How is the MSE course structured? The course comprises three components: theory modules, context modules and a specialization with a Master’s dissertation. With a full-time course, students generally attend tuition in the theory and context modules on two to three days per week in the first and second semester. They devote the remaining time to their specialization. In the third semester, they then concentrate solely on their specialization, writing their Master’s dissertation.
What degree do I obtain? If you successfully complete the course, you will be awarded the degree of “Master of Science Name of the University of Applied Sciences in Engineering with specialization in …”. This is a degree recognized by the Swiss authorities.
Is the academic title recognized in Switzerland? Yes, the degree of Master of Science is an academic title recognized by the Swiss authorities. The MSE course will be running through an accreditation procedure at Federal level the first time that it is held.
How can I apply? Students should apply to the University of Applied Sciences that offers the specialization they wish to pursue. Once the application has been received, this University of Applied Sciences will examine the applicant’s suitability. A supplementary admission interview can be arranged if necessary.
At which University of Applied Sciences am I registered? Master’s students are registered at the University of Applied Sciences at which they pursue their specialization.
Where do I attend the theory and context modules? The theory and context modules are offered at central locations that are very easily accessible by public transport. The locations in question are Berne, Lausanne and Zurich. A reduced program is also offered in Lugano.
How is the qualification in the specialization obtained? The student obtains the ECTS points in their specialization through successfully working on projects in this specialization, attending supplementary events and completing their Master’s dissertation. Master’s students establish the targets that they have to achieve in their specialization in consultation with their advisor (tutor) and set these out in their individual study agreement.
Can I study for the MSE with my University of Applied Sciences Degree? Will I be credited with ECTS points? Persons with a degree that is equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree can be admitted to the course. As yet, no framework conditions have been introduced to govern whether any ECTS points can be credited for professional experience and, if so, how many points can be credited for a Master’s course (and not just for the MSE).
Can the MSE also be taken by candidates from abroad? Foreign students can be admitted providing that they fulfill the admission conditions. Once the student’s application has been received, the relevant University of Applied Sciences will examine the applicant’s suitability. A supplementary admission interview can be arranged if necessary. Students from abroad must also master the languages of tuition.
What are the tuition fees, and how much will the course as a whole cost me? The University of Applied Sciences at which the student pursues their specialization determines the tuition fee for each semester. The tuition fees will generally be of the same order of magnitude as those at Bachelor’s degree level. Added to this come the costs of attending the block module, the supplementary events and the modular teaching, as well as the cost of teaching materials, etc. Since the MSE is regarded as part of a student’s initial education/training, students may qualify for a study grant. The offices in the individual Swiss cantons will provide more details on this.
What role does English play in the course? In a number of modules, teaching will probably be in English. This ensures that the course has a certain international orientation and prepares students for their future field of work, where English is often the standard language. Students will then feel at ease in English in specific specialist areas too.
Can a Master’s degree also be obtained on a part-time basis while working? Students can follow the course on a part-time basis; they will then require correspondingly longer to complete their course.
Comparison of a consecutive and an executive Master’s degree, an ETH master’s degree and a University of Applied Sciences Master’s degree
What is the difference between a consecutive and an executive Master’s degree? A consecutive Master’s degree forms part of a student’s initial education/training at a University of Applied Sciences or traditional university and is generally taken immediately after the student has obtained their Bachelor’s degree, on a full-time basis. It complements the knowledge acquired in the study course for the Bachelor’s degree, going into greater depth. A consecutive Master’s course corresponds to 90 ECTS points. The costs are at more or less the same level as for the Bachelor’s course. Since the MSE is part of the student’s initial education/training, the student will generally qualify for a grant. This is not the case for an executive Master’s degree.
Executive Master’s courses are part of a continuing education program. They are generally followed on a part-time basis after several years in employment and take around two years. An executive Master’s degree course corresponds to 60 ECTS points.
What is the difference between a Master’s degree from a University of Applied Sciences, a Master’s degree at the ETH and a Master’s degree from a traditional university? The course of study for a Master’s degree at a University of Applied Sciences (UAS) is characterized by the University’s strong links to application-oriented research and development (aF&E). This is evident from the high percentage of project-related work, which accounts for two-thirds of the MSE degree. The lecturers who teach on the MSE courses are themselves engaged in aF&E.
Additional qualification of an MSE, consequences regarding the Bachelor’s degree
What jobs can I taken up after completing my Bachelor’s degree? The Bachelor’s degree qualifies you to take up professional work. The majority of those obtaining degrees at a University of Applied Sciences will terminate their studies with a Bachelor’s degree. Those holding a Bachelor’s degree are qualified to take on demanding positions in the business world, industry and public institutions. They have a broad-based knowledge in their specialist area and have learned how to apply their knowledge on a practical basis. The majority of those who have completed their Bachelor’s degree will continue to make a direct move into the world of work, as in the past.
What additional value does a completed Master’s course add to my education? The MSE prepares Master’s graduates for a position of responsibility in the field of technology, IT, or construction and planning. The students’ specialization qualifies them for demanding jobs in a special field. They are in a position to take on leadership roles and to assume responsibility for interdisciplinary projects.
A list of the MRUs is posted on the website. Where can I find precisely what they offer? You can obtain further details from the University of Applied Sciences in question. » Contact
