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  5. Engineering

Engineering

As a student in the Master of Science in Engineering (MSE) programme, you will join a research team and work on real-life projects.

  • A network consisting of industry partners and every national university of applied sciences provides access to engineering expertise from all over Switzerland.
  • Hands-on professional experience guaranteed when you join a research team and work on real-life projects.
  • Choose from ten specialisations (degree titles): Business Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science, Electrical Engineering, Energy and Environment, Mechatronics and Automation, Mechanical Engineering, Medical Engineering and Photonics.
  • You may adjust the specialisation to your personal needs while developing your skills in methodology and management.

The BFH Master of Science in Engineering

Factsheet

  • Title/Degree Master of Science (MSc)
  • Specialisations Engineering and Information Technology: Business Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science, Electrical Engineering, Energy and Environment, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics and Automation, Medical Engineering, Photonics
    Construction and Planning: Civil Engineering
  • Mode of study Full-time | max. 3 semesters
    Part-time | max. 7 semesters
  • Start date Calendar weeks 8 and 38
  • Application deadline 31 July | autumn semester
    31 December | spring semester
  • ECTS credits 90 ECTS-Credits
  • Study language Engineering and IT:
    German and English, or French and English (in each case at least language level B2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages)
    Construction and Planning:
    German and English (in each case at least language level B2)
  • Location Biel, Burgdorf, Lausanne, Lugano und Zurich | depending on the profile selection
  • Department School of Architecture, Wood and Civil Engineering
    School of Engineering and Computer Science

Contact | Engineering and Information Technology

Contact | Architecture, Wood and Civil Engineering

  • Programme Handbook

Master of Science in Engineering

Structure + Content

The Master of Science in Engineering (MSE) is a cooperative master’s programme run by all eight public universities of applied sciences in Switzerland. The application-oriented degree programme consists of one-third theory (basic training) and two-thirds application (project theses and master’s thesis). In the theoretical basic training, the range of modules in Zurich, Lausanne and Lugano allows you to benefit from a network of highly qualified specialists and students from all the universities of applied sciences.

Portrait

As a Master of Science in Engineering, you will be qualified for a career in research and development departments, production, logistics, business consulting or the public institutions. You assume responsibility for the management of interdisciplinary projects.
The requirements of future employers from business, industry and the public sector are taken into account when determining the MSE’s learning objectives. The practical focus of the degree programme is of prime importance: You will work on research projects and generally write your master’s thesis in collaboration with an industry partner.
The specialisation can be undertaken in a total of ten profiles in the areas of Engineering and IT or Civil Engineering and Planning.

Learning outcomes

As a graduate of this master’s degree programme,

  • you will be a specialist in mathematics and a specific branch of engineering.
  • you will successfully apply your knowledge to calculations, simulations, analyses and verifications.
  • you will incorporate cutting-edge technology to develop products and processes.
  • you will employ both established and your own methods to examine complex cause-and-effect relationships.
  • you will be perfectly positioned to communicate and collaborate with international partners.
  • you will be able to lead your team or organisation toward solutions and implement these in the workplace.

Our programme prepares you to develop new products and services. It also equips you with the management skills and methodologies you need to grow businesses and organisations.

Specialisations | Profiles

The Master of Science (MSc) in Engineering covers a wide range of specialist skills. They are currently divided into 14 profiles throughout Switzerland. The Master of Science in Engineering can be obtained from Bern University of Applied Sciences in ten profiles. The core of this programme is the specialisation within one of the profiles:

The title of the chosen profile supplements the degree awarded of Master of Science BFH in Engineering. The specialisation can be completed at one of our research institutions in close cooperation with an advisor.

Recommendation: which profile fits to my BSc specialisation (PDF, 54 KB)

Full-time: 3 semesters
Part-time: max. 7 semesters

With the Engineering and Information Technology profiles you also have the opportunity to undertake a fellowship degree programme:

Industry Fellowship

The BFH-TI offers a specially designed programme for students working in a business related to their field. In the Fellowship master’s programme, you will attain 60 ECTS credits as a full-time student in the first year. In the second year, you will extend your thesis work over the course of two semesters.
During this time, you will be employed as a research associate at our school. Any projects you complete are done on behalf of your company, which, in turn, provides the school with a certain sum of money.

Research Fellowship

Our university also offers a specially designed programme for students whose studies are financed by a BFH-TI research laboratory. The programme structure resembles that of the Industry Fellowship Studies.

