Master of Science in Engineering MSE - Profil Comupter Science, FHNW School of Computer Science

The Swiss ICT sector employs more than 210,000 people in areas such as software development, information and communication systems, cyber security, advanced user interfaces and embedded computing. With the MSE in Computer Science, you can launch your career in research and development as well as in technical management. Career opportunities can be found across service and industrial sectors, in both private and public organisations.

With the MSE in Computer Science, you acquire in-depth knowledge and competencies in the research and development, planning, specification and design of innovative ICT systems and architectures. In close collaboration with users and stakeholders, you develop these systems and integrate them into heterogeneous IT landscapes, taking into account all relevant security, quality and regulatory requirements.

You are capable of developing tools for data analysis and data management, as well as for simulation and modelling. You apply these tools and make effective use of appropriate data analysis and decision-making methods to solve complex problems.

You analyse and evaluate new technologies and research approaches for innovative solutions, systematically considering both explicit and implicit requirements and constraints in your decision-making processes.

In addition to technical expertise, the MSE in Computer Science enables you to broaden and deepen your management competencies, equipping you to lead development teams effectively and assume responsibility for managing IT infrastructures.

One third of the programme consists of theoretical modules delivered at central locations for students from all Swiss Universities of Applied Sciences. The remaining two thirds form the core of the Master of Science in Engineering programme. This part of your studies is completed at one of the institutes of the FHNW School of Computer Science.

The MSE programme comprises 90 ECTS credits:

• 30 ECTS by completing the central theoretical modules
• 30 ECTS through your area of specialisation (project work and complementary courses)
• 30 ECTS upon successful completion of the Master’s thesis.

The core element of the programme is the individual specialisation within a chosen profile. You develop this specialisation through theoretical and practical work at one of the institutes of the FHNW School of Computer Science, supported throughout your studies by a personal advisor.

Through selected theoretical modules as well as practice-oriented research and development projects, you acquire unique, high-level competencies. Carefully chosen theoretical modules further deepen and broaden your expertise.

1. You contact the profile coordinator and/or a potential advisor to explore your specialisation options.
2. You apply for a place in the programme.
3. The MSE Admissions Committee decides on your admission.
4. Once admitted, you select theoretical modules from the available offerings together with your advisor.
5. Your module selection and the content of your specialisation are defined in the Individual Study Agreement (ISA).

All students are required to complete complementary courses (EVA) amounting to 6 ECTS credits over the course of their studies.

Complementary courses provide theoretical knowledge that is not covered by the central theoretical modules due to your specialisation. The EVA are organised by the respective institute of the FHNW School of Computer Science at which you are based.

You may also attend suitable complementary courses offered by other Universities of Applied Sciences, provided this has been agreed upon with your advisor and the respective profile coordinator.

The Master’s programme is designed for Bachelor’s graduates who have achieved very good academic performance during their studies (ECTS grades A or B).

The completed field of study must be related to the competence area of the chosen profile. Holders of an equivalent qualification (e.g. an HTL or University of Applied Sciences diploma) may also be admitted to the programme.

After the application deadline, the documents you submitted with your application will be reviewed, and our Admissions Committee will decide on your acceptance or rejection.

If necessary, an additional admission interview may be arranged.

The MSE programme generally follows directly after completion of a Bachelor’s degree. If you have several years of professional experience after graduation, a more detailed assessment is required.

• Business Engineering
• Electrical Engineering
• Energy and Environment
• Mechatronics and Automation
• Mechanical Engineering
• Photonics and Laser Engineering

• Building Technologies
• Civil Engineering
• Geomatics

With the Master’s programme – the highest academic degree awarded by a University of Applied Sciences – you prepare yourself for positions of responsibility in research, industry and public administration. You are qualified to take on demanding specialist roles as well as leadership responsibilities and to manage interdisciplinary projects.

• www.msengineering.ch
• Allgemeine Informationen zum Studium
• Studien- und Prüfungsordnung MSE ab HS25