The Institute for Communication & Leadership IKF
Knowledge - Communication - Leadership - Digital transformation
The Institute for Communication & Leadership is Switzerland's largest provider of continuing education, further training in the fields of digital transformation, transcultural communication & competencies, leadership & organization and knowledge & management. Since its foundation in 1988, the private institute has been active in teaching, research, continuing education, further training and services in various areas of applied communication science and sees itself as a link between science and society.
The modular nature of our Master's degree programs allows you to plan your continuing education, further training individually according to your interests and study goals, combine modules and choose an interdisciplinary combination of subjects according to your own interests and career goals. All certificate courses (CAS) can also be taken individually. The continuing education courses are part-time and take place once a year.
The Institute for Communication & Leadership IKF is certified internationally by the CMI and nationally by EDUQUA and is a member of the Swiss Association for Continuing Education, Further Training SVEB, the Swiss Umbrella Organization for Mediation SDM, among others.
Master programs
MAS/MBA according to your wishes
Put together your Master of Advanced Studies / Master of Business Administration yourself! Because you know best what skills you need, today and for your future. Because an MAS or MBA degree opens doors for you professionally that might otherwise remain closed to you. Because with a Master's degree you will acquire such a comprehensive and diverse range of skills that you will be equipped for your next career step, be it in a management position or self-employment, for example. Because with a unique Master's degree, you create a unique selling point on the job market that sets you apart from the crowd and secures your long-term employability. Because... your goals and motives are also unique!
MAS/MBA Digital Transformation
The MAS / MBA Digital Transformation provides an insight into current and future developments. Participants get to know leading experts in this field and have the opportunity to discuss their theories, ideas, world views and specific applications and projects with them. The continuing education master's program provides both basic and orientation knowledge, in-depth knowledge and concrete examples of the forms and consequences of digital transformation in the most important areas of society.
MAS/MBA New Work & Digital Transformation
Our Master's degree program offers in-depth insights into the dynamic world of work and the topic of digital transformation. You will understand the developments, trends and consequences of digital transformation on the world of work and the demands on organizations. We combine theory and practice to create an enriching learning experience. With renowned experts at your side, you enjoy flexibility in your choice of study format, from face-to-face teaching to self-study with coaching.
MAS/MBA eGovernment
The MAS/MBA eGovernment provides specialists and decision-makers in administrations at municipal, cantonal and federal level as well as people from companies and non-profit organizations at the interface between the private and public sectors with scientifically sound and practice-oriented skills in the field of tension between people, technology and organization in the broad field of eGovernment for the development of efficient and innovative solutions and in communication between citizens and the state.
MAS/MBA eHealth - Digital Health
This course of study in the field of eHealth provides people in the health professions, health care professionals, project managers, consultants and decision-makers in health care infrastructure and service sectors with an overview of the technical, organizational and commercial possibilities in the future health care system. This continuing education, further training builds up comprehensive competencies in the areas of the health system of the future, eHealth infrastructure, eHealth services, eHealth management, eHealth 2.0 as well as legal issues, data protection and ethics in eHealth.
MAS/MBA eLearning & Knowledge Management
Innovative modular Master's degree program in the field of eLearning and knowledge management, which offers a Europe-wide unique education for specialists and managers from education, administration and business. The continuing education program imparts up-to-date knowledge and skills in the field of eLearning and knowledge management in an in-service, theoretically sound and practice-oriented manner. Graduates are able to competently perform management functions in all areas of media-supported learning and knowledge management in education, administration and companies.
MBA Leadership & Management
This course teaches practical management skills. It is designed for managers in small and medium-sized companies as well as for people in larger companies or administrations who are moving from a specialist to a management role. The modules focus on personal management skills on the one hand and management methods on the other - each from the perspective of a management task in a staff, line or project.
The following specializations are available in this MBA:
- MBA Organizational Development & Consulting
- MBA Personal Leadership
- MBA Strategic Management & Leadership
MAS/MBA Transcultural Communication
The part-time course provides theoretical knowledge and practical skills in transcultural communication in organizations and companies. The Master's program can be completed with different specializations such as management, mediation, learning and translation. The program teaches pragmatic techniques and personal skills on a solid academic foundation with international experts and focuses on practical transfer. Participants apply the project work to their own environment.
