Berner Fachhochschule
Address: Berner Fachhochschule (BFH), CH-3400 Burgdorf, Switzerland
Phone: +41 31 352 92 92
Email: info@bfh.ch
Website: www.bfh.ch
About Berner Fachhochschule
Founded in 1997, the Berner Fachhochschule (Bern University of Applied Sciences) is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the small city of Bern (population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants). This institution also has branch campuses in Biel, Burgdorf, Magglingen and Zollikofen. Officially recognized by the Staatssekretariat für Bildung, Forschung und Innovation, Schweiz (State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation of Switzerland), Berner Fachhochschule (BFH) is a medium-sized (uniRank enrollment range: 6,000-6,999 students) coeducational Swiss higher education institution. Berner Fachhochschule (BFH) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees and master's degrees in several areas of study. See the uniRank degree levels and areas of study table below for further details. International students are welcome to apply for enrollment. BFH also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, as well as administrative services.
Why Berner Fachhochschule
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Strong Focus on Applied Sciences: As a university of applied sciences, BFH emphasizes practical, hands-on education and research. This approach allows students to gain real-world experience through projects, internships, and industry collaboration, which is highly valued by employers.
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Industry Partnerships: The university maintains strong ties with various industries, especially in the fields of technology, engineering, business, and healthcare. This collaboration ensures that students are exposed to the latest industry trends and practices, and it facilitates job placements and networking opportunities.
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Research Excellence: BFH is known for its research in areas such as engineering, technology, health sciences, business, and art and design. The university often works closely with regional businesses and international research institutions to tackle practical challenges.
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International Collaboration and Programs: BFH offers many international exchange opportunities and has partnerships with universities worldwide. This gives students exposure to global perspectives and prepares them for international careers.
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High Employability of Graduates: Due to the university's strong focus on practical skills, graduates of BFH are highly employable. Many find jobs quickly in their respective fields, often with major companies in Switzerland and abroad.
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Diverse Range of Programs: The university offers a wide array of programs at the Bachelor's, Master's, and continuing education levels. These cover a broad range of disciplines, from engineering and business to healthcare and design, catering to a variety of student interests.
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Innovative and Sustainable Solutions: BFH is also recognized for its emphasis on innovation, especially in fields like sustainability, renewable energy, and digital transformation. Its research and education in these areas contribute to the development of new technologies and solutions to global challenges.
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Location: Situated in Bern, the capital of Switzerland, BFH benefits from being in a region known for its high quality of life, excellent public transportation system, and proximity to international organizations, tech companies, and research institutions.
These aspects make Berner Fachhochschule an attractive choice for students and researchers interested in applied sciences, practical education, and a pathway to successful careers.
At Berner Fachhochschule (Bern University of Applied Sciences) in Switzerland, the language requirements for admission depend on the program you are applying for.
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Bachelor's Programs:
- Many Bachelor's programs are taught in German, so proficiency in the German language is required. You would typically need to have a B2 level of German proficiency (according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, CEFR).
- Some Bachelor's programs may also offer courses in English, so proficiency in English (B2 or higher) might be necessary for those programs.
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Master's Programs:
- Master's programs are often offered in English. For these programs, you would need a good command of English. A minimum of a B2 level (CEFR) in English is usually required, although some programs may ask for higher proficiency (C1 level).
- For Master's programs in German, you would need a B2 level of German.
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English Proficiency Tests:
- The university may accept TOEFL or IELTS as proof of English language proficiency. The typical requirement for TOEFL is a score of 80-90 (iBT) and for IELTS, a score of 6.0-6.5.
It is always recommended to check the specific program's language requirements on the official Bern University of Applied Sciences website or contact their admissions office for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Berner Fachhochschule (BFH), or Bern University of Applied Sciences, offers a range of specialized courses in various fields. The university's programs are designed to provide students with a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical skills, which is central to the applied sciences approach. Here are the key course specialities at BFH:
1. Business and Management
- Bachelor’s and Master’s programs in Business Administration, International Management, and Business Information Technology.
- Specializations include Entrepreneurship, Corporate Governance, Finance, and Marketing.
- Focus on real-world business problems, offering students opportunities for internships, practical projects, and strong industry connections.
2. Engineering and Information Technology
- Bachelor’s and Master’s programs in various engineering disciplines, such as Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Automation, and Renewable Energy Engineering.