The degree programme is made up of modules and includes 90 ECTS credits, which equates to around 2,700 working hours (1 ECTS credit equals 30 hours of study). The master’s degree programme consists of two parts: the basic training, which accounts for a third of the programme, and a specialisation which makes up two-thirds.

Basic training | a total of 30 ECTS credits

The Swiss Universities of Applied Sciences offer joint basic training courses at central locations in Lausanne, Zurich and Lugano comprising three groups of theory modules. The abbreviations CM, TSM and FTP are based on the English names for the module groups and are used across Switzerland. Each module is worth three ECTS credits. Basic training covers a total of at least 10 core theory modules.

  • Technical scientific modules TSM
    (at least 4 modules, i.e. 12 ECTS credits)
    Technical scientific modules provide you with subject-specific skills and knowledge, based on your area of specialisation. 
  • Fundamental theoretical principles FTP
    (at least 3 modules, i.e. 9 ECTS credits)
    These theory modules provide lasting intellectual capital and train you in abstract thinking.
  • Context modules CM
    (at least 2 modules, i.e. 6 ETCS credits)
    Context modules complement your academic and technical knowledge with coursework in management, communication and culture.

Depending on your profile and personal inclination, you select various modules in discussion with your advisor.

Curriculum

Profils | Engineering and IT

Profil | Civil Engineering

Course of studies Master of Science in Engineering BFH Enlarge image
Course of studies Master of Science in Engineering BFH - Profil Civil Engineering Enlarge image

You will complete your specialisation as part of a research unit, usually a BFH-TI institute, to which your work place is allocated.
Your specialisation work is worth 54 ECTS credits and consists of the following:

  • Engineering and Information Technology
    Project theses 1: 9 ECTS credits
    Project theses 2: 15 ECTS credits
  • Civil Engineering and Planning:
    Project theses 1 and 2 | 9 ECTS credits each
  • Master’s thesis | 30 ECTS credits

You will undertake demanding projects in your area of specialisation to further your knowledge and experience. Your master’s thesis serves to demonstrate your ability to complete a comprehensive, independent project that meets our high standards for methodological, conceptual and scientific rigour.

You will also learn to present the results verbally and in writing in a clear and professional manner. The practical relevance and currentness of the specialisation projects and the master’s thesis are vital; the projects are geared towards making a significant contribution to a solution.

Supplementary courses | Engineering and Information Technology 6 ECTS credits in total, Civil Engineering and Planning 12 ECTS credits

Supplementary events – courses, seminars and/or colloquia run by BFH and other MSE partner universities – provide the opportunity to acquire in-depth knowledge in areas that cannot be covered in the main theory modules due to the high degree of specialisation. You must complete at least two modules, i.e. 6 ECTS credits, as part of supplementary events.

A detailed overview of the modules that can be taken in the MSc Engineering programme can be found below:

Student mobility

Study abroad options are available during your master’s programme. These exchanges help to broaden your horizons. Some MRUs allow you to participate in international research projects as part of your specialisation. BFH-TI determines admission to exchange programmes and sets expectations for your academic output while abroad.

International study | BFH

Diploma theses 2021

Our annual publication, the Book, appears every autumn. It contains student theses from our bachelor’s, master’s and continuing education programmes from that year. The Book is an impressive testimony to our graduates’ innovative power, initiative and motivation.

Partners

The MSE master’s degree is a programme run jointly by all Swiss universities of applied sciences. Graduating with the MSE master’s degree means you obtain the highest academic degree available at such a university in Switzerland.

The direction your course of study takes is determined by the field and Master Research Unit you select. You select modules and topics with your supervisor’s input.

BFH — Bern University of Applied Sciences — Master of Science in Engineering
Telefon +41 32 321 62 37

Lucerne School of Engineering and Architecture
Telefon +41 41 349 32 30

FHGR — University of Applied Sciences of the Grisons
Telefon +41 81 286 24 86

FHNW — University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland
Telefon +41 56 202 99 33

HES-SO — University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland
Telefon +41 58 900 00 00

FHO — University of Applied Sciences of Eastern Switzerland
Telefon +41 71 280 83 83

ZHAW — Zurich University of Applied Sciences
Telefon +41 58 934 82 94

SUPSI — University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland
Telefon +41 58 666 65 11

Eligibility + Entry

The Master of Science in Engineering is the highest academic degree available from a university of applied sciences in Engineering and Information Technology and Civil Engineering and Planning. This master’s degree is a programme run jointly by all Swiss universities of applied sciences – the expectations placed on students in terms of performance, flexibility and capability are correspondingly high.

