Program Overview

Master's in Precision Engineering

The Master's in Precision Engineering is a specialized joint master's program from the University of Bern and Bern University of Applied Sciences. This innovative program provides comprehensive knowledge in precision engineering, both in terms of scientific research skills and professional qualification and application. It is offered in two specializations: Ultraprecision Engineering and Optical Engineering.

Program Overview

Graduates of the program are prepared for industry and research positions, as well as entrepreneurship, to perform engineering tasks in an interdisciplinary context and bridge multifarious professional fields. The MSc Precision Engineering accepts applications with a bachelor's degree in a range of scientific fields from a university or university of applied sciences. Successful graduates receive a full Master of Science degree from the University of Bern and Bern University of Applied Sciences, enabling them to pursue further research within a PhD program.

Academic Details

• Degree: Master of Science in Precision Engineering, University of Bern and Bern University of Applied Sciences BFH (MSc PrE)
• Specializations:
  • Ultraprecision Engineering
  • Optical Engineering
• Number of credits: 120 ECTS credits
• Degree programs: Mono 120 ECTS credits
• Combination possibilities: -
• Duration: 4 semesters
• Language: English
• Beginning studies: Fall semester

Legal Basis

The program is based on the following legal documents:

• Studienplan für den spezialisierten Joint Masterstudiengang Precision Engineering an der Philosophischnaturwissenschaftlichen Fakultät der Universität Bern und dem Departement für Technik und Informatik der Berner Fachhochschule vom 9. Dezember 2021 / 17. Dezember 2021 (in Kraft am 1. August 2022)
• Anhang zum geltenden Studienplan
• Reglement für den spezialisierten Joint Masterstudiengang Precision Engineering an der Philosophisch-naturwissenschaftlichen Fakultät der Universität Bern und dem Departement für Technik und Informatik der Berner Fachhochschule (in Kraft am 1. August 2022)

Program Structure

Basic Courses

All students are required to take six basic courses in the first semester to learn new or consolidate established knowledge. These courses add up to 30 ECTS credits.

Advanced Course I & II

During the second and third semesters, students select a specialization for their advanced course: Ultraprecision Engineering or Optical Engineering.

Creative Engineering Lab I & II

Students work in the Creative Engineering Lab I & II during the second and third semesters to expand on their practical skills and knowledge.

Electives I & II

Students choose four electives: three courses from the MSc Precision Engineering and one course from the MSc Biomedical Engineering.

Complementary Skills I & II

Mandatory complementary skills courses are attended during the second and third semesters to acquire additional skills for academia, industry, and entrepreneurship.

Master Thesis

During the fourth semester, students select a topic for their master thesis, which consists of a written paper and a public oral presentation. The thesis timeframe is six months, resulting in 30 ECTS credits, with two supervisors assigned to each master's thesis.

Admission Requirements

The following academic qualifications entitle the holder to admission to a mono degree in Precision Engineering:

• Graduates with a bachelor's degree from a Swiss university or a university of applied sciences in specified branches of studies or fields of studies with a minimum unrounded grade of 5.0 or grade C of the ECTS grading scale.
• Graduates with a bachelor's degree from a Swiss university or a university of applied sciences with a minimum unrounded grade of 4.5 or grade D of the ECTS grading scale in accordance with above-listed branches of studies or fields of studies, who demonstrate study suitability in a standardized interview.

Foreign bachelor's degrees are proven for equivalence by the study committee. If equivalence is not clear from submitted documents, a standardized interview occurs.

Application and Admission

Admission requirements and application deadlines are specified. The application process involves online application, assessment, and steps from application to registration. For further questions, contact the Admissions Office.

After Graduation

Both specializations of the MSc Precision Engineering provide state-of-the-art knowledge and skills in a profession with excellent job prospects in industrial, academic, and entrepreneurial environments. The unique Creative Engineering Lab prepares students to confidently pursue their careers. Through close connections with leading national and international institutions from industry and research, the master's program offers access to a broad network. Successful completion of the MSc Precision Engineering allows participants to continue their education towards a PhD degree.