Forest Engineering – the new MSc major that equips you for the digital future in forestry
Whatever the task – locating trees precisely with GPS, enabling machines to communicate with each other, improving the management of natural hazards or using drone images to detect bark beetle infestation – digitalisation is finding its way into the forest. Experts with a knowledge of the latest technologies and their bearing on forest management are in demand.
We invite you to take the new Forest Engineering major within the MSc in Life Sciences in Forest Science and harness digital technologies to advance innovation for sustainable forest management. The degree programme features customisable content, a personal learning atmosphere and a hands-on approach.
How is the degree programme structured?
In the five major-specific modules you will study the development and use of new technologies:
- Forest Ecosystem Monitoring
- Modelling and Simulation
- Digital Transformation and Industry 4.0
- Integrated Natural Resources Management and Climate Change
- Landscape Development and Planning
Build on your professional experience and enhance your knowledge in ways appropriate to your specialist field and your strengths and interests: you will have the opportunity to consolidate the methodologies acquired in the modules in a practical project of your own choosing and in your MSc thesis, which forms the core of your studies. You can select one of five focus areas:
- Forest Ecosystem Management
- Technical Production
- Ecology
- Natural Hazard Management or
- Individual focus
Your profile as a skilled manager will be rounded off by modules on issues such as natural resources management and climate change that are offered for all Forest Science majors, and by modules in data management and business management.
FAQ
What are my career prospects with this degree?
With your sound knowledge of new technologies you will bring skills to the forest industry that have until now rarely been combined with classical forestry training. This degree provides you with the increasingly sought-after know-how that will enable you to operate successfully and manage projects at the interface between digitalisation and forestry.
With the MSc in Forest Science you will be well prepared to take on challenging leadership roles in national and international forestry enterprises, engineering firms, associations, NGOs or local government, or to pursue applied research – in the public or private sector.
What are the entry requirements?
You need a BSc from a Swiss university of applied science in forest science, forestry, environmental engineering or a similar subject with a grade of at least 5. Students with other degrees, lower grades or degrees from foreign universities are admitted on the basis of an aptitude assessment.
What language knowledge do I need?
Teaching is in English. Language skills at level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages are recommended as a minimum.
You can write your MSc thesis in English, German or French (Italian or Spanish also possible upon request).
Can I study while also working?
Yes. You can pursue your degree part-time while also fulfilling your work and family obligations. Combining the degree programme with a job enables you to raise issues that arise in your day-to-day work during the course or to link your thesis to your employment.
Can I specialise in areas that are of personal interest to me?
The fields in which new technologies can be applied are very varied, as are the accompanying changes for businesses. There is therefore significant scope for customising the programme. The modules equip you with a wide range of methodological and professional skills. The practical project and the thesis enable you to specialise in a field of your choice in one of the focus areas:
- Forest Ecosystem Management,
- Technical Production,
- Forest Ecology,
- Natural Hazard Management or,
- Individual Focus.
In what depth are individual technologies taught?
The individual modules provide you with an overview – you will learn to assess the potential of new technologies and work with experts to develop and optimise them and integrate them into the work environment. Whether you want to focus on development or on integration into the work environment depends on your interests. In the individual practical parts and the thesis you decide which aspects you want to study in more detail.
Why do an MSc at BFH-HAFL?
Our MSc programme enables you to develop your interest in a specific area, expand your horizons by keeping up to date with the latest academic and practical findings, build up a network and acquire important methodological and management skills. In addition, we offer an interdisciplinary, international and practically oriented learning environment. Our experts provide personal support throughout your learning process. The BFH-HAFL campus in Zollikofen near Bern is surrounded by nature – and has a library, cafeteria, playing fields, swimming pool and a hall of residence.
Why do another degree?
What does digital transformation mean for forestry? How do I handle the volume of data collected using the latest monitoring technologies, and how does Industry 4.0 affect personnel management? Many people wrestle with such questions in their day-to-day work but have little time to explore the many and varied aspects of digitalisation in more depth.
The Forest Engineering major offered by BFH-HAFL is the only programme of its sort in Europe; it provides an innovative learning environment in which students are supported by a team of experts with extensive practical experience and can look at such issues in detail.
