Self-test: Is the "Bachelor of Aviation Studies" at a university of applied sciences right for me?
Would you like to study aviation?
Find out here in a free and non-binding self-test whether a job in the field of aviation matches your interests and whether you are on the right track with a Bachelor's degree in Aviation.
What does the everyday working life of an aviation engineer FH look like?
UAS aviation engineers are specialists in the complex interaction between people, technology and the environment in the aviation system. They are involved in research projects or monitor socio-political trends and developments in order to analyze their impact on aviation.
In the areaTechnics and engineeringthey can work as project managers in aircraft development or take on technical responsibility in aircraft construction or manage procurement projects or design air traffic control systems.
In the areaOperation and managementthey can take on operational management tasks in airport management, or lead safety and quality projects at aircraft manufacturers or work on economic issues in aviation. In the area of operations, they work as specialists and managers in air traffic control or at operations control centers, or they work as pilots with additional tasks in training or carry out test flights.
(Note: The distribution of tasks (weighting and frequency) may vary depending on the task profile/job profile or function and company).
Question 1:
Do the activities described meet your expectations? Would you like to work as an aviation engineer FH?
Great! If you like the actual job, the industry basically suits you. Then the next question is whether this degree course is just right for you.
By the way: If you are looking for further suitable training opportunities after successfully completing your Bachelor's degree in Aviation, take a look at theEducational counseling offerfrom Ausbildung-Weiterbildung.ch.
Based on your answers in the questionnaire, our educational advisors will make suitable suggestions for courses, seminars or training programs and provide a helpful overview of the various educational levels. They are also on hand to answer any questions you may have about the Swiss education system.
If individual aspects of the job description do not appeal to you, you should find out more about the possible areas of specialization. Perhaps you can concentrate on the areas that appeal to you.
Another option: take a look at relevant job advertisements. You may find that they only ask you to do the tasks that suit you better, in which case you are in the right place with this further training. Remember: In practically every job, there are activities that are less interesting. It is important to make sure that these do not predominate.
If you don't like the activities in the description, you might want to look into other degree programs. OnEducation-Further-Education.chyou will find a large selection.
Why don't you also take a look at ourAdvisorand find your calling.
Target group and skills: Who is the Bachelor of Aviation degree program at a university of applied sciences suitable for? What qualities and skills are required?
The University of Applied Sciences Bachelor's degree program in Aviation is suitable for the following groups of people:
- People with a keen interest in technology, engineering and aviation
- People with an apprenticeship certificate (EFZ) and a technical or commercial vocational baccalaureate
- Persons with a high school diploma
- Young professionals and/or high school graduates who wish to complete pilot training and a Bachelor's degree at the same time
The following personal qualities and skills should be possessed by prospective UAS aviators:
- Interest in the interaction between technology, people and business management
- Logic and powers of abstraction
- Solution-oriented analytical thinking
- Ability to concentrate or patience and perseverance
- Reliability and high quality awareness
- Fluency in German, English and French
- The joy of traveling
Question 2:
Do you belong to one of the target groups of this Bachelor's degree program in Aviation and do you have the necessary personal qualities?
Great! Find out in the next step whether you meet the admission requirements to study aviation.
If you do not belong to any of the above-mentioned groups, you cannot pursue UAS aviation studies directly. In this case, take a look at the following further education options to see if you can find something that better suits your interests:
If you like the engineering training better than the aviation part:
- Electrical Engineering Bachelor FH
- Computer Science Bachelor FH
- Mechanical Engineering Bachelor FH
- Mechatronics Bachelor FH
- Spatial Planning Bachelor FH
- Transportation Systems Bachelor FH
If you like the connection to aviation better than engineering:
- Aircraft technician BP
- Pilot HF
- Air traffic controller HF
Or if you are mainly interested in the management part:
Why not also take a look at ourGuide "Training and further education in the areas of road, rail and air transport"
If you do not have the necessary personal qualities and skills, you will not be happy in the role of an aviation technician FH. Look for other further training courses that better match your personal qualities and skills. ToEducation-Further-Education.chyou will find numerous courses and suitable providers.
- If you are unsure whether you are well suited to this profession, it is best to talk to experienced people such as career advisors. You can find suitable providers of career advice and career coaching here:
Requirements for admission to a Bachelor's degree course in Aviation at a university of applied sciences:
In general, the universities of applied sciences offer direct, i.e. examination-free admission, as well as a so-called admission procedure (e.g. entrance examination, admission "sur dossier", i.e. examination of personal documents). In addition: Depending on previous education and experience, it is sometimes possible to have credits recognized. Here too, the decision lies with the universities of applied sciences.
