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Industrial Engineering and Management

Industrial Engineering and Management

With a BSc in industrial engineering and management, you will help shape digital transformations with your expertise in business administration, information technology and engineering.

In this programme, you will

  • debate technical and economic questions, gaining skills for work in the digital world;

  • learn to improve communication flows, conduct cost-benefit analyses and develop new digital business models;

  • optimise logistics and production processes – the foundation for transforming into a networked business

  • expand your knowledge in the fields of Industry 4.0 (Industrial Engineering) and Digitisation (Business Engineering);

  • attain business fluency in English, thanks to our bilingual programme (German/English);

  • gain insights into everyday practice by completing various projects and your bachelor’s thesis in cooperation with industry partners;

  • qualify yourself for attractive jobs in a range of industries, thanks to our interdisciplinary and forward-looking curriculum.

Factsheet

  • Title/Degree Bachelor of Science (BSc)
  • Specialisations Industry 4.0 (Industrial Engineering), Digitisation (Business Engineering)
  • Mode of study Full-time (6 semesters), part-time (9 semesters)
  • Start date Calendar week 38
  • Application deadline Academic year 19/20: 31 July 2019
  • ECTS credits 180 ECTS credits
  • Study language Bilingual German/English (approx. 50/50 split)
  • Location Biel
  • Department Engineering and information technology

Contact

  • Programme Handbook

BSc Wirtschaftsingenieurwesen

Structure + Content

With a BSc in industrial engineering and management, you will focus on new technologies, value chains and business models. You will be poised to lead businesses through times of digital transformation, given your expertise in business administration, IT and industrial engineering and management. With a BSc in industrial engineering and management, you will focus on new technologies, value chains and business models. You will be poised to lead businesses through times of digital transformation, given your expertise in business administration, IT and industrial engineering and management.

Portrait

Our BSc degree programme in industrial engineering and management prepares you for this dynamic field with specialisations in Industry 4.0 and Digitisation. You will gain the marketable skills you need in an increasingly digital world. Your English skills will improve in our bilingual programme, positioning you to enter the global jobs market.

Objectives + Skills

As a graduate of our programme, you will be prepared to

  • manage demanding interfaces and coordination tasks, given your background in business administration, IT and industrial engineering and management;
  • recognise promising business ideas and join in their development and implementation;
  • apply your expertise to the technologies and processes involved in tangible and non-tangible value chains;
  • apply empirical social and engineering research methods to practical tasks;
  • analyse, assess and optimise value chains and business models;
  • frame technical issues in a larger technical-economic context and make recommendations;
  • develop and present content for different target groups.

Specialisations

Postgraduate studies in your area of specialisation are the foundation for promoting digital transformation in businesses and realising new production systems and business models.

You will gain mastery in analysing, assessing and optimising production systems, designing value chains and perfecting data management. You will focus on Industry 4.0 technologies and internships. 
You will gain a solid understanding of sensor technology, actuator engineering, cybernetics and IT as well as their interplay. Profitability remains a key focus throughout. 
We offer modules in topics including operations management, operations research, business operations simulation and resource planning systems in production and logistics. 
You will gain hands-on experience applying this knowledge in our laboratories. As a professional project manager, you will bring together relevant stakeholders, such as clients and distributors. You will use your expertise in the flow of goods and services to assess the cost-benefit of investment projects.

Business models studded with digital components are taking over the future. The Digitisation/Business Engineering specialisation teaches you to design management and innovation processes for both conventional and digital businesses.  
You will be positioned to introduce measures in sustainable business development, given your background in innovation and business models. 
We offer modules in topics including business process management, modelling methods in organisational and flow structures, innovation methods, data science (statistical methods to assess business data) and advanced methods of investment calculation with regard to risk. 
You will gain hands-on experience applying this knowledge in our laboratories. As a professional process manager, you will be prepared to optimise relevant organisational processes and improve client and employee satisfaction.

Mode of study + Duration

Choose the mode of study that best suits your professional and personal needs. It is possible to switch from one mode of study to the other during your studies. The overall length of the programme depends on the number of modules you complete each semester.

Full-time studies

The programme lasts six semesters. You will earn 30 ECTS credits per semester. The specialisation units—Industry 4.0/Industrial Engineering or Digitisation/Business Engineering—are held in the final two semesters.

