Midwifery

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.

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.

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.

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.

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: 

• Specialist course – Scientific work, reflective practice;
• Specialist course – Elementary statistics and introduction to the R statistical software;
• Specialist course – Clinical assessment;

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

Application deadlines

Application deadline: 30 April 2023
Start date: 18 September 2023

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

Brief explanation of online application

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

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

Advice

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

Bern – Health Professions Department

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

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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