Master of Science FHNW in Engineering, Profile Building Technologies

The Master of Science in Engineering (MSE) with a specialization in "Building Technologies" encompasses all the competencies necessary for a high-quality and comprehensive building design and construction based on sustainable practices.

Key data

Degree: Master of Science FHNW in Engineering, Profile Building Technologies
Study mode: Master
Next start: twice a year (W8 and W38)
Studying mode: Part time possible
Teaching language: English (Specialization in English or German)
Place: Muttenz and Zurich
Application fee: CHF 200
Semester fee: Residence at the start of studies in Switzerland: CHF 700. Residence at the start of studies in the EU/EFTA: CHF 1000

Application form

Specialization in Building Technologies

The focus of the Master's program MSE with the profile in Building Technologies is on the topics of energy efficiency of the building envelope, building and plant technology as an energetic system, including the optimal integration of renewable energy sources, sustainability in building construction, and addressing interactions between buildings and supply networks. All these topics are particularly examined in the context of energy-related building renovation. (available for download in PDF format) or visit the website of the MSE Master Commission at www.msengineering.ch.

For further information on MSE with the profile in Building Technologies, please refer to the Profile Description (download in PDF format) or or visit the website of the MSE Master Commission at www.msengineering.ch.

Logo MSE

The Master's program can be completed on a full-time basis, lasting three semesters, or on a part-time basis with a correspondingly extended duration. In a part-time study format, various arrangements of work and study commitments across different semesters are possible.

The graphic illustrates the study structure for the full-time program:

Graphic: www.msengineering.ch

The study program comprises one-third central modules conducted at central locations accessible to students from all Swiss universities of applied sciences. The remaining two-thirds constitute the core of the "Master of Science in Engineering" program. This segment of the education is obtained at the Institute for Sustainability and Energy in Construction at the University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland (FHNW).

The MSE program consists of 90 ECTS points:

30 ECTS through the completion of central theoretical modules
30 ECTS through specialization in the field (project work, specialized modules)
30 ECTS upon successful completion of the final Master's thesis.

For more detailed information on the study structure, please refer to: www.msengineering.ch

The central modules consist of "Technical Scientific Specialization" (TSM) modules, "Fundamental Theoretical Principles" (FTP) modules, and "Context" (CM) modules. A minimum of 10 modules is required, with each module carrying 3 ECTS credits. These modules are offered in collaboration with other Swiss universities of applied sciences in Zurich. There are more than 100 modules available, and we recommend selecting specific modules for the specialization in Building Technologies.

Particularly noteworthy is the interdisciplinary TSM "Thermal Hydraulic Methods" offered by the Institute for Sustainability and Energy. This module not only provides fundamentals for modeling complex energy systems but also allows practical application of the models through open-source tools.

The graphic illustrates the composition of the central modules:

Graphic: www.msengineering.ch

The academic specialization at the Institute for Sustainability and Energy in Construction constitutes nearly two-thirds of the program and is content-wise aligned with the Building Technologies profile. The 30 ECTS credits for the profile specialization consist of two in-depth projects and the modules "Building Simulation" and "State of the Art Reports." Both the project work and the Master's thesis take place within the context of ongoing research projects at the institute, focusing on the following three areas:

	Buildings and Energy - Transformation of buildings towards climate-neutral energy supply (Net-Zero Greenhouse Gases, Plus-Energy Concepts, Grid Integration) - Monitoring of buildings, implementation with digital twins - Low-tech ventilation systems (e.g., gravity ventilation)
	Renewable Energies - Energy Management: Heat pump systems in combination with PV and storage options - Integration of buildings with the neighborhood (district heating and self-power networks, Smart Grid) - Energetic evaluation of ReUse windows (U-value measurements, airtightness, etc.)
	Sustainable Construction - Resilient and material-efficient buildings and infrastructure with low embodied energy - Integrated and digital planning (Green-BIM) - Circular economy with system separation and reuse of building components - Comfortable indoor spaces with good air quality and optimal daylight provision

An overview of currently ongoing projects at the institute can be found here.

Module Descriptions: Specialization Projects

The selection of project topics will be made promptly through discussions with your advisor.

After completing the Master of Science in Engineering (MSE) with a specialization in "Building Technologies," you will be equipped to contribute significantly to the planning of energy-efficient, circular, and sustainable buildings, thereby playing a crucial role in the Net-Zero energy strategy.

As a graduate, you have various career paths open to you as an engineer. For instance, you may pursue challenging leadership positions in construction and engineering or leverage your expertise in research and development.

Current Study and Examination Regulations for the MSE Program at the University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland (FHNW):