Part-time studies

The programme lasts nine semesters. Foundation modules fall within the first half of your studies. IT, data science and technology coursework starts in the third semester. Business modules are divided equally over the course of your studies. The specialisation units – Industry 4.0/Industrial Engineering or Digitisation/Business Engineering – are held in the final three semesters.

Our programme comprises a set of instructional units, or so-called modules.
The curriculum outlines which modules are compulsory and which are elective. You must earn a total of 180 ECTS credits during your studies, totalling 5,400 work hours. If you start planning your coursework soon enough, you will enjoy great freedom in designing your degree programme.

Module subjects

This diagram provides an oversight of the subject matter covered in our industrial engineering and management programme.

Projects and bachelor’s thesis

You will put into practice your new-found knowledge in exciting group projects. This will give you a solid foundation for future professional success. After successfully completing the required modules and your thesis, you will earn the title of ‘BFH Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering and Management’.

Curriculum/module lists

Möchten Sie als Studentin, als Student aus der Schweiz gerne in einem anderen Land wohnen, dort studieren oder arbeiten? Oder möchten Sie ein Gastsemester an einer anderen Schweizer Hochschule verbringen? Oder kommen Sie aus dem Ausland und wollen ein Semester an der Berner Fachhochschule verbringen? Mobilitätserfahrungen sind immer einmalig und wertvoll. Wir ermöglichen Ihnen, während des Studiums Austauschsemester und Praktika im In- oder Ausland zu absolvieren.

Weitere Informationen

How long can I stay?

You can stay abroad for one semester or one year. You will remain matriculated at BFH during this time. During your time abroad, you will attend the modules you have selected with our International Advisor, Prof Stefan Grösser. These modules will be selected for their compatibility with our curriculum. 

Will my work be recognised? 

Our study abroad programme hinges on the equivalence between the time you spend studying in another country and that spent in Switzerland. You will sit the same examinations as other students at the partner university. Your grades will then be converted into ECTS grades with credits (from A to E for modules you have passed; F and FX for unsatisfactory grades). We thus automatically recognise and record the grades you earn abroad. You will be required to repeat in Switzerland any courses that you have failed while abroad. 

How are candidates selected? 

Applications for study abroad are open until 1 March of any given year. The Committee for Mobility reviews applications at the start of the spring semester. The key criteria for selection are: 

  • your performance in the programme to date
  • language: we give preference to students who wish to study in a country whose language is not their mother tongue. 

At the end of the semester, after being selected for study abroad, you will be required to update the committee with your current grades. The committee’s decisions are final and not open to appeal. 

When is study abroad permitted? 

Study abroad options are available starting in the third semester. If your time abroad falls at the end of your studies, and you wish to write your bachelor’s thesis at our partner university, the Head of Degree Programme in Industrial Engineering and Management must first approve your thesis topic. In addition, you will be required to write a report and defend of your thesis in Switzerland. 

Where to?

List of partner schools
We have established privileged connections to the following partner schools for our degree programme in industrial engineering and management: 
Univerza v Ljubljani, Slovenia

Advisors 

For more information, please contact Prof Stefan Grösser, Head of Degree Programme and International Advisor in Industrial Engineering and Management.

International Advisor

Allgemeine Hinweise Studierendenmobilität (PDF, 64 KB)

Student projects + Diploma theses

During their studies our students work on application-oriented projects, starting with smaller projects and building up to their bachelor thesis. Business partners interested in proposing such a project and working in collaboration with our students may fill in the online form “Project proposal”.

Propose a project!

Diploma theses 2018

Our annual publication, the Book, appears every autumn. It contains student theses from our BSc, MSc and continuing education programmes of that year. The Book is an impressive testimony to our graduates’ innovative power, initiative and motivation. 
The Book does not yet include contributions from the BSc programme in industrial engineering and management, as our first class will graduate in 2020.

Partners

Eligibility + Entry

You must fulfil the following prerequisites to be admitted to our BSc degree programme in industrial engineering and management:

Zulassungswege Bachelor-Studium BFH

To be admitted directly you must have either a Federal VET Diploma (EFZ) and vocational baccalaureate, or an academic baccalaureate and an EFZ, or an EFZ and a degree from a Swiss professional college (HF). Your vocational qualification must be in a field related to the BSc programme. 