- The Master’s program in Robotics and Automation provides students with hands-on training in robotic systems and smart technology.
- Specializations in ICT, including Data Science, Software Engineering, and Network Engineering.
3. Health and Social Services
- Programs in Health Sciences and Social Work. These programs focus on areas like health management, nursing, and public health.
- Students can specialize in Healthcare Systems, Health Promotion, and Social Work with vulnerable populations.
- The Master of Advanced Studies (MAS) in Health Management and Social Work offers advanced skills for leadership roles in healthcare and social services.
4. Design and Art
- Bachelor’s and Master’s programs in Product Design, Graphic Design, Interaction Design, and Media Design.
- Specializations include Sustainable Design and Creative Technology, blending design thinking with technological innovation.
- The Design & Art faculty encourages students to develop their artistic talents while considering the practical, industry-relevant applications of their creative work.
5. Applied Sciences and Technology
- Bachelor’s and Master’s programs in applied research fields like Environmental Sciences, Sustainability, Agricultural Science, and Urban Planning.
- Specialization in Sustainable Energy Systems, Water Resources Management, and Environmental Technologies.
- The university also offers programs in Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, focusing on cutting-edge developments in health, medicine, and environmental sustainability.
6. Architecture and Civil Engineering
- Bachelor’s and Master’s programs in Architecture, Civil Engineering, and Urban Planning.
- Specializations in Building Design, Construction Management, and Sustainable Urban Development.
- BFH provides strong industry ties, ensuring that students receive up-to-date knowledge and hands-on experience in construction technology and urban planning.
7. Applied Linguistics and Translation
- Bachelor’s and Master’s programs in Translation and Interpreting and Multilingual Communication.
- Students are trained to become professional translators and interpreters in technical fields, business, and literary translation.
- The program also focuses on cross-cultural communication and the increasing need for multilingual professionals in the global market.
8. Education
- BFH offers programs related to Educational Science, focusing on areas like Adult Education, Educational Leadership, and Curriculum Development.
- Programs also include specializations in learning technologies and e-learning, addressing the evolving landscape of education in the digital age.
9. Media and Communication
- Specializations in Digital Communication, Public Relations, Journalism, and Media Design.
- Courses include Social Media Marketing, Media Strategy, and Content Creation, aimed at developing students' proficiency in the rapidly changing media landscape.
Research Specializations:
- Applied Research at BFH is centered around sustainability, renewable energy, automation, and technological innovation.
- The university encourages interdisciplinary research, with significant focus on areas like robotics, biotechnology, and environmental sciences.
Berner Fachhochschule (BFH) is a university of applied sciences, so its faculty members are typically experts in their respective fields with a focus on practical knowledge, research, and industry collaboration rather than being as internationally recognized as those in more traditional research-focused universities.
While the university doesn't have a widely recognized "top professor" in the same way that institutions like ETH Zurich or University of Zurich might, there are several key faculty members and researchers who stand out in their fields due to their expertise and contributions.
Professors at BFH often specialize in areas such as:
- Engineering and Technology (e.g., electrical, mechanical, and civil engineering)
- Health Sciences (e.g., healthcare technology and clinical research)
- Business and Management (e.g., sustainable business practices and digital transformation)
- Art and Design (e.g., creative technologies and product design)
- Sustainability and Renewable Energy (e.g., environmental technologies and energy systems)
Some of the top faculty members may also be involved in industry projects or collaborate with international researchers, contributing to BFH's reputation for producing highly employable graduates with hands-on, practical knowledge.
To identify the top professors at BFH, you could explore specific departments or research centers on the university’s website or look for professors who have received recognition or awards for their work in their respective fields.
Berner Fachhochschule (BFH) does not have Nobel laureates directly affiliated with it. However, Switzerland as a whole has produced numerous Nobel Prize winners, especially in the fields of chemistry, physics, medicine, and economics, due to its long-standing tradition of excellence in research and innovation.
While BFH is known for its strong research output in applied sciences and practical fields, the Nobel Prize-winning research typically comes from larger, more research-focused institutions like the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zurich) and University of Basel.
That said, BFH’s emphasis on applied research, industry partnerships, and innovation means its faculty and students contribute significantly to global knowledge and advancements in areas such as engineering, health sciences, sustainability, and digital transformation. Although not directly tied to Nobel Prizes, the university’s research and academic contributions play an essential role in Switzerland's reputation as a hub of scientific and technological advancement.