Self-test computer science course (FH) with Bachelor's degree: Is this course the right one for me?
Are you thinking about studying computer science, training or further education?
Take our free, no-obligation self-test now to see whether a job as a computer scientist UAS is right for you and whether you are on the right path with an IT degree.
What does the day-to-day work of computer scientists FH look like?
Computer scientists FH work as technical experts, managers and project leaders in companies and administrations. They plan, develop and maintain complex information systems, program, install and monitor applications in companies or manage the IT department.
Your tasks in detail are
- Analysis of business and customer needs
- Definition and documentation of specifications
- Development and implementation of software solutions
- Programming
- Definition and installation of user interfaces
- Design of new services and solutions in web engineering, e-business, business engineering or databases, servers and networks
- Management of IT projects
- Responsibility for IT security
- Organization and management of the IT department
(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 a computer scientist 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 Computer Science, 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 not all of the activities appeal to you, think about which ones interest you the most.
Then take a look at the job advertisements. Hardly any jobs ask for all activities equally. You may see job advertisements that only ask for the activities that interest you. Then you are still on the right track with this training.
If you don't like the activities in the description, you might want to look at other courses. You will find a large selection on Ausbildung-Weiterbildung.ch.
Why don't you also take a look at ourGuide "Finding your own calling"and benefit from helpful information.
Target group and skills: Who is a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science at a university of applied sciences suitable for? What qualities and skills are required?
The Bachelor's degree programs in Computer Science (FH) are aimed at people with a high affinity for computer science who want to be at the forefront of shaping our digital future.
If you are fascinated by mobile apps, databases, networks, etc. and would like to spend a large part of your working time between programming codes and network protocols, algorithms and operating systems, you have the right qualifications. If you also have the ability to think logically and abstractly, an understanding of mathematics, a love of innovation and creativity, you are well suited to IT studies, training and further education.
Question 2:
Do you belong to one of the target groups of this IT degree program and do you have the necessary personal qualities?
Great! Find out in the next step whether you meet the admission requirements to be able to study IT.
- If you do not belong to any of the above-mentioned groups, you cannot apply directly to the UAS degree course in Computer Science. In this case, take a look atthis page hereon. Perhaps you will find a training or further education course here that is aimed at people like you.
- Why not also take a look at our guide "Training and further education Use of PC, tablet & co., ICT certificates and IT professions" or "Training and further education lateral entry into IT"
- If you do not have the necessary personal qualities and skills, you will not be happy in the role of a computer scientist FH. Look out for other further training courses that are better suited to your personal qualities and skills. You can find numerous courses and suitable providers on Ausbildung-Weiterbildung.ch.
- 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 in Computer Science at a university of applied sciences:
Who can study IT is decided independently by the respective universities of applied sciences*.
For admission to the Bachelor's degree program in Computer Science, you must generally meet one of the following requirements:
- Apprenticeship qualification with EFZ in an IT-related technical or craft/technical profession** with a technical or commercial vocational baccalaureate
- Apprenticeship qualification in another technical or craft/industrial/technical profession*** with technical or commercial vocational baccalaureate and preliminary course in programming
- Apprenticeship certificate with EFZ and degree from a higher technical college HF Technik or Wirtschaft
- High school diploma or specialized baccalaureate and at least one year of professional experience/internship in the field of IT
- High school diploma and internship contract with an IT company (this applies to an internship-integrated Bachelor's degree program)
In addition:
- For part-time courses, a minimum of 50% employment in the field of computer science is required.
- 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.
Note:Some universities of applied sciences offer voluntary preliminary courses (e.g. mathematics, programming, physics, languages) to prepare you ideally for your studies.
*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.
**Examples of computer science-related professions: Automation technician, electronics technician, computer scientist, mediamatician
***Examples of other skilled trades and technical professions: Automotive mechatronics technician, chemical and pharmaceutical technologist, printing technologist, building technology planner, design engineer, laboratory technician, mediamatician, polygraphic technician, telematics technician, textile technologist
Question 3:
Do you meet the requirements for admission?
Great! Then you can start studying Computer Science at the FH.
- 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 degree course in Computer Science FH, clarify your chances directly with the university 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 degree course in Computer Science FH, clarify your chances directly with the university 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
In principle, the respective university of applied sciences is free to decide on the structure of a computer science course, training and further education.
There may therefore be differences with regard to the learning content and the defined thematic emphasis/focus.
The degree course in Computer Science consists of basic modules (so-called compulsory modules), specialization subjects, compulsory elective modules and elective modules. The latter allow you to tailor your profile and specialization to your interests.
Typical basic subjects are, for example:
- Programming and software development
- Databases
- Communication technology
- Operating systems
- Algorithms and data structures
- ICT security and data mining
- Mathematics, statistics and probability theory
- Electrical and digital technology
Examples of areas of specialization:
- Cloud computing
- Communication Networks and Services
- Data Science
- DotNet technology and frameworks
- Enterprise Computing
- Information security
- Internet of Things (IoT)
- Artificial intelligence (AI)
- Microcomputer
- Mobile applications
- Visual Computing
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 Computer Science 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.
Obviously, the typical course content on the way to a bachelor's degree in computer science 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 must be expected for the 6-8 semester FH IT degree course:
- Course feesCourse fees: between CHF 700 and CHF 1000 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, locker keys, etc.
Question 5:
Are you able to pay between CHF 700 and CHF 1000 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.
- 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".
- 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.
- 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.
Duration of study, number of lessons, training model and learning effort
- Duration of studies and training modelThe Bachelor's degree in Computer Science at university level has a modular structure and lasts 6 to 8 semesters. It is offered in different time models:
- Full-time: 6 semesters, attendance classes usually Monday-Friday
- Part-time: 8-9 semesters, various time models in the evenings and during the day
- Part-time: at least 8 semesters, various time models, in the evenings and during the day
- Practice-integrated: 8 semesters, the practical part is 40%, the remaining time corresponds to the curriculum of the part-time class
- Distance learning: 9 semesters (20% attendance, 4 evenings or 2 Saturdays per month)
- 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 and exercises/projects. 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
Performance assessments and qualifications take place throughout the course of computer science studies, training and further education. These can be semester or module examinations, project or seminar work, presentations, discussions and case studies. From the first semester onwards, students work in teams on specific tasks from the business world.
Final qualification:
At the end of the IT degree course, students complete a project - usually a computer science project lasting several months - in a specific subject area. The Bachelor's thesis gives students the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge, skills and creative, interdisciplinary, networked and practical thinking.
The respective universities of applied sciences are also responsible for the implementation of this part of the qualification procedure.
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.
Diploma and title
Successful graduates of the Bachelor's degree program receive a Bachelor's degree from a federally accredited university of applied sciences and may use the following recognized and protected title: Bachelor of Science FH in Computer Science
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: Here you 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, for example from coaches 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:Here you 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 Computer Science program with a Bachelor's degree does not suit you. What a pity? - Maybe 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 IT 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.
This is a half-hearted result: working as a computer scientist with a Bachelor's degree does not seem ideal for you. Or is it perhaps the form of training that doesn't suit you or isn't a good organizational fit?
See which other training or further education courses are suitable for you. OnEducation-Further-Education.chyou will find a large selection of offers.
Studying IT at a university of applied sciences with a Bachelor's degree 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 IT course at a university of applied sciences with a Bachelor's degree 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 Bachelor's course to become a "Computer Scientist FH" 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:
Linda, deine Weiterbildungsfinderin