Multimedia Production

In the Bachelor of Science – Multimedia Production degree program, we focus on the growing number of media and channels, as well as constantly evolving technologies.

This degree programme

  • is practical, project-oriented and the only one of its kind in Switzerland;
  • operates at the interface between IT, corporate communication, journalism, film and radio;
  • equips you to design and produce multimedia content;
  • trains all-rounders who are capable of interconnected thinking and know how to use numerous forms of media in an efficient and professional manner;
  • is a joint degree between the Bern University of Applied Sciences and the Graubünden University of Applied Sciences.

Factsheet

  • Title/Degree Bachelor of Science (BSc)
  • Specialisations The specialisations (see below) take place in Bern or Chur, but can be attended by all students, regardless of where they are studying.
  • Mode of study Full-time (6 semesters)
    Part-time (8 semesters, part-time online class only)
  • Start date 9.2024
  • Application deadline Tue, 30.04.2024
  • ECTS credits 180 ECTS credits
  • Teaching language German
  • Location Bern, Chur or part-time online class
  • School Bern Academy of the Arts

Structure + Content 

Portrait

Nowadays, journalism and corporate communication are interactive and multimedia-based. Due to the growing number of channels, media, end devices and the rapid technological development, the requirements for the conception and production of multimedia content are increasing. Writing and speaking, filming and drawing, designing and programming – in Chur or Bern you will be taught by trained specialists from various different fields in a project-oriented and practical way. You will work intensively with content and form and learn techniques and tools needed for multimedia production.

Multimedia Production with Artificial Intelligence (AI)

During the programme, you will learn about current industry-relevant AI tools that you can use to implement your multimedia projects in a targeted manner in terms of concept, technology and design.

Furthermore, you will also learn to critically reflect on opportunities, challenges and ethical issues in order to develop a sustainable and responsible approach to your work, while always keeping an eye on the legal framework.
 

Majors + Specialisations

From the fourth semester onwards, you will have the opportunity to decide on a major. The following specialisations are currently available and will be carried out in Bern or Chur: 

Multimedia editorial teams are moving to the centre of corporate brand management. As part of this major, you will test and develop corporate storytelling formats based on “editorial branding” using techniques and tools from motion design, motion graphics, and film.

You will learn how to manage the classic and online communication of companies and organisations. This includes the conception of campaigns for companies, associations or NGOs, as well as selected measures such as video production or the creation of web platforms.

In this specialisation, you will learn how to use innovative immersive technologies (augmented, mixed and virtual reality). Nowadays, these are already being used in practical ways in many areas and are revolutionizing the entertainment and gaming industries. You will learn the basics of these technologies and their areas of application, try out a wide variety of devices and headsets, and deal with the resulting challenges and media-specific characteristics.

You will deepen your knowledge of journalism, explore new ways of conveying media information, develop new formats, and consider the role of multimedia journalism within society.

As part of the “Live Communication” major, you will learn to develop and manage cutting-edge event formats. This includes the live production of multimedia content for before, during and after the event. You will practice Storydoing, conceptual format development, implementation processes, live content production, newsroom production and event staging.

This specialisation is offered in cooperation with the Swiss School of Journalism in Lucerne and consists of a major with an integrated editorial internship and three minors. You will gain practical know-how of journalistic work – from research to format finding to data journalism – and become familiar with community management and agile management of journalistic projects.

You will acquire the ability to plan and implement applications according to the methods of web and usability engineering. You will learn to create dynamic user interfaces, build interactive applications for data visualization and storytelling. Furthermore, you will increase your competence in structured and abstract thinking. In practice-oriented projects, you will implement the methods you have learned from various devices.

You will learn how to plan, research and create content for radio in the areas of information, entertainment and public service. You will understand the structure of the news, of features and interviews, and produce them within the university radio studio. Furthermore, you will be introduced to the field of radio marketing.

As part of this major, you will develop modern video formats for factual content – production, technical, narrative. Dramaturgy plays just as important a role as composition, aesthetics as well as camera and interview management.  You will acquire practical know-how, learn everything about the role of playout channels and be able to analyse the market.

