Master of Science in Engineering MSE

• You learn to develop abstract thinking and to act in an application- and solution-oriented way.
• You possess extensive methodical know-how, can recognize the complexity of individual contexts and can solve problems independently.
• In practice-oriented projects, you develop your skills and gain qualified practical experience.
• You can develop products and procedures using cutting-edge technologies, have acquired expertise in project management and are familiar with business contexts.
• In dealing with complex problems, you can make a significant analytical, conceptional and technical contribution to the development of innovative solutions.
• Thanks to strong communication skills, you are confident operating in an international environment.

One-third of the course of study consists of theoretical modules that are carried out at central locations for students from all Swiss universities of applied sciences. The other two thirds form the focus of the “Master of Science in Engineering”. You acquire this part of the training at an institute of the FHNW School of Engineering.

The MSE course of study represents 90 ECTS credits:

• 30 ECTS by completing the central theory modules
• 30 ECTS through the individual specialisation (projects, Supplementary course elements)
• 30 ECTS by passing the final master thesis

Further information on the structure of the course can be found here.

All students must provide evidence of 6 credits from additional courses (EVA) throughout their studies.

Additional courses serve to impart theoretical knowledge that is not part of the central theory modules due to its specialisation. The EVA is organized by the institute of the FHNW School of Engineering where you are studying. However, you can also take suitable EVA from other universities of applied science, provided that you have coordinated this with your advisor and with the respective profile supervisor.

The master's degree programme is aimed at bachelor's graduates who have achieved very good results (ECTS grades A or B) during their studies.

The completed field of study must be related to the area of competence of the chosen profile. Holders of an equivalent certificate can also be admitted to the programme.

After the application deadline, your submitted application documents will be reviewed and our admissions committee will decide on your admission or rejection.
If necessary, an additional admission interview can be arranged.

The MSE usually follows on directly from a bachelor's degree. In case of several years of professional activity after the degree, more detailed clarifications are necessary.

All lectures are held in English. Therefore, we recommend a knowledge of English on at least level B2 or better on level C1 according to the scaling of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).
The specialisation can also take place in English and therefore no knowledge of German is required for the master's degree programme.

The master's degree can be completed full-time with a duration of three semesters or part-time with a correspondingly longer duration. In the case of part-time study, it is possible to divide work and study into different semesters.

* The decisive factor is the civil law domicile before the start of the studies. This is not the residence under tax law, i.e. students who take up residence in Switzerland for the purpose of their studies do not have their residence under civil law in Switzerland (see Art. 23, para. 1 ZGB: "Residence, term").

** Refers to students with a residence permit that does not permit gainful employment, i.e. was only issued for the purpose of studying.

For more detailed information see Fees

The master's degree can be started in the spring or autumn semester:

• Beginning in the spring semester: Registration closes at the end of September of the previous year
• Beginning in the autumn semester: Registration closes at the end of April of the current year