FAQ: a short and handy guide to BFH’s Short Advanced Studies (SAS)

Short Advanced Studies (SAS) are flexible, practice-oriented continuing education programmes worth 1 to 9 ECTS.

A microcertificate is awarded for each successfully completed SAS. These certificates meet the microcredential standards of swissuniversities and can be credited toward other continuing education programmes, such as a CAS, DAS, MAS or EMBA.

The modular structure allows students to acquire specific competencies in a timeframe that is both manageable and competitive in terms of cost.

Microcredentials are certifications that validate specific knowledge, skills and competencies acquired in bite-size study programmes. They encompass societal and cultural topics or address labour market requirements. The format is flexible and can be combined with other degrees. BFH issues microcredentials in its SAS programmes.

An overview of our current SAS programmes can be found on our SAS and specialist courses page. The portfolio is constantly being expanded.

SAS programmes are aimed at individuals seeking compact, flexible and practical training. They are ideal for professionals who want to acquire current expertise or deepen specific skills in a short space of time.

Yes, many SAS programmes are open to people from various disciplines. However, prior knowledge may be required for programmes offering a higher degree of specialisation.

SAS programmes offer businesses a targeted, cost-effective and manageable training for their employees. The content is practice-oriented and can be applied directly to daily working life.

Yes, you are awarded ECTS credits if you pass the required competency assessment.

However, many SAS programmes can be undertaken without passing a competency assessment. In this case, a confirmation of participation will be issued.

A SAS consists of classroom and/or online learning units and self-study. In addition, if you opt for a SAS with ECTS credits, you are required to pass a competency assessment (e.g. project work, case study or examination). The exact structure of the programmes varies and is described on each SAS page.

The duration of a SAS is significantly influenced by the number of ECTS credits. The scope of a SAS is 1 to 9 ECTS credits, which corresponds to approx. 30 to 270 hours of work. This includes attendance time as well as preparation and follow-up work.

The total time required depends on the number of ECTS credits. You should plan approx. 30 hours for 1 ECTS credit. This includes teaching, self-study and the competency assessment. The proportion of self-study depends on the study concept of each programme.

A SAS programme can consist of class-based tuition, online classes or hybrid tuition (a combination of class-based and online tuition). They can be ideally combined with personal and work life.

The attendance rules vary from one SAS to another and are communicated clearly.

Upon successful completion of the programme and competency assessment, a microcertificate is issued. This certificate confirms the skills acquired and meets the standards for microcredentials set by swissuniversities.

Yes, they meet the quality standards of higher education institutions and the requirements of swissuniversities for microcredentials. They are therefore recognised as academic continuing education programmes.

Yes, SAS programmes meet the academic quality standards set out by higher education institutions and swissuniversities. There is a clear distinction between SAS and non-academic programmes.

SAS programmes follow the Swiss standards for microcredentials. The content and structure of the programmes may differ depending on the higher education institution. However, their scope (ECTS credits) and competency assessments are similar.

In general, SAS programmes can also be completed without passing a competency assessment.

SAS + completion of a competency assessment > you are awarded:

• a microcertificate,
• 1 to 9 ECTS credits, depending on the scope of the programme,
• the possibility, depending on the content, of having the SAS credited towards further training (e.g. CAS, DAS, MAS or EMBA).

SAS without a competency assessment > you are awarded:

• a confirmation of participation or a certificate of attendance,
• 0 ECTS credits.

Please refer to the relevant offer for full details.

Yes, depending on the content of the SAS, the ECTS credits awarded can be credited to other programmes such as modular CAS, DAS, MAS and, partly, EMBA programmes. The modalities are detailed in each offer.

Yes, but only if the SAS programmes are thematically and formally relevant to the respective CAS and if you have passed the competency assessments. Credits are awarded in accordance with the provisions of the respective continuing education programme. For more details, please contact the head of programme.

In principle, yes, but this is at the discretion of the school or the respective head of programme.

Yes, SAS programmes can be taken independently from a CAS, DAS or MAS programme, e.g. they can be taken as an independent continuing education programme or as a modular block for a more extensive continuing education programme planned later on.

It depends on the competency assessment and on the programme towards which you wish to have the specialist course credited. Detailed information can be found on the relevant CAS, DAS, MAS or EMBA pages.

As a rule, SAS programmes are open to everyone. For a certification with ECTS credits, the same requirements as with a CAS, DAS, MAS or EMBA apply. In some cases, professional experience or specialist knowledge may also be requested. The precise admission criteria can be found on the relevant SAS pages.

The costs vary depending on the duration, scope and subject area of the SAS. The fees are listed on the respective SAS pages.

An overview of our current SAS programmes can be found on our SAS and specialist courses page. The portfolio is constantly being expanded.

As a rule, SAS programmes are open to everyone. For a certification with ECTS credits, the same requirements as with a CAS, DAS, MAS or EMBA apply. In some cases, professional experience or specialist knowledge may also be requested. The precise admission criteria can be found on the relevant SAS page.

The conversion of specialist courses to SAS programmes is gradually taking place. During the transition period, specialist courses and SAS are offered in parallel while existing specialist courses are being converted into SAS programmes and adapted to the new standards.

Yes, existing specialist courses are being progressively converted into SAS programmes (an exception being the specialist courses at the School of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences). The transition phase will last until the end of 2027. Until then, both formats will partly be on offer. Should you have any further questions, please contact the relevant head of programme.

Beyond 2027, BFH-HAFL will continue to offer approved specialist courses for specific target groups as part of the mandate of the Federal Office for Agriculture (FOAG) to enforce the Animal Welfare Act (AniWA) and the Animal Protection Ordinance (AniPO).