The following specializations are available in this MAS:
- MAS Transcultural Communication & Mediation
- MAS Transcultural Communication & Translation
- MAS Transcultural Communication & Leadership
- MAS Transcultural Communication
- MAS Systemic Coaching & Organizational Consulting
Certificate courses (CAS)
(1) Digital transformation
CAS Innovative Working Worlds: New Work & Collaboration (20 ETCS)
Our working world is changing from the ground up. Virtual collaboration, decentralized teams, digital tools and agile processes are setting completely new standards - for managers, employees and entire teams. Concepts for new work and digital collaboration are required. In addition to new working (time) models, new spatial concepts and new technological tools, factors such as organizational and cultural development, self-organization, personal responsibility, individual development, future skills and a sense of purpose are becoming increasingly important in the world of work 4.0. Our certificate course is dedicated to this change as well as the opportunities and challenges. We discuss the strategic, psychological and digital success factors for sustainable working environments with our national and international experts.
CAS Digital Transformation (20 ETCS)
The CAS Digital Transformation is the first comprehensive continuing education program for people from all professions and backgrounds who want to deal with the significance and consequences of digital transformation for private, economic, political, ethical and social reasons. The course provides an up-to-date insight into current and future developments. Participants get to know leading experts in this field and have the opportunity to discuss their theories, ideas, world views and concrete applications and projects with them. The CAS provides both basic and orientation knowledge, in-depth knowledge and concrete examples of the forms and consequences of digital transformation in the most important areas of society.
--> also possible in online studies!
CAS Transformation Toolbox
In this course, we will look at 16 inspiring and creative methods for supporting transformation processes and try them out for ourselves.
For us, these 16 methods belong in the toolbox of anyone who wants to accompany and support strategy, organizational and team development in a new way.
CAS Future Skills
Our continuing education, further training offers you the opportunity to explore the phenomenon of future skills. We shed light on the background, discuss various competence models and analysis tools and, above all, show you concrete methods for learning future skills and establishing them in your organization. Immerse yourself with us in the world of future skills and discover how these skills can help you and your organization prepare for the challenges of the future.
CAS eHealth - Digital Health (20 ECTS)
The eHealth certificate course provides people in the health professions, health care professionals, project managers, consultants and decision-makers in health care infrastructure and service sectors with an overview of the technical, organizational and commercial possibilities in the future health care system.
This six-month course builds up comprehensive skills in the areas of the healthcare system of the future, eHealth infrastructure, eHealth services, eHealth management, eHealth 2.0 as well as legal issues, data protection and ethics in eHealth.
--> also possible in online studies!
CAS eLearning (20 ECTS)
eLearning is - in a broad sense - a collective term for teaching and learning processes that are supported by the use of digital media. In addition to the pure presentation of information in digital and multimedia form, eLearning is particularly concerned with the accompaniment and support of learning processes by means of eModeration, tele-coaching and eTutoring. As part of this eight-month course, comprehensive skills in the areas of eLearning, media didactics and eLearning project management are developed, enabling participants to independently plan, implement, manage and support educational programs using new media. The course takes into account both theoretical and practice-oriented aspects of eLearning in a balanced way.
CAS Knowledge Management & Organizational Learning (20 ECTS)
The course covers topics in the fields of education, administration and business: Theoretical foundations, and technologies of knowledge management, modelling of communication and knowledge processes, application and implementation in organizations and as personal knowledge management. In on-site and online lessons, participants are enabled to independently implement and manage knowledge management projects. The course takes a balanced approach to theoretical and practice-oriented aspects. Participants can plan and implement specific projects from their own field of activity with the support of qualified experts.
--> also possible in online studies!
Online CAS eGovernment (20 ECTS)
eGovernment aims to use information and communication technologies to make public services and democratic processes communicative, participative and interactive and to promote the development of efficient and innovative solutions for communication between citizens and the state.
