1. Bern University of Applied Sciences
  2. School of Health Professions
  3. Studies at the School of Health Professions
  4. Master's degree programmes at the School of Health Professions
  5. Midwifery
See table of contents See table of contents

Midwifery

The Master of Science in Midwifery opens up meaningful new avenues for you as a specialist in obstetrics: in counselling, leadership, education and research.

With an MSc in Midwifery, you will advise and care for women and families using best practices and the latest research. However challenging the situation, you will take the reins and find solutions. What’s more: you can also teach Bachelor-level classes and work in research. Shape your studies according to your needs, either full-time or part-time.

«My master's degree gives me a very special perspective on my daily work.» Portrait of Dörthe Heine, Master of Science in Midwifery (in German).

Begin your studies in autumn 2023.

Factsheet

  • Title/Degree Master of Science (MSc)
  • Specialisations –
  • Mode of study Full-time (3 semesters)
    Part-time (6 semesters)
  • Start date 18 September 2023
  • Application deadline 30 April 2023 (extended to June 15, 2023)
  • ECTS credits 90 ECTS-Credits
  • Teaching language German / English
  • Location Bern
  • School School of Health Professions

Contact

Downloads

Focus areas

The degree programme Master of Science in Midwifery consists of five module groups: profession-specific, research, interprofessional, transfer and the master’s thesis. We pay particular attention to the close relationship between theory and practice. The guiding principle of this degree programme is networking with other students and professionals in related fields.

What you will gain from your degree

With an MSc in Midwifery, you will draw on the latest research and your own extensive knowledge in advising women and families. You will skilfully integrate such topics as migration, poverty and domestic conflict into your practice and ensure the best possible care for your patients and their families.

In modules on ethics, health economics or advanced practice, you will gain a nuanced understanding of healthcare. Research and practice receive equal weight. Upon completion of your master’s programme, you will be equipped to plan, design and lead complex care situations on your own.

Programme overview

Combining theory and practice in research projects

Teaching, practice and research are closely connected. In the Transfer module group, students gain experience in university teaching or research. You may also shadow an Advanced Practice midwife, which could, for instance, provide insight into a midwife-led consultation for pregnant women experiencing psychological distress.

View research in obstetrics

Career prospects

With an MSc in Midwifery, you will actively shape the future of the profession. You will develop, introduce and evaluate new models of care for women before and after childbirth. You will be equipped to train others in the field. You may also choose to work in research.

Ready for leadership and expert roles?

With a Master of Science in Midwifery, you may work as a specialist or manager in hospitals or birthing centres, as an expert lecturer for the public health authority or in research and development.

Our graduates work in the following roles:

  • Technical expert (e.g. Advanced Practice midwife in a specialised field)
  • Director of a birthing centre
  • Manager of health organisations
  • Research associate in training midwives or in research projects

A doctorate – your career in teaching and research

The Master of Science in Midwifery opens the path to a doctorate. In our doctorate programme, you deepen your scientific work, expand your knowledge in a field of your choice and conduct your first independent research project. A doctorate opens up further career options, especially in teaching and research at university. BFH allows you to complete your doctorate in cooperation with other universities in Switzerland and abroad.

Duration + content

We offer programme structures that suit your lifestyle. You can study for a Master of Science in Midwifery on a part-time or full-time basis. The languages of instruction are German and English.

Full-time or part-time

Studying full-time takes three semesters and takes up 80–100% of your time. Part-time work while studying full-time must take up no more than 20% of your time.

Part-time studies allow for greater flexibility. You will study at 50% capacity for six semesters. It is easier to hold a part-time job while also studying part-time.

Need help deciding which plan works best for you? We’re happy to help.

Programme schedule

Whether full-time or part-time, our master’s programme in midwifery consists of five module groups. We pay particular attention to the close relationship between theory and practice.

Programme modules

The programme is divided into five module groups.

In this module group, you will deepen your knowledge on the following topics:

  • Salutogenesis in complex obstetric situations
  • Diversity in perinatal care
  • Perinatal mental health

In this module group, you will deepen your knowledge on the following topics:

  • Philosophy of science for health professions
  • Research methods I and II
  • Applied statistics
  • Research planning

You will complete the modules together with other master’s students in the Health Professions Department and expand your knowledge on the following topics

  • Applied ethics
  • Leadership, project and change management
  • Advanced Practice – new roles for healthcare professionals
  • Basics of health economics

In the Transfer module group, you will gain practical experience in university-level instruction or working with an Advanced Practice midwife. You will get your first taste of research, working with the Maternal and Perinatal Health research team. The Transfer module group comprises two 15-day modules. You are free to choose the days in the given semester.

In the Master’s Thesis module, you will research an obstetrics-related question and write an academic paper on your findings: You will reflect on connections, provide well-founded reasons for your decisions and recommendations and employ scientific methods to evaluate your own work.

Discover the variety of topics explored in our master’s theses

Admission requirements

Do you hold a degree in midwifery from the former diploma-based system? To be considered for our programme, you must first apply for the required title (Swiss NTE procedure) from your former university.

Academic requirements

You will be admitted directly to the programme:

  • With a Bachelor of Science in Midwifery from a Swiss university with a minimum grade point average of 5.0

  • With an equivalent degree from a university abroad

You will be admitted to the programme pending an aptitude assessment:

  • With a Bachelor of Science in Midwifery from a Swiss university with a minimum grade point average of less than 5.0

  • With an equivalent degree from a university abroad

  • With a degree in midwifery from the former diploma-based system along with subsequently acquired title (i.e. Swiss NTE procedure)

List of continuing education programmes of the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation  

The Head of Degree Programme may impose conditions on your admission. These conditions are typically related to such matters as scientific work, applied statistics and clinical assessment.

