Design & Management (iCompetence), FHNW School of Computer Science

With a Bachelor’s degree in Design & Management, you actively shape the digital future – developing solutions that bring together technology, design and user needs. You become a sought-after professional who not only implements complex IT systems from a technical perspective, but also develops them with a user-centred approach and helps shape them from an entrepreneurial standpoint.

You learn to work interdisciplinarily, take responsibility, and realise digital innovations through both creativity and analytical thinking. The programme ideally prepares you for direct entry into the professional world or for a consecutive Master’s degree – nationally and internationally.

Structure and programme contents

Design & Management is a unique degree programme in Switzerland. As an interdisciplinary Study Track, it combines computer science with design topics and management competencies. At FHNW, we have coined the term iCompetence to describe this distinctive profile.

Throughout your studies, you work on projects at the interface between people and technology: you acquire a solid foundation in computer science, design user-centred digital solutions and expand your management skills.

The Study Track is suitable for individuals from diverse backgrounds who wish to enter the field of computer science. Design & Management is the right choice for you if …

• you can imagine founding your own company after completing your apprenticeship in computer science.
• you want to launch your career in computer science after earning your commercial vocational baccalaureate (KV-BM).
• you are interested in software engineering.
• you would like to work in frontend development in the future.
• you would like to work at the interface between business and development.
• you enjoy working in interdisciplinary teams.
• you want to design user-friendly applications.
• you would like to take on responsibilities in the planning and organisation of complex IT projects.

Design & Management is a Study Track within the Bachelor’s degree programme in Computer Science. You graduate with the internationally recognised Bachelor of Science FHNW in Computer Science Study Track Design & Management.

Computer science has become a central part of our everyday lives. Software in all its forms accompanies us daily and can make life easier when it is well designed. In iCompetence, the focus is on how software can be implemented, used and brought to market in a sustainable and reliable way. If you want to learn how to develop high-quality software and position it successfully in the market, the Design & Management programme is the right choice for you.

A key topic is the development of user-friendly apps. The following video provides insights into teaching in the field of app development.

In the Design & Management programme, you combine solid IT expertise with design methods and entrepreneurial thinking. You learn to develop digital products that are technically robust while creating real added value for users.

Foundation Modules:
At the beginning of your studies, you acquire core competencies in computer science, web technologies, databases, user experience and project management.

Interdisciplinary Specialisations:
Through project work and elective modules, you deepen your knowledge in areas such as Design Thinking, Data Science, Business Innovation or Mobile Development.

Practical Projects:
From the first year onwards, you work in teams on real-world challenges from industry – creatively, agilely and with a strong focus on solutions.

Individual Focus Areas:
You choose specialisations according to your interests and shape your profile flexibly – including opportunities for international exchange or your own projects.

Bachelor’s Thesis:
You complete your studies with a practice-oriented thesis, often in collaboration with a company.

The programme can be completed full-time or part-time. Its modular structure allows you to plan your studies flexibly in line with your personal situation.

This structure equips you with technical, design and entrepreneurial skills, enabling you to develop innovative digital solutions effectively in interdisciplinary teams.

Topics

The specialised training in the Bachelor’s degree programme in Computer Science includes …

The specialised training in the Bachelor’s degree programme in Computer Science includes:

• Computer Science with a focus on Software Engineering
• Theoretical foundations and mathematics
• Computer Science and Society
• English and intercultural communication

The Study Track Design & Management extends this with competencies in:

• Design with a focus on User Interface and Interaction Design
• Design theory and processes, information visualisation
• Management with a focus on project management, marketing and product management
• Presentation skills

Most modules in the Study Track Design & Management (iCompetence) are taught by lecturers from the institutes of the School of Computer Science: the Institute for Data Science, the Institute for Interactive Technologies, and the Institute for Mobile and Distributed Systems.

Modules in mathematics are taught by the Institute of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, and the context modules by the Institute of Humanities and Social Sciences.

An overview of all modules can be found at the following link:

To the module table (german)

Questions? Our students have the answers!