The online certificate course in eGovernment (Online CAS eGov) provides specialists and decision-makers in administrations at municipal, cantonal and federal level as well as people from companies and non-profit organizations at the interface between the private and public sectors with knowledge and skills in this broad field of activity.
(2) Leadership & Organization
CAS Agile Leadership in the Digital Transformation (20 ECTS)
In transformations, including digital ones, people are the most important success factor. Agile leadership activates human and interpersonal potential. This course combines profound human insights with advanced leadership methods. Learn how to inspire teams and lead in an ever-changing digital world. You will develop a new understanding of your leadership role and gain practical skills that make an immediate impact. This course offers more than just knowledge - it's a journey to unleash your leadership in complex digital environments. Your journey starts here, with a clear path to agile leadership and effective collaboration.
CAS Business Impact (20 ECTS)
Apply current methods in a management role, in a project or as a consultant in an impact-oriented manner. Use the new strategies and tools of digitalization and agility. Put together your own personal program from 38 optional modules. Let specialist coaches support you with the application. Prepare for your next step and demonstrate your new skills through rapid success. This course is an impact-oriented springboard for you and your organization!
CAS Brain Power for Business (20 ECTS)
Our "CAS Brain Power for Business" offers a unique opportunity to explore the basics of neuroscience and integrate them seamlessly into everyday working life. Through short explanatory films, discussions with the best brain explainers and reflection with experienced experts and coaches, participants gain practical knowledge to improve the impact of their professional action and personal communication skills. The course is specifically tailored for self, team and business developers who want to expand their knowledge in a welcoming, inclusive and interactive environment and apply it as soon as possible.
CAS Chief AI Officer (20 ECTS)
The course provides a practical introduction to key AI technologies and their impact on strategy, organization and leadership. Experts shed light on how AI opens up new business areas, provides new solutions to old problems and complements and strengthens our expertise.
CAS Leading Innovative Projects and Teams (20 ECTS)
Why do so many well-planned projects fail? Because, especially with complex projects that go beyond the usual, success ultimately lies not in the planning, but in the implementation! Innovative projects bring together people from various specialist areas and cultures with often very different values and interests. This requires systemic leadership and systematic management. Graduates learn to use professional methods and tools to develop concrete, innovative solutions, prepare the necessary decisions in a communicative manner and plan and lead the implementation of complex task packages and teams. They have effective transcultural social skills as well as methodological and decision-making skills in strategic and operational project management.
--> also possible in online studies!
CAS Organizational Development & Change Leadership (20 ECTS)
The CAS Organizational Development & Change Leadership develops the skills needed to sustainably develop and holistically lead change processes of all kinds. Participants receive a "co-constructive toolbox" that draws on new organizational, work and leadership models as well as psychology, social and cultural sciences. These tools go far beyond conventional management techniques and help to make constructive use of existing resources. They cover the necessary spectrum from strategic and operational analysis tools to systemic approaches in change planning and cultural development to resource- and impact-oriented change leadership.
--> also possible in online studies!
CAS New Leadership - personal digital agility (20 ECTS)
Leadership of the future is not a position, but a skill. Successful companies are developing new leadership techniques to effectively apply digital and agile methods. Acquire skills based on a solid theoretical foundation: collaboration, communication and people-oriented leadership paired with an understanding of the technical, methodological and economic possibilities are key pillars of the new world of work. With this combination of methodological and personal strengths, you and your organization can successfully master even today's unknown challenges.
(3) Transcultural communication & competencies
CAS Applied Communication Psychology according to Schulz von Thun (20 ECTS)
Where people have to deal with each other, they make things difficult for each other. It's good for them if they can talk to each other sensibly. To do this, they should have a good understanding of how communication works, which values come together, which internal elements influence those involved, how situational coherence is created, but also what can lead to misunderstandings and conflicts. The CAS Applied Communication Psychology according to Schulz von Thun covers all this and more.