As a rule, you should expect the following admission requirements for a degree course in Aviation:
- Federal certificate of proficiency (EFZ) and technical or commercial vocational baccalaureate
Or
- High school diploma and relevant one-year internship/work experience in the professional field of aviation (e.g. in management and support areas of airlines, work as a flight attendant, work in airport check-in or in maintenance and repair operations, etc.).
Or
- High school diploma (without professional experience) and internship contract with an aviation company (this applies to a practice-integrated Bachelor's degree program)
Or
- HF diploma from a higher technical college (HF) in the same or related subject area
Note:Some universities of applied sciences
- offer voluntary preliminary courses (e.g. mathematics, English) to prepare you ideally for your studies.
- If you opt for the part-time option, a maximum workload of 60% during the course is recommended.
*As already mentioned, the respective universities of applied sciences decide on admission to studies. They can largely design their courses themselves. Institutional accreditation in accordance with the Higher Education Funding and Coordination Act (HFKG) (Chapter 5.) of the federal government is a prerequisite for the designation right "university of applied sciences" or "university" and "university of teacher education", the granting of federal contributions and program accreditation.
Question 3:
Do you meet the requirements for admission?
Great! Then you can start your aviation studies.
- If you do not have a qualification at upper secondary level, there are still ways: even as an adult, it is possible to obtain the Federal Certificate of Competence (EFZ) or a general qualification at upper secondary level. You can find out more about catch-up training for adults in ourGuide "The Swiss education system at a glance"
- If you have a federally recognized apprenticeship qualification without a vocational baccalaureate, you can catch up on the vocational baccalaureate. Many of the cantonal vocational baccalaureate schools offer special BM2 courses for qualified professionals, which last approx. 4 semesters (part-time) or 2 semesters (full-time).Hereyou will find an overview of the cantonal websites. You also have the opportunity to take the Federal Vocational Baccalaureate examination after individual preparation. You can find more informationhere.
Please also take a look at our self-tests:- You catch up on the vocational baccalaureate:Vocational baccalaureate self-test
- You catch up on the gymnasiale Matura:Matura schools for adults Self-test
- If you are not sure whether your professional experience will be recognized as work experience for the UAS degree course, clarify your chances directly with the UAS of your choice.
- If you have little or no professional experience, you have the following options:
- Look for a relevant job to gain experience.Hereyou will find helpful information.
- If you know someone from your private or professional environment who works in the relevant field, ask this person for tips and whether he/she would support you in your job search. He/she will certainly have the relevant contacts and connections.
- If you do not have a qualification at upper secondary level, there are still ways: even as an adult, it is possible to obtain the Federal Certificate of Competence (EFZ) or a general qualification at upper secondary level. You can find out more about catch-up training for adults in ourGuide "The Swiss education system at a glance"
- If you have a federally recognized apprenticeship qualification without a vocational baccalaureate, you can catch up on the vocational baccalaureate. Many of the cantonal vocational baccalaureate schools offer special BM2 courses for qualified professionals, which last approx. 4 semesters (part-time) or 2 semesters (full-time).Hereyou will find an overview of the cantonal websites. You also have the opportunity to take the Federal Vocational Baccalaureate examination after individual preparation. You can find more informationhere.
Please also take a look at our self-tests:- You catch up on the vocational baccalaureate:Vocational baccalaureate self-test
- You catch up on the gymnasiale Matura:Matura schools for adults Self-test
- If you are not sure whether your professional experience will be recognized as work experience for the UAS degree course, clarify your chances directly with the UAS of your choice.
- If you have little or no professional experience, you have the following options:
- Look for a relevant job to gain experience.Hereyou will find helpful information.
- If you know someone from your private or professional environment who works in the relevant field, ask this person for tips and whether he/she would support you in your job search. He/she will certainly have the relevant contacts and connections.
Subject matter and content of the course
Each university of applied sciences is free to decide the exact structure of an aviation degree course. There may therefore be differences with regard to the course content and the defined thematic emphasis/focus.
The Bachelor's degree course in Aviation is available in Switzerlandonly at the ZHAW(Zurich University of Applied Sciences). The course is divided into modules with the following topics:
- Subject-specific basisAviation, aviation law, aerodynamics, aviation infrastructure, aircraft systems, risk management, meteorology
- Mathematical and scientific basicsPhysics, Mathematics, Computer Science/IT, Materials Technology
- LanguageEnglish for Aeronautical Communication
- Methods and processesDevelopment processes and quality assurance
- Projects and practical work
After the first year of study, students receive clear feedback on their level of education in the form of an assessment. Passing this assessment is a prerequisite for admission to the main study program. After the basic studies/assessment, students can choose one of three specializations. There is a choice of:
- Operational Engineering
- Technical Engineering
- Airline Transport Pilot (training to become an airline transport pilot takes place separately from the degree course. An aptitude test must be passed)
OneAlternative training optionThe ZHAW offers, for example, a classic mechanical engineering degree with specialization in aviation issues or research projects or a subsequent further education in aviation.
