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Continuing Education

Continuing education at Swiss higher education institutions distinguishes three dimensions: 

  • Deepening the competences acquired during the degree programme (upskilling);
  • Acquisition of new competences (reskilling);
  • Broadening the competences acquired during the degree programme (cross-skilling).

Descriptor

The following descriptor applies to MAS programmes (scope: at least 60 ECTS credits). In a reduced form, these learning outcomes also apply to DAS and CAS.

Continuing education qualifications are awarded to individuals who …

Knowledge and Understanding

… possess specialized or multidisciplinarily knowledge and understanding at a higher-education level, typically building on knowledge acquired in a first, already completed higher-education degree and on their own professional experience, and are oriented towards current research findings and methods as well as the current and future requirements of professional practice.

Application of Knowledge and Understanding

… are able to develop innovative solutions to complex problems, apply them effectively in their professional fields, and evaluate the outcomes.

… understand the broader context of their professional and societal actions, take into account the prevailing cultures within their fields of practice, and have developed a professional identity that enables them to approach their responsibilities with commitment and accountability.

Decision-Making

…are able to analyse, assess and justify complex issues in new and unfamiliar contexts.

… are capable of making demanding, sustainable, and ethically responsible decisions, and of taking leadership responsibilities in the analysis, systematization, and resolution of complex problems.

Communication Skills

… are able to clearly and unambiguously outline complex issues, assessments, and scientifically grounded solutions, along with their consequences, to all stakeholders; take into account alternative arguments; develop, justify and negotiate alternative solutions.
 

Ability to Learn Independently

… are able to navigate their fields of knowledge and professional practice, and are able to independently engage, evaluate and integrate the relevant knowledge and skills.

… are able to address change processes and needs of the future.

… are able to define their own learning objectives, further develop their competences in both scientific and practical contexts, and transfer what they have learned to other situations.

Formal aspects

The formal aspects, such as admission requirements, scope and duration, and the awarded qualifications (titles) of continuing education programmes, are regulated by the Ordinance of the Swiss Higher Education Council on the Coordination of Teaching at Swiss Higher Education Institutions and by the guidelines of swissuniversities for continuing education at Swiss higher education institutions.

Scope and duration

Ordinance on the Coordination of Teaching at Swiss Higher Education Institutions

Art. 5: Structure of the Continuing Education Offerings

Admission

Guidelines for continuing education at higher education institutions

Section 1: Positioning

Title

Ordinance on the Coordination of Teaching at Swiss Higher Education Institutions

Art. 5: Structure of the Continuing Education Offerings

Guidelines for continuing education at higher education institutions

Section 1: Positioning