Curriculum + Modules

The core of the study program consists of four module sequences that run through the first five semesters. These module sequences cover the basic skills; visualising, writing and speaking, interactive media, and convergent producing. The content within these modules is mutually dependent and builds on each other. In addition, there are other modules such as media business administration, media law and ethics, audio and camera technology, corporate communications and a few more. This part of the program is the same for all students. From the fourth semester onwards, you have the opportunity to choose your specialisation.

The bachelor’s program is divided into an assessment level and a bachelor’s level. The assessment stage covers the basics, while in the bachelor’s stage you acquire the specific professional skills and deepen your knowledge in practical projects.

Full-time and part-time studies

The Bachelor’s programme Multimedia Production is offered as a full-time programme at the Chur and Bern campuses. Classroom teaching, project work and independent learning equate to a full weekly workload. Alternatively, you can study Multimedia Production in our online part-time class. 
 

Aims + Competencies

By the end of your studies, you will have the following competencies:  

  • You can design and produce content in a media-appropriate and format-specific manner.
  • You can design, produce and reflect on multimedia and interactive content.
  • You know how to inspire and enthuse users.
  • You understand the mechanisms of communication and information in media and industrial markets.
  • You know how research is done within the media, and are able to work in a scientific manner.

Study locations include Chur and Bern, as well as part-time online classes

You can study the MMP full-time in Chur and Bern. Furthermore, you can register for the part-time online class with up to 50% face-to-face tuition at our central locations. The course content is identical at all locations, merely the range of majors and minors differs. However, the timetables are designed in such a way that you can attend courses at either location. Travel costs need to be covered by the student. Many of the modules take place as one-day or multi-day events. In addition, one or more project weeks as well as cross-location courses or project days are held in Chur, Bern or elsewhere. A willingness to be mobile and show curiosity for new things is certainly an advantage.

Full-time and part-time study

The full-time programme is conducted as a 4-day week in attendance, and the part-time programme is conducted as a 2-day week in attendance.

Full-time study programme

The full-time study programme takes place in the form of classroom teaching four days per week (usually from 08:15-16:50). An additional day is completed independently and flexibly in self-study. However, individual courses may also take place in the evenings or on Saturdays, subject to prior notice and according to the semester schedule.

Part-time study programme

The attendance days in the part-time programme are Monday and Tuesday. In addition, there is a weekly workload of two flexibly divisible self-study days, as well as the option of a virtual teaching unit on Wednesdays from 16:30-18:00. Any special arrangements will be communicated in the long term.

Partners + Exchanges

he HKB maintains close ties to a number of partner universities, both within Switzerland and abroad, and collaborates with international partners on numerous projects. The HKB is also a member of several international networks.

This degree programme works closely with media companies within Switzerland and abroad, both technically and in terms of content. There are contractually stipulated collaborations with the Swiss Radio and Television Company SRG in Berne and with Somedia in Chur. In Berne, we operate a production environment on the premises of the Swiss Radio and Television. In Chur, we are located in the Somedia’s media building where, among other things, we operate a TV and radio studio. The production rooms are part of the Digiezz media lab.

You have an opportunity to apply for a study semester abroad (during the third semester). The semesters abroad take place within the framework of exchange programs or collaborations between universities. The study achievements made abroad can be credited partially or in full, so that you can usually complete your studies within the regular time frame.

Organisational matters: Semester abroad FH Graubünden

Degree + Prospects

Degree

Bachelor of Science (BSc) in “Media Engineering” with indication of the specialisation  

Career Prospects

Multimedia producers are in demand within the business world, because communication should be authentic and media content should be multimedia and reader-oriented. Perhaps you wish to start your own company or take on a management role later on.
 

