1. Bern University of Applied Sciences
  2. Engineering and Information Technology
  3. Studies
  4. Our degree programmes
  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.

  • Our network of industry partners and all national universities of applied sciences guarantees you access to the best engineering Switzerland has to offer.
  • Hands-on professional experience guaranteed when you join a research team and work on real-life projects.
  • Select one of nine specialisations: Business Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science, Electrical Engineering, Energy and Environment, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics and Automation, Medical Engineering, Photonics.
  • You may adjust specialisations 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 Business Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science, Electrical Engineering, Energy and Environment, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics and Automation, Medical Engineering, Photonics
  • Mode of study Full-time (at least 3 semesters), part-time (4–7 semesters)
  • Start date Calendar weeks 8 and 38
  • Application deadline 30 August (autumn semester)
    31 January (spring semester)
  • ECTS credits 90 ECTS-Credits
  • Study language German/French/English
  • Location Bern, Biel, Burgdorf, Lausanne, Lugano, Zurich
  • Department Engineering and information technology

Contact

Structure + Content

In addition to your regular coursework, as a student in the Master of Science in Engineering programme, you will join a research team and work on real-life projects.

Portrait

This degree qualifies you for a range of careers in research and development, production, logistics, or consulting in the private and public sectors. It prepares you to take on leadership roles in interdisciplinary projects.
Our training objectives are shaped by employer demands in business, industry and the public sector. Hands-on experience is central to this programme; you will join in on research projects and complete your master’s thesis in cooperation with a company in your field.

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 + Areas of focus

The MSE comprises a broad range of specialisations which are currently grouped across Switzerland in fourteen areas of competence. You may obtain a Master of Science in Engineering at BFH-TI in nine of these fields.

This specialisation within your area of competence represents the core of your studies. The name of your specialisation will therefore be included in the Master of Science in Engineering degree title. You will complete your specialisation in one of our research units in close cooperation with an advisor.

  • Specialisation studies in English or German (Biel), theory modules at central locations in English, German or French
  • Industry Lab: Design, analysis and optimisation of production systems
  • Business Lab: Simulation of socio-economic and technical systems
  • Handling of economic and social issues in the fields of energy supply, transport or medical care

Contact

Prof. Dr. Stefan Grösser

  • Leiter Wirtschaftsingenieurwesen
  • +41 32 321 62 75
  • Show e-mail
  • Address Berner Fachhochschule
    Engineering and Information Technology
    Quellgasse 21, 2501 Biel
  • Specialisation studies in German or French (Biel), theory modules at central locations in English, German or French
  • Development of mobile applications
  • Distributed authentication methods and applications
  • Information security in the area of government, business or personal applications
  • Distributed sensor networks with Secure Internet of Things

Contact

Prof. Rolf Gasenzer

  • Dozent
  • +41 32 321 63 28
  • Show e-mail
  • Address Berner Fachhochschule
    Engineering and Information Technology
    Höheweg 80, 2502 Biel
  • Specialisation studies in German or French (Biel), theory modules at central locations in English, German or French
  • Data engineering for big data applications
  • Analysis of text and graph data
  • Applications for data visualization and analysis in companies
  • Smart applications in legal tech and life sciences

Contact

Prof. Dr. Erik Graf

  • Dozent
  • Show e-mail
  • Address Berner Fachhochschule
    Engineering and Information Technology
    Höheweg 80, 2502 Biel
  • Specialisation studies in German or French (Biel) or German (Burgdorf), theory modules at central locations in English, German or French
  • MicroLab in Biel: Algorithms "on chip", production of ASICs
  • Wireless communication and radio frequency technology
  • Laboratory for power electronics

Contact

Prof. Dr. Sébastien Mariéthoz

  • Dozent
  • +41 32 321 62 93
  • Show e-mail
  • Address Berner Fachhochschule
    Engineering and Information Technology
    Quellgasse 21, Postfach, 2501 Biel
  • Specialisation studies in German or French (Biel) or German (Burgdorf), theory modules at central locations in English, German or French
  • Design and characterization of electrochemical energy storage systems and fuel cells
  • Laboratory for photovoltaic systems in Burgdorf
  • Prosumer-Lab test bench in Biel
  • Vehicle mechanics and safety
  • Electrification of niche vehicles

Contact

Prof. Dr. Sébastien Mariéthoz

  • Dozent
  • +41 32 321 62 93
  • Show e-mail
  • Address Berner Fachhochschule
    Engineering and Information Technology
    Quellgasse 21, Postfach, 2501 Biel
  • Specialisation studies in German or French (Biel) or German (Burgdorf), theory modules at central locations in English, German or French
  • Optimization of machines, especially complex machine tools and manufacturing processes
  • Implementation of Industry 4.0, e.g. through networking and the use of "smart" sensors
  • Technologies for battery cell production