Question 4:
Are you interested in this content, would you like to acquire knowledge in these subject areas?
Great! You can look forward to exciting and instructive hours in which you will broaden your knowledge horizon and skills - aspects that are in demand on the job market and increase your career and salary opportunities.
If you are only partially interested in the content of the Aviation UAS course, don't throw your arms up in the air straight away. As the course content varies from university of applied sciences to university of applied sciences, it is best to compare the course content of the different providers. There may be a course that suits you after all.
Or take a look at other fields of study in related areas, such as:
Obviously the typical course content on the way to a bachelor's degree in aviation at a university of applied sciences is not your cup of tea. Take a look at other training or further education programs instead. OnEducation-Further-Education.chyou will find a wide range of options.
Costs and financing of further training
The costs vary depending on the provider, training location and training model. In general, the following costs can be expected for the 6 to 8 semester aviation course:
- Course feesCourse fees: between CHF 700 and CHF 900 per semester for Swiss residents. Students from abroad must expect higher course fees.
- Application/registration feebetween CHF 200.- and 300.-
- Examination fees(per semester): are normally included in the course fees
- Additional costsSome providers charge extra costs for teaching materials, training documents, copies/printouts, student ID/campus card, etc.
Question 5:
Are you able to pay CHF 700 to CHF 900 per semester?
Great! Here's another tip: If you are able to pay the full amount in advance, ask the school of your choice whether they offer a special discount for full payment in advance.
Information on financial support options from the employer, federal government, cantons, foundations or through loans from the Education Promotion FoundationEducaSwissand the procedure for this can be found in ourGuide "How to finance your further training properly"
Information and help on budget planning and budget preparation can be foundhere.
- Most schools allow you to pay your tuition fees in installments. The schools usually charge a small surcharge for paying in installments.
- Information on financial support options from the employer, federal government, cantons, foundations or through loans from the Education Promotion FoundationEducaSwissand the procedure for this can be found in ourGuide "How to finance your further training properly"
- Information on the awarding of scholarships can be foundhere.
(Note: The scholarship office in your canton of residence is responsible for awarding scholarships). - Information and help on budget planning and budget preparation can be foundhere.
- And if none of these tips help you, you should find out about other degree programs (in related fields) that can be completed while working (or with a higher workload). Here is a list to inspire you.
- First take a closer look at the schools you are considering and clarify what costs you would actually have to expect and inquire about the possibility of paying in installments.
- Information on financial support options from the employer, federal government, cantons, foundations or through loans from the Education Promotion FoundationEducaSwissand the procedure for this can be found in ourGuide "How to finance your further training properly".
- You can obtain information about scholarship opportunitieshere.
- Information and help on budget planning and budget preparation can be foundhere.
- And if none of these tips help you, you should find out about other degree programs (in related fields) that can be completed while working (or with a higher workload). Here is a list to inspire you.
Duration of study, number of lessons, training model and learning effort
- Duration of studies and training modelThe Bachelor's degree in Aviation at university level has a modular structure and lasts 6 semesters in the full-time model or 8 semesters in the practice-integrated / part-time model.
- Number of lessonsStudy achievements are expressed in so-called ECTS points (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System Points), a kind of tool for the standardized study structure of Bachelor's and Master's degree courses at universities. As a rule, 180 ECTS points are required for a Bachelor's degree, which corresponds to 4,500-5,400 hours of work. (One ECTS point corresponds to a student workload of 25 to 30 working hours). This includes all study units such as lectures, tutorials, exercises, coursework, semester examinations, etc.
- Teaching formatTeaching is mainly carried out in lectures, group lessons, exercises and laboratory practicals. In addition to traditional classroom teaching, many universities of applied sciences now also offer online courses and forms of learning.
- Learning effort: You should allow sufficient time for preparation and follow-up of the lessons as well as for self-study - how much depends on your previous knowledge, working style, learning speed and chosen training model.
Question 6:
Can you find the time to study?
Great!
Tip for self-study: Set yourself realistic daily or weekly targets and think about a small reward when you have achieved them. A good study strategy not only motivates you, but also protects you from chaotic, stressful study days and nights shortly before the exam.
If you do not have enough time, look for schools where you can extend your studies by individual arrangement. This would allow you to spread your studies over a longer period of time.