You would acquire the required competencies at BFH in the following courses: 

Pending approval by the Head of Degree Programme, you may receive credit for specialist courses from other universities with similar content.

Supplementary information on admission

The languages of instruction are German and English. You must demonstrate very good oral and written skills in both languages (German level C1 and English level B).

We consider international applicants’ degrees on a case-by-case basis. If need be, the requirement for recognition by the Swiss Red Cross will be dropped.

Information for international students

The Swiss education system is designed to be open and facilitate all students’ learning. Depending on your educational background, you may also be admitted to the programme with a comparable bachelor’s degree. Please make an appointment for a consultation with the Head of Degree Programme.

Application

Submit your application early. Not sure you meet all the requirements? We’re happy to help.

Application deadlines

Application deadline: 30 April 2023 (extended to June 15, 2023)
Start date: 18 September 2023

You will receive the date for the aptitude assessment after we have reviewed your documents.

Start your studies in autumn 2023

Apply by 15 June 2023.

Brief explanation of online application

Online applications only.
Our Online Application Guide explains how it works, step by step.

Online Application Guide (PDF, 71 KB)

Application documents

You will need to make PDF or JPG copies of the following documents:

Mandatory requirements:

  • ID or passport
  • Passport photo that meets international passport requirements

Other documents (certificates, etc.)

  • Diplomas and leaving certificates (e.g. vocational baccalaureate/specialised baccalaureate with grades, university entrance qualification, Abitur or upper secondary level qualification)
  • Swiss Federal VET diploma with grades
  • Employer references and/or internship certificates
  • Curriculum vitae
  • Additional documents may be required, depending on educational background
Application document checklist (PDF, 83 KB)

The costs for the programme comprise application, tuition and examination fees plus the cost of course materials and excursions.

Costs

At BFH, different fees apply for programmes and examinations.

Application (per application)*

CHF 100

Matriculation**

CHF 100

Tuition fees (per semester)

CHF 750

Tuition fees for international students*** (per semester)

CHF 950

Examination fee (per semester)

CHF 80

Fee for social, cultural and sport offerings (per semester)

CHF 24

Membership fee for the Bern University of Applied Sciences Student Association (VSBFH) (per semester)

CHF 15

* plus CHF 10 processing fee if paying by paying-in slip/paper invoice.
** If the application leads to matriculation, the matriculation fee is covered by the application fee.
*** International students are defined as persons of foreign citizenship who at the time of obtaining their university entrance qualification were domiciled under civil law neither in Switzerland nor the Principality of Liechtenstein. This rule applies as of the 2018/19 autumn semester.

Aptitude assessment fee

The aptitude assessment costs CHF 200.

Grants, loans and other funding options

Financial aid is available through grants and loans. Grants are one-off or ongoing payments that don’t usually have to be paid back provided you complete your course. Loans are one-off or ongoing payments that must be paid back after you finish your course.

Cantonal grants

Grants and loans for Swiss students and overseas students are generally paid out by the canton where the students’ parents are tax residents.

Students who have been tax residents in the Canton of Bern for at least two years are able to apply for cantonal grants and loans. Applications should be submitted to the Financial Aid Office at the Department of Education.

Further information (incl. financial aid calculator):

The websites educaswiss.ch, stipendium.ch and European Funding Guide cover all the key information about grants in Switzerland and overseas.

Foundations and funds

There are also numerous private foundations and funds that offer financial support to students. The electronic foundation directory administered by the Federal Department of Home Affairs offers a comprehensive summary of these organisations and can be searched by keywords (e.g. student, research, financial aid, etc.). Other sources of funding include the foundation directories for individual cantons and private foundations.

The following foundations offer funding specifically to BFH students and students from other universities:

Further information

Advice + information

Still have questions about the programme? We are happy to answer all of your questions about our programme: admissions, organisation, administration, structure and support.

Advice

Still have questions about the programme and your career? The Administrative Office of the master’s degree programmes is here to help. For information about admissions, the aptitude assessment or your application, please contact the Admissions Office and Student Administration.

Administration Master's degree programs

  • +41 31 848 35 68
  • Show e-mail

Studierendenadministration Departement Gesundheit

  • +41 31 848 35 35
  • Show e-mail

Prof. Dr. Eva Cignacco Müller

  • Co-Fachbereichsleiterin Geburtshilfe
  • +41 31 848 45 18
  • Show e-mail

Video presentation of the programme Master of Science in Midwifery (in German)

Get an in-depth insight into the programme with the video presentation of our info event. We will send you the link and further information by e-mail.

Order access link to the video presentation

Location + facilities

The degree programme Master of Science in Midwifery is based in Bern, a remarkable educational hub. Our faculty provide you with a range of perspectives on learning and research.

Bern – Health Professions Department

Our Health Professions Department is located within a 10-minute walk or 5-minute bus ride from Bern central station.

Show location

The Learning Centre

The Learning Centre in the Health Professions Department provides a modern learning and teaching environment with digital teaching, communication skills training and a Skills Centre. Training in the Learning Centre is conducted using equipment and models in a realistic, simulated professional setting. 

More info on the Learning Centre