Contact

Prof. Dr. Axel Fuerst

  • Leiter Maschinentechnik
  • +41 34 426 43 64
  • Show e-mail
  • Address Berner Fachhochschule
    Engineering and Information Technology
    Pestalozzistrasse 20, 3400 Burgdorf
  • Specialisation studies in German or French (Biel) or in German (Burgdorf), theory modules at central locations in English, German or French
  • Programming of industrial, collaborative and mobile robots
  • Design of drives for manipulators
  • Optimization of processes in production

Contact

Prof. Dr. Norman Urs Baier

  • Leiter Institut I3S
  • +41 34 426 68 42
  • Show e-mail
  • Address Berner Fachhochschule
    Engineering and Information Technology
    Jlcoweg 1, 3400 Burgdorf
  • Specialisation studies in German or French (Biel) or German (Burgdorf), theory modules at central locations in English, German or French
  • Research, development and production of medical diagnostic systems with specialisation in electrophysiological and ophthalmological diagnostics for clinical use
  • Research, development and production of medical monitoring systems for interventions (nerve monitoring), premature births and orthodontics
  • Manufacturing process development and production of medical devices in clean room, according to ISO 13485 certification for clinical use
  • Methods of sport and movement physiology for rehabilitation
  • Applications for cardiopulmonary rehabilitation
  • Feedback systems for sports technology
  • Application development in the field of e-health, e.g. around the electronic patient file

Contact

Prof. Dr. Marcel Jacomet

  • Leiter Institut HuCE
  • +41 32 321 62 41
  • Show e-mail
  • Address Berner Fachhochschule
    Engineering and Information Technology
    Quellgasse 21, 2501 Biel
  • Specialisation studies in German or French (Biel) or German (Burgdorf), theory modules at central locations in English, German or French
  • Micro material processing with ultrashort laser pulses
  • Modification of the properties of surface layers by heat or laser treatment
  • Material and surface analysis

Contact

Prof. Dr. Valerio Romano

  • Dozent
  • +41 34 426 42 54
  • Show e-mail
  • Address Berner Fachhochschule
    Engineering and Information Technology
    Pestalozzistrasse 20, 3400 Burgdorf

Mode of study + Duration

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

Industry Fellowship Studies

Our university 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 Studies

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.

Curriculum + Modules

Our degree programme comprises various academic units, or modules. You will earn 90 ECTS credits (approximately 2,700 work hours) over the course of the programme. One ECTS credit is equivalent to 30 work hours. Our master’s degree programme consists of two parts. The first is your basic training and accounts for approx. 1/3 of your studies. The second part is your elected specialisation and accounts for the remaining 2/3 of your studies.

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.

You will select the modules that best fit your area of specialisation, advisor and personal interests.

Course of studies Master of Science in Engineering BFH Enlarge image

Specialisation (at least 54 ECTS credits)

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:

  • Projects 1 (9 ECTS credits) and 2 (15 ECTS credits)
  • 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 demonstrate your ability to defend your results convincingly, in both written and oral presentations. It is imperative that your specialisation projects and master’s thesis reflect current trends in the field. Projects are intended to contribute significant solutions to the field

Supplementary courses (for a total of 6 ECTS credits)

Supplementary courses – such as seminars or colloquia offered by BFH-TI and additional MSE partner institutions – provide you with the opportunity to gain specialist knowledge in areas so specific that we cannot include them in the core theory modules. You are required to complete at least 2 modules, i.e. 6 ECTS credits, in supplementary courses.

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.

Diploma theses 2019

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

Switzerland’s universities of applied sciences have come together to offer the Master of Science in Engineering degree programme. The MSE is the highest academic degree these universities confer. 

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 university of applied sciences qualification in Engineering and Information Technology and is jointly provided by all Swiss universities of applied sciences. Consequently, the demands on commitment, flexibility and skills on the part of our students are very high!

Details on entry requirements are laid down in the Study and Examination Regulations (SPR) for the MSE degree programme. (PDF, 163 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-TI, 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

Relevant work experience in the field of competence of the selected specialisation in the Master of Science in Engineering.

Language skills

English and German or French and English (normally equivalent at least to level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference CEFR).

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

With a Master of Science in Engineering, you will be prepared to take the lead on demanding projects and add your voice to the conversation in your field or organisation.

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, whether in their area of specialisation or more generally within their field. 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.

Programme start

Application deadlines

Calendar weeks 8

31 January

Calendar weeks 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. 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:

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.

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.

Job/Family

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.

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. Dr. Michael Röthlin

  • Leiter Master of Science Engineering
  • +41 32 321 63 17
  • Show e-mail
  • Contact hours Monday
    Tuesday
    Wednesday
    Thursday
    Friday
  • Address Berner Fachhochschule
    Engineering and Information Technology
    Höheweg 80, 2502 Biel

Locations + Facilities

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