  • Vocational training with Federal VET Diploma (EFZ)
  • Vocational baccalaureate
  • Specialised baccalaureate
  • Academic baccalaureate 
  • Diploma from a Swiss professional college (HF)  
  • Swiss Federal Institute of Technology or university 
  • Other universities of applied sciences 

List of professions (vocational qualifications) directly related to your degree programme (in German)

List of professions (vocational qualifications)

We require proficiency in maths for the BSc degree programme. Skills in programming are also helpful. If your vocational qualification is only partially related to the degree programme (see list here, in German), we recommend the preparatory course. 
Our bridge programme is aimed at prospective students who are holders of an academic baccalaureate. Our three-month preparatory course will equip you for the challenges of a professional internship. We will help you in your search for an appropriate business and provide support throughout your internship. 

Recognition of prior learning (ECTS credits)

Our degree programme in industrial engineering and management is bilingual, German/English. The first academic year is instructed primarily in German. In year two, we increase the number of modules taught in English. By the third academic year, most of our modules are instructed in English.

We review degrees from foreign institutions for equivalence, using metrics determined by the Swiss ENIC, ENIC/NARIC or anabin network. We require applicants with degrees from foreign institutions to submit various forms that demonstrate the equivalence of their educational and vocational background as well as linguistic proficiency. This includes a notarised translation (into German, French or English) of your certification. Please contact the appropriate programme head early to learn more about the process and required documentation. 

Aptitude test + Admission procedure

Preparatory courses

We recommend the following preparatory courses before beginning your studies in industrial engineering and management:

  • Mathematics reviews and expands on the maths covered in the vocational baccalaureate. The course comprises 84 units. We recommend this course if you received a grade in maths below 5.0 in school. If you received an unsatisfactory grade in maths in school, we highly recommend this course. We also encourage students with a vocational baccalaureate in business to enrol in this preparatory course. 
  • Our preparatory course in programming introduces you to the basics of programming, which will smooth your start in information technology, medical informatics or industrial engineering and management. The course comprises 48 units. 

If you have never programmed in a current programming language, or if procedural programming is a foreign concept to you, we advise you to enrol in this course.

Qualification + Career prospects

You will enjoy excellent job prospects following graduation, entering the field with a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering and Management.

Title + Degree

With a BFH Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering and Management, you are positioned to pursue a higher degree. You will be eligible for programmes at universities of applied sciences, academic research universities, Swiss Federal Institutes of Technology as well as teacher training schools. You may also wish to apply to corresponding programmes overseas. These institutions will impose their own admission requirements.

Career prospects

The working world is rapidly changing across industries. Employers increasingly expect their workforce to be incredibly tech-savvy. You are perfectly suited to mid-level and upper leadership roles, given your extensive interdisciplinary training. You will play a pivotal role in facilitating digital transformations in a range of businesses.

Possible sectors and roles
 

  • Energy sector
  • Finance
  • Communications
  • Transit
  • Public administration
  • Production and logistics 
  • Innovation/business development
  • Marketing and product management
  • Distribution
  • IT and data management 
  • Management and organisation
  • Technical purchasing 
  • Controlling
  • Consulting

Typical professions
 

  • Product management
  • Project management
  • Data science/data visualisation
  • Business analytics/requirements engineering
  • Test management
  • Digital marketing management
  • Digitisation management
  • Business and innovation consulting 
  • Founding your own business (startup)

Practicalities + Application

The earlier you apply, the more likely it is we can guarantee your spot. Vocational baccalaureate documentation may be submitted later.

Application deadline: 31 July
Programme start: Calendar week 38
Welcome events and information sessions will be held in Biel the Friday before the programme begins.

Here, you will find helpful information about financing your studies at BFH. Details regarding individual living costs are not covered, however.

The cost of study includes tuition and examination fees, as well as costs for teaching 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 overseas 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.
*** ‘Overseas students’ refers to all citizens of foreign countries who were not official residents of Switzerland or Liechtenstein at the time they were admitted to the university programme. This regulation applies from the autumn semester 2018/19.

There is also a fixed fee for material, which can vary from programme to programme, and additional costs for teaching materials, specialist literature, supplies, etc.

An invoice for the application fee is generated upon applying online and must be paid within 10 days. If payment is made by paying-in slip/paper invoice, a processing fee of CHF 10 is applied. There are no waivers or refunds for withdrawn or abandoned applications.

The application is processed after payment has been received.

