Program Overview

Introduction to the CAS Migration and Education Program

The Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS) in Migration and Education is a program offered by the University of Bern, focusing on the intersection of migration and education. This program is designed for individuals working in the education sector and related fields, aiming to enhance their professional competencies in dealing with migration and education issues.

Program Overview

• Start Date: January 2026
• Duration: January to December
• ECTS Credits: 18
• Frequency: Annual
• Flexible Entry: Yes
• Individual Module Attendance: Yes
• Location: Bern
• Language: German
• Admission Requirements: A university degree or equivalent professional qualification in the education sector or related fields, along with professional experience in these areas. Admission "sur dossier" is possible.

Program Modules

The program consists of six modules, each focusing on a specific aspect of migration and education:

1. Ethics, Human Rights, and Law in Migration and Education Contexts
   • Dates: January 29-31, 2026
   • Credits: 3 ECTS
   • Instructors: Marion Panizzon, Johan Rochel, Jyothi Kanics, Barbara von Rütte
   • This module explores the legal and ethical dimensions of migration, including the right to education and the challenges faced by migrants in accessing education.
2. Communication, Conflict Resolution, Religion/Spirituality, and Identity in the Context of Migration and Education
   • Dates: April 16-18, 2026
   • Credits: 3 ECTS
   • Instructors: Karma Lobsang, Stefan Huber
   • Focuses on interpersonal and interreligious communication, conflict resolution, and the role of religion and spirituality in the context of migration.
3. Migration and School/Educational Trajectories
   • Dates: July 9-11, 2026
   • Credits: 3 ECTS
   • Instructors: Andreas Hadjar, Chantal Kamm
   • Examines the challenges and opportunities faced by migrants in integrating into new education systems and the impact on their educational trajectories.
4. Dealing with Multilingualism and German as a Second Language
   • Dates: August 27-29, 2026
   • Credits: 3 ECTS
   • Instructors: Malgorzata Barras, Karin Madlener-Charpentier
   • Addresses the issues of language acquisition and multilingualism in the context of migration, focusing on German as a second language.
5. Migration in the Context of Family and Educational Institutions
   • Dates: November 5-7, 2026
   • Credits: 3 ECTS
   • Instructors: Beate Schwarz, Andrea Lanfranchi, Radmila Blickenstorfer
   • Explores the impact of migration on family dynamics and the role of educational institutions in supporting migrant families.
6. Certification Work
   • Date: May 2027 (1 day)
   • Credits: 3 ECTS
   • Involves in-depth work on a selected theme related to migration and education, applying theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios.

Program Leadership and Faculty

• The program is led by the Department of School and Teaching Research, Institute of Educational Science, University of Bern.
• Program Leadership:
  • Prof. Dr. Tina Hascher
  • Dr. Karma Lobsang
  • Dr. Boris Mayer
  • PD Dr. Marion Panizzon

Admission Requirements

• A university degree or equivalent professional qualification in the education sector or related fields.
• Professional experience in the education sector or related fields.
• Admission "sur dossier" is possible for individuals without a university degree or professional experience, subject to additional requirements.

Tuition Fees

• The total program cost is CHF 7,500.
• Individual modules can be attended at a cost of CHF 1,500 each, which can be credited towards the full program fee if attended later.

Related Programs

• CAS Migration Law: A program focusing on migration law, offered in German and French, starting in December 2026, with a cost of CHF 10,900.
• CAS Asylum Procedures: A program providing comprehensive training in asylum procedures, offered in German and French, starting in 2026, with a cost of CHF 6,000.