Details on entry requirements are laid down in the Study and Examination Regulations (SPR) for the MSE degree programme. (PDF, 243 KB)

To be admitted to the Master’s programme, you must be a graduate of a technical diploma or Bachelor’s degree programme from a university of applied sciences, and your degree discipline must be related to your selected area of specialisation. In addition to good final grades, sufficient work experience as well as language skills are required.

Academic requirements

You must demonstrate above average academic performance to be considered.
Admission is granted to holders of a bachelor’s degree of a Swiss university with an overall ranking of A or B ECTS (corresponding to the top 35% of a year according to the ECTS system). Furthermore, the admissions committee can accept applications from candidates with a performance of at least 60 points of the Grade Point Average (GPA) at BFH, which corresponds, in a weighted average, to at least a performance-related grade C or at least a final grade 5.0 at a Swiss university.
Holders of an equivalent national or international certificate with good to very good grades can also be admitted.
Finally, an admission “sur dossier” is also possible if neither an overall final ranking nor a GPA result can be determined, but competences can be demonstrated which are at least equivalent (e.g. in a related study field).

Professional prerequisites

Professional experience in the area of expertise of the chosen specialisation of the Master of Science in Engineering is required.

Language skills

  • Engineering and IT
    German and English, or French and English (in each case at least language level B2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages)

  • Construction and Planning
    German and English (in each case at least language level B2)

A degree in a different discipline can also qualify you for admission to the master’s degree programme. Depending on your educational background, you may be required to earn 9 to 30 ECTS credits by attending courses in the bachelor’s degree programme. Admission to the MSE programme is granted prior to your enrolling in the bachelor courses. Your advisor can be included in the selection of the bachelor courses.

Registration

  • After registering as usual for the MSE course, you first send us your certificates and documents (language certificates in the case of foreign languages).
  • We use these documents to verify your admission to the MSE degree programme (average grades, formal requirements as specified by the study regulations, etc.).
  • We determine bilaterally which subjects are required (depending on your chosen MSE specialisation).
  • The documents are presented to the MSE Approval Commission of the BFH. The commission decides on the bachelor courses to be attended and whether to approve the admission.
  • The conditions of admission are set out in a contract.
  • You can start the MSE programme provisionally and take the agreed bachelor modules in parallel. Once the additional conditions have been fulfilled, you are admitted definitively to the MSE course.

For further questions regarding admission, please contact the Head of Degree Programme.

The MSE admissions committee administers the aptitude assessment following a successful application. If necessary, we may also arrange for an admissions interview.

Qualification + Career prospects

As a Master of Science in Engineering you will be ideally equipped to take responsibility for challenging projects. You will have a greater say when working at the technical and organisational levels.

Title + Degree

Upon graduating from our university, you will receive your master’s degree and obtain the title «Master of Science BFH in Engineering with specialisation in [profile name]».

Career prospects

MSE graduates are hired in demanding roles in their area of specialisation. Whether you are looking for a career in research and development, or to pursue a leadership position, your MSE will pave the way. In addition to expert knowledge in your field, you will have honed your skills in methodology and management. You will be able to think strategically, adapt quickly to new situations and take a practical, solution-focused approach.

Practicalities + Application

The earlier you apply, the more likely it is that we can guarantee your spot.

Start of course

Registration deadline

Week 8

31 December
 
Week 38 31 July

 

Fees + Funding

Learn more about tuition and examination fees as well as financial aid options.

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 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.

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 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 stipendien.educa.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:

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 income-based and 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.

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.

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):

  • identity card or passport (front and back)
  • passport photograph complying with international standards
  • document on qualifications entitling the holder to enrol at a university
  • job reference or certificate of employment
  • CV
  • letter of motivation 

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.

Online application - At a glance (PDF, 66 KB)

Information

Attend one of our spring info sessions to learn more about the Master of Science in Engineering. Join students and professors for lunch and a tour of our laboratories to hear their personal take on our programme.

Student advisory service

As a prospective student, you may also arrange to speak with an academic advisor by phone or in person.

Prof. Andreas Habegger

  • Leiter Master of Science Engineering
  • +41 32 321 67 81
  • Show e-mail
  • Address Berner Fachhochschule
    School of Engineering and Computer Science
    Quellgasse 21, 2501 Biel

Prof. Dr. Dirk Proske

  • Studiengangsleiter Master Engineering
  • +41 34 426 41 70
  • Show e-mail
  • Address Berner Fachhochschule
    School of Architecture, Wood and Civil Engineering

Locations + Facilities

Depending on the area of specialisation, the research facilities are situated at one of the four BFH-TI locations listed below.