Karlsruhe University of Arts and Design is an art school of a particular type that rises to the challenge of making and thinking art and design in interaction with new and familiar technologies. The university stands for openness to the external world and an exceptional freedom in its internal academic structure. There are no classes, rather courses are generally accessible to all. An international team of professors from around a dozen different countries work to realize an ideal of teaching as applied poetics of relations. Communication design, product design, media art, exhibition design and scenography, art research and media philosophy are taught and studied in an interdisciplinary and cross-medial manner.

The academic freedom of non-modular studies at Karlsruhe University of Arts and Design is highly valued. The university’s integrated design and artistic studies conclude with an examination for the Diplom degree, the theory programs with the Magister. Completion of studies are internationally recognized and compatible with the Bologna system.

Students of theory programs must choose a practical subject as their secondary focus. Those in the practice-based programs must study a theoretical subject. Doctoral students can specialize in art- and media-theories as well as -philosophy.

Small groups and project-based work lend optimal support for students. Temporary professorships in practical programs gradually feed in new artistic, design and academic ideas. Course content and learning processes are constantly redefined by respective professors. The necessary continuity is provided by a small group of long-term professors.