position their own ideas in a larger context and to position themselves innovatively in a relevant market or cultural sector
  • to harmonize their vision, personal values and work so that they are able to tackle opportunities and obstacles
  • to design entrepreneurial strategies in transdisciplinary collaboration.

    Q&A Sessions

    Interested in learning more about our minor? Then join one of the upcoming online Q&A events. No registration needed.

    Next session:

    Thursday, 20 March 2025, 12:00 - 13:00
    https://zhdk.zoom.us/j/64175162560?pwd=mUTaPDPecllgrnUHg2obUErQDy3Owh.1
    Meeting ID: 641 7516 2560
    Passcode: 761342

      Programme overview

      Modules autumn semester 2025/26

      Unternehmerische Grundlagen
      Content: Introduction to entrepreneurial thinking & action, legal forms of organisation, self-employment basics, insurance & social security, financing
      Dates: 6x Friday 13:00–16:00 plus self-study
      Type: Compulsory module, 1 ECTS
      Leadership: Philipp Kotsopoulos, Z-Kubator
      Other participants: Subject matter experts

      Wellbeing und Unternehmerisches Denken & Handeln
      Content: Reflection techniques, personal development & wellbeing in an entrepreneurial context, self-efficacy, mindfulness
      Dates: 5x Friday 13:00–16:00 plus self-study
      Type: Compulsory module, 1 ECTS
      Leadership: Malin Fluri, Z-Kubator

      Individuelles unternehmerisches Projekt
      Content: Development of an individual project, project planning & reflection, self-management
      Dates: 05.–23.01.2026 (Monday – Friday, 9:00–17:00)
      Type: Compulsory module, 6 ECTS
      Leadership: Philipp Kotsopoulos, Z-Kubator
      Other participants: Mentors, subject matter expers, alumni case studies

        Modules spring semester 2026

        Take-off: Mein Projekt vemitteln
        Content: Systemic thinking, methods and tools for project development and mediation, self-leadership, presentation techniques, case studies and expert inputs
        Dates: Monday - Friday, 9:00 - 17:00 during the minor weeks
        Type: Compulsory module, 2 ECTS
        Leadership: Johannes M. Hedinger, Head of ILEA, curator, artist, lecturer
        Other participants: Experts from the arts and culture

        (Selbst-) Marketing und Kommunikation
        Content: introduction to culture and self-marketing, marketing and communication channels, target groups & community, branding, realisation of a prototype brand with directions & coaching
        Dates: Monday - Friday, 9:00 - 17:00 during the minor weeks
        Type: Compulsory module, 2 ECTS
        Leadership: Marisa Burn, Founder House of Change, Head of CAS Digitale Lern- & Lehrkulturen, Project Manager e-Learning

          Free electives

          Internal and/or external modules with a thematic fit comprising 3 ECTS in total

          In addition to the modules listed below, students can suggest further thematically relevant modules on their own initiative. These should be in the context of entrepreneurial thinking and action, project development, self-employment, career preparation, or innovation. The approval of credits will be verified individually. Enrollment takes place directly via the internal or external providers; places are usually limited.

          External modules

          Innosuisse Startup Training: Business Concept (module 2) - 3 ECTS
          More information, dates and application

          Internal modules

          Open modules from majors or other minors
          More information in the course catalogue

          Recognition of academic achievements

          Information about the recognition of academic achievements outside of existing university study programmes is available here.

            Practical information

            • Admission requirements: Suitable for students from all disciplines without prior qualifications
            • Study level: BA and MA
            • Course work: 15 credits
            • Teaching languages: German / English (good understanding of presentations in German required)
            • Timing: starts once per year in the autumn semester

            More information

            Information about the minor selection process and important deadlines

            Discover all major and minor programmes

            Contact
            Philipp Kotsopoulos, +41 43 446 20 65