What a Masters Course in Switzerland Actually Looks Like

If you decide to pursue a Masters degree in Switzerland, you will be a part of one of the most outward-looking higher education and research hubs in the world. With access to resources and experts from some of Europe’s best universities, you must be ready to make the most out of every day.

This guide gives you an overview on how your Masters course in Switzerland is going to look to help prepare you for the road ahead.

The academic year in Switzerland runs from September to June, with individual semesters from September to December and from February to June. A Swiss Masters usually includes between three and four semesters of study (valued at 90 and 120 ECTS credits). This means you will be enrolled between one and a half to two years. Periods of study might vary at Universities of Teacher Education (UTEs) because of the practical training that is integrated into the course.

You will spend most of your time as a Masters student in Switzerland acquiring advanced knowledge in your field through the completion of taught modules and related assessment tasks. Emphasis will be placed on your ability to study independently, to comprehend relevant academic research and to present your ideas to tutors and peers.

Most Swiss Masters degrees conclude with an independently researched and written dissertation. This will require you to investigate a substantial topic in your field, under the supervision of an expert from within your university.

Since 2006, all Swiss universities have offered their courses in accordance with the Bologna system Bologna system. Switzerland is a full member of EU research and education programmes and researchers in Switzerland are very successful in attracting EU funding.

Search for a Masters in Switzerland

You can browse and compare a list of available Masters degrees in Switzerland on the FindAMasters website.

Switzerland has universities falling in all four language regions of the country: tuition languages are usually English, German, French or Italian. Some courses have classes in a blend of English and one of the four national languages.

It is important to note that courses, especially on a Masters level, are increasingly being taught in English.

However, it might be beneficial to consider the linguistic diversity a country like Switzerland provides. If you are interested in picking up the local language, most universities offer free national language courses for international students.

Be sure not to limit your Masters student life to the classroom. Jump into the culture while you’re there and learn new things. Have a peek into what your everyday life could look like in our living in Switzerland guide.

You may also like