Grants, loans and other funding options

Financial aid. 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 ausbildungsbeiträge.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 include the foundation directories for individual cantons and private foundations.

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

Swiss students have to complete compulsory service while studying too. Make sure you start planning and coordinating your studies and compulsory service early.

We strongly encourage you to complete basic military training and your first block of civilian service before starting your studies. If you complete these activities during your studies, you may miss classes. As a result, the duration of your programme may increase.

General information on recruitment and civilian service

Advice

You can get help with coordinating your studies and your compulsory service from our team of advisers.

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

A limited number of nursery places are available to BFH staff and students. If you’d like to take advantage of this offer, the relevant documents can be found on the BFH Intranet. The fees are based on your income and are in line with the cantonal rates described in the Verordnung über die Angebote der sozialen Integration (Decree on Social Integration Offer ASIV) issued by the Canton of Bern. You can apply for a nursery place using the online form on the BFH Intranet. If you’re a new student or member of staff and don’t have access to the Intranet, please contact Corinne Badertscher (Tel. +41 (0)31 848 33 01, corinne.badertscher@bfh.ch). There is no legal entitlement to a nursery place.

Studierende müssen ihre Dienstpflicht auch während des Studiums wahrnehmen. Planen und koordinieren Sie Studium und Dienstpflicht frühzeitig.

Wir empfehlen Ihnen dringend, die Rekrutenschule und den Ersteinsatz im Zivildienst vor Beginn des Studiums vollständig zu absolvieren. Werden sie während des Studiums absolviert, hat dies Absenzen zur Folge und kann zur Verlängerung der Studiendauer führen.

Allgemeine Informationen zu Rekrutierung und Zivildienst

Beratung

Informationen zur Koordination von Studium und Dienstpflicht erhalten Sie von den Ansprechpersonen.

Die Berner Fachhochschule BFH fördert die Vereinbarkeit von Studium, Berufstätigkeit und Betreuung von Angehörigen.

Die BFH bietet ihren Angehörigen eine beschränkte Anzahl Kitaplätze an. Interessierte Studierende und Mitarbeitende finden die Unterlagen auf dem BFH Intranet. Die Preise sind einkommensabhängig und richten sich nach den kantonalen Tarifen gemäss der Verordnung über die Angebote der sozialen Integration (ASIV) des Kantons Bern. Die Anmeldung für einen Kitaplatz erfolgt über das Webformular im BFH Intranet. Angehende Studierende und Mitarbeitende ohne Intranet-Zugriff wenden sich bitte an Frau Corinne Badertscher (Tel. 031 848 33 01, corinne.badertscher@bfh.ch). Es gibt keinen gesetzlichen Anspruch auf einen Kitaplatz.

Would you like to take a course at Bern University of Applied Sciences? Then apply now. By applying online, you’ll be kept up-to-date at every stage of the process.

If you have missed the registration deadline, the head of the relevant study programme will be happy to inform you whether subsequent registration is possible.

Required documents

Please submit the following documents in electronic format and as appropriate for your educational background (passport documentation: PDF/images: JPG):

  • ID or passport*
  • Passport photo according to international passport requirements*
  • Diplomas and leaving certificates (e.g. vocational baccalaureate/specialised baccalaureate with grades, university entrance qualification, Abitur or upper secondary level qualification)
  • Swiss Federal Certificate of Proficiency with grades
  • Employer reference and/or internship certificate
  • Curriculum vitae

* compulsory

Other documents may be required depending on your chosen programme and educational background, for example:

  • a portfolio of work samples
  • residence permit (if you’re applying from abroad)
  • etc.

If you’re applying for a master’s degree programme, you must submit the certificate for your first degree (bachelor’s or equivalent qualification), as well as a transcript of records.

Downloads

Go to online application: autumn semester 2019 start date

Go to online application: spring semester 2020 start date

Information

Still have questions about the degree programme? We invite you to attend one of our info days, during which we present additional information about the BSc in industrial engineering and management. Professors and students are happy to answer your questions as you tour our laboratories and share refreshments.

Student advisory service

We are also happy to advise you separately from the info days.

Location(s) + Facilities

Our classrooms and laboratories are located in the main building at Quellgasse 21 in Biel.

  • Business-Lab
  • Industry-Lab
  • Institute for ICT-Based Management ICTM
  • Prosumer-Lab

This degree programme is offered in German. For detailed information, go to the German page.