Prerequisites + Admission

Entry requirements

  • Federally recognised high school diploma (Gymnasiummatura) or equivalent with a one-year internship in a field related to the field of study.
  • Federally recognised vocational baccalaureate with a completed apprenticeship in an occupational field related to the field of study.
  • Federally recognised vocational baccalaureate with a completed apprenticeship in a profession not related to the field of study with a one-year internship in a profession related to the field of study. 

Without relevant work experience, you are required to provide evidence of at least one year of internship by means of work confirmations from one or more internship positions. The confirmation must outline the duration of the internship, as well as the subject-specific activities you performed.

  • German at native language level
  • First Certificate in English (FCE) or equivalent (not older than five years).

If you do not have these language skills, you will need to take an entrance test. If you do not pass this test, we will offer free modules at both study locations to prepare you for the FCE exams. If you pass the entrance test (minimum B2 level), you can be exempted from the free modules.

Foreign nationals require valid travel documents recognised by the Swiss government – a visa is often required. In addition, international students must apply for a residency permit and provide a financial guarantee immediately after accepting the course offer. Furthermore, students must purchase health insurance before their studies begin. Please research your specific entry requirements carefully.

You do not fulfil the above-mentioned admission requirements for the study programme, but can demonstrate years of professional experience and continuous professional development and are at least 25 years old? Then you have the option of applying for admission “sur dossier”. The Vice-Rectorate and the Head of Degree Programme will decide on admission on an individual basis.

Admission procedure

The aptitude assessment focuses on the motivation and prerequisites that candidates bring with them in order to be able to successfully complete the degree programme. In order to participate in the aptitude test, the applicant must fulfill all formal criteria at the beginning of the study programme and provide a letter of motivation (max. 3’000 characters) in which one’s personal interest and motivation are made clear.

Practicalities + Application

Please take note of the dates and deadlines, as well as the details regarding the required documents and information.

The one-off registration fee is CHF 300 and will be credited to the tuition fee of the first semester. If you do not commence your studies, the registration fee is waived. The tuition fee is CHF 960 per semester for students who have lived in Switzerland or Liechtenstein for at least two years prior to commencing their studies. For all other students, the tuition fee is CHF 1550 per semester. A deposit of CHF 2700 is charged to students outside CH/FL/EU/EFTA countries. The tuition fee does not include textbooks, travel, meals and accommodation during excursions, block weeks and the Bachelor thesis. During the semester, you will travel several times to the other study location (Bern-Chur, Chur-Bern). You will require your own efficient notebook (Windows or Apple). Attractive offers from various manufacturers as well as the required software will be announced prior to the commencement of studies.

General information regarding scholarships

For questions about scholarships and loans, please contact  Olivia Bauer.  

At the University of Applied Sciences BFH, we promote balance between study, work and family.

A limited number of childcare spaces are available to students at the HKB. Should you wish to find out more about this, you will find the relevant documents on the HKB Intranet.

The fees are income-based and in accordance with the cantonal rates outlined in the Verordnung über die Angebote der sozialen Integration (ASIV) of the Canton of Bern. You can apply for a childcare space using the online form on the HKB Intranet.

If you are a new student or member of staff and do not have access to the Intranet, please contact Corinne Badertscher (Ph: 031 848 33 01, corinne.badertscher@bfh.ch). There is no legal entitlement to a childcare space.  
Students must also fulfill their compulsory service obligations during their studies. Please be sure to plan and coordinate your compulsory service ahead of time.

It is strongly recommended that you complete your basic military training and civil service before commencing your studies. Completing them during your studies results in absences, which can lead to an extension of the duration of the course.

General information about military and civil service


Support

For more information on how to coordinate your studies and your compulsory service, please contact the HKB Student Administration (+41 31 848 49 49).

Start date: September 2024
Application deadline: Tue, 30.4.2024

Admission to full-time studies in Bern and Chur, as well as the part-time online class is based on a first-come-first-served basis.

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Consulting + Location

At the HKB an open mind an a family atmosphere await you. Please come and visit us.

Consulting

If you have any questions, please contact Nicole Krebs or the student advisory service at the University of Applied Sciences Graubünden.

Location