Master of Science in Vocational Education and Training

Graduate with a Master of Science in VET! On an internationally unique degree programme, you’ll acquire the expert knowledge required to shape vocational education and training in a science-based, application-led and future-oriented way. This multi-disciplinary degree programme is multi-lingual, takes six semesters to complete and is run on a part-time basis.

Two people work in the library
SFUVET

On the programme you will acquire extensive knowledge about the Swiss VET system and its international context. You will explore current issues relevant to VET from an economic, sociological, psychological and education science perspective and gain scientific methodology skills. The programme also focuses heavily on application.

Programme overview

The Master of Science in Vocational Education and Training combines classroom-based teaching with accompanying self-study and a traineeship. As a part-time programme, it can be completed while working where we recommend a maximum level of employment of 60%. The degree programme runs every two years. Intermediate admission is possible.

No. of ECTS120 ECTS
Programme duration6 semesters (part-time)
Languages of teachingGerman, French (and English)
Course literature: German, French and English
Place of studySwiss Federal University for Vocational Education and Training SFUVET, Zollikofen near Bern
Start of degree programme

Start of next programme: Autumn semester 2025.
Intermediate admission: Autumn semester 2024.

It is only possible to start the degree programme regularly every two years. However, you can start the degree programme in the years in between in the so-called intermediate entry. In the first year, you anticipate two modules each in the autumn and spring semesters, which you then no longer have to attend in the 5th and 6th semesters. The degree programme takes one year longer (four years) than the regular start (three years), but you can combine your studies with your professional and private life even better because the number of modules per semester is lower in the first and third year.

AttendanceLectures take place in seven blocks spread across the semester on Fridays/Saturdays but occasionally also on Thursdays. Support is provided by the lecturers responsible during the self-study periods.
Teaching feesCHF 850 in fees per semester 
CHF 200 enrolment fee
CHF 200 approval and defence of master’s thesis
CHF 5,500 in total for standard period of study

In addition, there are also individual costs, such as for books or expense contributions to introduction days. Students require their own laptop for the programme.
RegistrationThe official application deadline for the MSc degree programme is 31 May. If places are still available, we may also assess applications for a place after this date. Please contact msc@ehb.swiss for more information.
MobilitySFUVET supports the national and international mobility of students. Please contact the Programme Director if you have any questions.

Career prospects

With the Master of Science in Vocational Education and Training, you will help to shape the world of VET in the following areas of employment:

  • Public administrations (Confederation, cantons, municipalities)
  • Organisations in the world of work, associations
  • VET schools, universities
  • Private-sector companies
  • Non-governmental organisations
  • Research

The Master of Science in Vocational Education and Training does not provide a teaching qualification. Information about teaching qualifications can be found at  teacher training degree programmes at SFUVET.

More information

Who is the degree programme aimed at?

This master’s degree programme is aimed at students interested in vocational education and training.

We expect:

  • A bachelor’s degree or an equivalent university degree
  • Outstanding level (mother tongue or C2) in one of the main languages of teaching (German/French)
  • Very good passive knowledge (B2) of the second language of teaching (German/French) and English

Are you uncertain whether you meet the admission criteria? Contact us or visit one of our information events – we’d be pleased to advise you.

You can also attend individual modules as a guest student.

Registration

You submit the online registration form in German or French with the documents required:

  • Short letter of motivation
  • CV in tabular form
  • Certificate qualifying you for admission, upper-secondary level II (baccalaureate etc.) 
  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent university degree
  • Copy of valid identity card
  • Copy of OASI card
  • Passport photo

After validation of the documents, you will receive an invitation to an admission interview or a refusal explaining the reasons for rejection.

Degree programme documents
Testimonials

Klara Sokol, former student of the MSc, appreciates the fact that our Master of Science in Vocational Education and Training combines several disciplines and combines theory and practice. She tells us in the video what the study program brings to her job as director of éducation21 [in German]. 

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Master’s theses

You will find a selection of master’s theses written as part of the programme in the SFUVET library in Zollikofen.

Team

In addition to the Programme Director, academic support staff and the administrative office, the multilingual team on the MSc in Vocational Education and Training includes six senior lecturers responsible for lecturing in their specialist fields. As well as lecturing themselves, they also bring in external lecturers and experts.

Scientific Advisory Board

The Scientific Advisory Board is an advisory body which supervises SFUVET’s university degree programmes and their development. It is made up of internationally renowned academics and ensures the programmes meet high academic standards and are relevant to the future.

Prof. Dr. Andreas Frey, University of Applied Labour Studies of the Federal Employment Agency (Mannheim/Schwerin)

Prof. Dr. Tobias Hagen, Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences

Prof. Dr. Jendrik Petersen, University of Koblenz Landau

Prof. Dr. Barbara Schober, University of Vienna