The degree course in Computer Science at the University of Applied Sciences (Informatik UAS) takes different lengths of time depending on the variant:

• 6 semesters full-time
• At least 8 semesters part-time (practice-integrated)

There is not only one university of applied sciences for computer science (FH Informatik), but also several regional educational programs:

• Bern University of Applied Sciences Engineering and Information Technology TI, Biel or Bern
• Freiburg University of Applied Sciences for Engineering and Architecture
• University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland, Windisch
• Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts - Engineering & Architecture
• HSR University of Applied Sciences Rapperswil
• ZHAW Zurich University of Applied Sciences, Winterthur and Zurich
• Swiss Distance-Learning University of Applied Sciences (80% self-study, 20% face-to-face teaching in Basel, Bern, Brig or Zurich)

A Bachelor's degree in Computer Science provides a broad basic knowledge in technical, theoretical and economic areas. The aim is to train specialists who can understand, develop and think ahead in complex IT systems. The following subjects are typically covered:

• Computer Science - Introduction to basic concepts, algorithms and data structures
• Mathematics - Mathematical methods for computer science and technology
• Physics - fundamentals of natural sciences with reference to technology
• Programming - practice-oriented introduction to various programming languages
• Software engineering - planning, development and maintenance of complex software solutions
• Operating systems - structure and functionality of modern operating systems
• Telematics - interface between telecommunications and IT
• Multimedia - design and technology of digital media content
• Networks - structure, administration and security of communication networks
• IT security - protecting IT systems from threats and attacks
• Web engineering - development and maintenance of modern web applications
• Business administration - economic principles for the use of IT in companies
• Project management - planning and control of IT projects
• English - technical language skills for the international context

The content is practical and future-oriented. They prepare students specifically for jobs in the IT sector, industry, research or the public sector.

The exact module composition can vary depending on the Universities. In addition to compulsory subjects, elective modules or specializations are often offered, for example in areas such as artificial intelligence, data science or mobile computing.

As each Universities sets its own priorities, it is important to check the specific curriculum directly with the desired educational institution. The question can be easily forwarded to the relevant school using our contact form.

Successful graduates of a Bachelor's degree program in Computer Science receive a Bachelor's degree from a federally accredited university of applied sciences. They may now use the following protected title: "Bachelor of Science [FH] in Computer Science". FH] refers to the university of applied sciences at which the Bachelor's degree was obtained.

In principle, the respective University of Applied Sciences decides on admission to the course.

However, the admission requirements for studying computer science are often the same or similar.

As a rule, you should expect the following admission requirements:

• Federally recognized technical or commercial Federal Vocational Baccalaureate and completed apprenticeship

or

• Completion of a College of Higher Education or a Specialized Baccalaureate in the same or a related field

or

• Baccalaureate and at least one year of professional internship in a field related to the field of study

or

• Baccalaureate and internship contract with an IT company (for practice-integrated Bachelor's degree program)

In addition, good English and mathematics skills are expected, as well as initial programming experience at many Universities. Detailed information on the admission requirements for the individual courses can be found in the course descriptions of the Universities.

There are the following reasons for studying computer science:

• acquire a broad and well-founded specialist knowledge of various operating systems, applications, programming, networks and computer architectures by studying IT
• combine with business knowledge and analytical thinking
• be able to develop solutions to complex problems through combined knowledge
• can take on demanding project management and leadership tasks
• Technological change requires permanent adjustments and further training

The areas of specialization for a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science vary depending on the university. For example, one university of applied sciences currently focuses on Web and Business Applications, Computer Perception and Virtual Reality, IT Security and Mobile Computing, while another offers Distributed Software Systems (DSS), Information Processing and Virtualization (IPV) and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) System Management. A third university offers the specializations Network Design + Security, Application Design - Cloud Solution and Software Engineering, while a fourth offers Enterprise Computing, Information Security and Path & Data Science. As you can see, the choice is immense. It is therefore best to obtain all the necessary documents directly from the universities and compare the offers carefully.

If you are already working and do not have the opportunity or do not see the point in completing a full-time degree course and thereby massively reducing your working hours, there are two interesting alternatives for you. Firstly, you can study for a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science while working. Such a part-time course lasts around eight to ten semesters and allows you to continue working, although not at every university and in every study phase (especially not in the first year) full-time. Another study option that may even be very attractive to you is distance learning. This recognized university degree course at a distance-learning university of applied sciences allows you to study at an extremely flexible time with only 20 percent face-to-face teaching in one of four cities in Switzerland and 80 percent supervised self-study.

Basically, a degree course is designed to teach you everything you need to know and be able to do for a professional job during your training at a University of Applied Sciences or university. Nevertheless, initial programming skills are usually expected, to varying degrees depending on the Universities. For a Bachelor's in Computer Science, you should also have a quick grasp of things, be able to think very abstractly but also logically, be creative, be able to work systematically, have a very high level of concentration and be flexible. The ability to work in a team is also important, both for your studies and for your future career, as is a good general education and knowledge of English.

Computer Scientists FH with a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science perform the following tasks:

• Create specifications
• Structuring and programming software
• Testing and data migration
• User training
• Ensuring smooth operation with support
• Administer and maintain databases, hardware components, servers and networks
• Design, implement and operate information and communication technology systems
• Networking individual systems with complete systems
• Eliminate hardware and software errors
• Consider data security, change and quality management
• Manage projects and departments in all IT areas
• Responsible for the operation and further development of the entire ICT infrastructure
• Partial customer consulting, sales and specialization in IT sub-areas

Yes, it is indeed possible for you to choose mobile computing or another specialization within computer science and specialize in it during your Bachelor's degree in computer science. This specialization usually takes place in the fourth or fifth semester, but this can vary depending on the Universities. In this way, you have the first two years to familiarize yourself with the field of computer science and discover your preferences, which can often change considerably during the first few years. When choosing a suitable University of Applied Sciences or university, please pay attention to the specializations offered, as not all of them offer the same courses.