CAS Intercultural Communication & Transcultural Competencies
This certificate course deals with communication and cooperation between cultures in a professional environment: e.g. in multicultural teams, in international cooperation or in the field of migration. It combines several subject areas: Cultural and communication sciences, sociology, ethnology, psychology and neurology. The basic approach is systemic: the focus is on the relationships between people, the use of resources and strengths, the visualization of similarities, but also the handling of boundaries and differences, the drivers and goals of developments within and between people. With an intercultural approach, "between cultures", you mainly see differences, can compare and adapt - this often remains on the surface of behavior. The transcultural approach goes deeper. It looks at the drivers and resources behind behavior, at possible synergies and innovative potential.
CAS Transcultural Coaching (20 ECTS)
In this CAS, you will learn in particular how the underlying drivers or barriers in personal and organizational contexts can be dealt with constructively. After completing this course, you will be able to competently support people and organizations as an external coach or manager in the development and implementation of solution or development strategies. You will understand how to use transcultural communication methods in coaching in a targeted manner. You will be able to understand and activate the drivers and structures of human and organizational action, expand personal ways of thinking, feeling and acting in others and yourself and engage in constructive self-management, thereby supporting your personal development.
CAS Transcultural Communication & Mediation (20 ECTS)
The certificate course teaches practical, scientifically proven methods for constructive conflict management: (1) preventive handling of difficult situations and (2) securing sustainable relationships in or after a conflict. Whereby "transcultural" is understood nationally and ethnically, but also organizationally, professionally or socially.
Additional information: This certificate course leads to recognition as a "Mediator SDM-FSM" by the Swiss Mediation Association SDM-FSM upon completion of the "Advanced Mediation Course".
CAS Specialization in Mediation (20 ECTS)
This certificate course is about consolidating, deepening and expanding the mediation methods already acquired in the basic course. In the first part of the course, creative techniques and methods from clarification assistance are introduced to expand the students' own repertoire of conflict management in professional and private contexts. In the second part, the interfaces between law and mediation are examined; students gain an insight into the work of a justice of the peace, learn to clarify a mediation assignment and act it out in a simulation. In supervision, they reflect on their own mediation work and develop concrete steps for the next mediation sessions. The advanced module is aimed at people who have already attended the CAS Transcultural Communication & Mediation at the ICF or a comparable basic training course in mediation with another provider and who wish to graduate as a 'Mediator SDM/FSM'.
CAS Systemic Coaching with Structural Constellations (20 ECTS)
These CAS (Basic and Advanced) work with Systemic Structural Constellations® (SySt®), which were developed by Insa Sparrer and Matthias Varga von Kibéd on the basis of various sources. Structural constellations are an approach that works with inner images that are brought to the outside, changed there and internalized again. They are highly effective and have a lasting impact. This CAS is run by WissensWert in cooperation with the IKF.
(4) Knowledge & Management
CAS Knowledge Management & Organizational Learning (20)
The Knowledge Management & Organizational Learning certificate course provides an overview of a wide range of knowledge management topics in the education, administration and business sectors, such as: Theoretical Foundations, Knowledge Management Technologies, Modeling Communication and Knowledge Processes, Applications of Knowledge Management in Education, Administration and Business, Implementing Knowledge Management, Organizational Structure and Knowledge Management, Personal Knowledge Management and much more.
--> also possible in online studies!
(5) Workshops
A wide range of workshops from the areas of digital transformation, eHealth, eLearning, leadership and knowledge management are available to you. Thanks to the different workshop units, you can expand your personal skills profile individually and develop the skills you currently need in a targeted manner. Workshops are offered in the following subject areas:
Current workshop program? Visit our IKF website. You will find what you are looking for under the heading "Workshops".
(6) Trainings
Continuing education, further training: In-house training for managers and executives
We support organizations in the continuous development of their core competencies. The training units can be put together on a modular basis and expanded into an individual or company-internal certificate course. The training concept includes online preparation, a workshop and transfer coaching. This concept is aimed at improvements in practice. The coaching ensures that the knowledge and skills are successfully linked to the participants' own tasks.