If you still don't have enough time, check whether you can create space for yourself elsewhere. Perhaps someone close to you can take on certain tasks for you for the duration of your training.
Degree, diploma and title
The modules of an Aviation Studies UAS at Bachelor level all conclude with a performance assessment. These qualifications take place throughout the course. These can be semester or module examinations, project or seminar work, presentations, discussions and case studies.
The Bachelor's degree in Aviation at a university of applied sciences is completed with a Bachelor's thesis, often in the form of a project.
In this part of the qualification procedure, the respective universities of applied sciences are also responsible for carrying out the performance assessments of modules.
At some schools, for example, the Bachelor's thesis is planned to be written after the subject lessons in the last semester, while at others it is possible to write it during the subject lessons. There are universities of applied sciences where the written Bachelor's thesis must also be presented orally.
In the Bachelor's thesis, students have the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge, skills and creative, interdisciplinary, networked and practical thinking. They write their thesis in individual or group work on a topic relevant to aviation.
Diploma and title
Graduates of the Aviation Bachelor's degree program receive a Bachelor's degree from a federally accredited university of applied sciences and are entitled to use the title "Bachelor of Science [FH] in Aviation with specialization in Operational Engineering or Technical Engineering".
Question 7:
Do you have the confidence to pass the assessment and the Bachelor's examination?
Great!
Here are some general success factors on the way to a new training qualification:
- Regular attendance of lessons
- Actively contribute your questions, don't leave anything half-understood in the room
- Interest in the topic and active participation in class
- Detailed preparation and follow-up of the lesson material at home
- Committed cooperation in group work, processing of case studies, etc.
- Participation in learning groups for regular exchange
- Intensive exam preparation: practise exam situations and gain important exam experience, e.g. with old exams.
Tip:Hereyou will find helpful information on the question: "Studying - and then?"
- If you are unsure because you are coming from a completely different background or have not been entirely successful with math and science subjects so far, find out about the possibilities of a preliminary math course.
- We also recommend that you attend an information event on this course.
- Arrange a personal consultation appointment with the school of your choice. Explain your interest and your concerns and see how your counterpart reacts to which points and what they recommend.
- Ask the school management about support options. Also consider whether you would like other support, such as coaching or autogenic/mental training. You can find suitable providers here:
Here are some general success factors on the way to a new training qualification:
- Regular attendance of lessons
- Actively contribute your questions, don't leave anything half-understood in the room
- Interest in the topic and active participation in class
- Detailed preparation and follow-up of the lesson material at home
- Committed cooperation in group work, processing of case studies, etc.
- Participation in learning groups for regular exchange
- Intensive exam preparation: practise exam situations and gain important exam experience, e.g. with old exams.
Tip: Hereyou will find helpful information on the question: "Studying - and then?"
- If you are not at all confident about passing the final exam but would like to complete the course, it is best to arrange a personal consultation with the school of your choice. Explain your interest and your concerns and see how your counterpart reacts to which points and what they recommend.
- Ask the school of your choice whether there are any support options for you.
- Also consider whether you would like other support, such as coaching or autogenic/mental training. You can find suitable providers here:
No, the FH Aviation course with a Bachelor's degree is not for you. What a pity? - Perhaps not, because there are so many other options for further education. One or the other will certainly suit you much better.
Check which other training or further education courses are suitable for you. OnEducation-Further-Education.chyou will find a large selection of offers.
Studying aviation at a university of applied sciences with a Bachelor's degree is probably not the right educational goal for you.
Are you surprised or disappointed? Perhaps take the test again and see where your ideas or possibilities deviate from the ideal career. Perhaps this will point you in the direction of more suitable training or further education.
Then see what other training or further education courses interest you. ToEducation-Further-Education.chyou will find a large selection of offers.
That's a half-hearted result: working as an aviation engineer with a Bachelor's degree doesn't seem ideal for you. Or is it perhaps the form of training that doesn't suit you or doesn't fit well in organizational terms?
See which other training or further education courses are suitable for you. OnEducation-Further-Education.chyou will find a large selection of offers.
Studying aviation is not ideal for you - or is it?
If you are unsure, it is best to attend the information events organized by the providers. There you will learn a lot more about the course and can discuss your personal options and questions directly with the subject representatives present.
Directly to the schools:
This training seems to suit you.
As a next step, we recommend that you attend an information event at suitable schools and obtain details of the exact costs and dates.
Directly to the schools:
This "Aviation Studies" course seems to be made for you!
The best thing to do now is to attend information events at the schools you are interested in and find out everything you need to know about the specific content, costs and dates.
Directly to the schools:
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