School of Engineering

Curriculum design

Combining theory and practice

The Master of Science in Engineering comprises a total of 90 ECTS points, which is equivalent to a time expenditure totalling 2700 hours. You will earn 30 credits by attending the theory modules. Another 30 ECTS poins are based on practical application of the knowledge acquired at the institutes and centres with which you are affiliated. Passing the Master's thesis will earn you 30 additional credits. The Master of Science in Engineering therefore offers a particularly high level of practical relevance.

Select an institute or centre

Select one of our institutes and centres that offers your chosen profile. Deepen your knowledge through practice-oriented research and development projects, and tailor the programme to your individual interests and career goals.

Overview of MSE profiles and participating institutes and centres: the graphic shows which institutes and centres of the ZHAW School of Engineering are assigned to each profile.

You can also see on the profile pages at which institute or centre you can study.

Full-time curriculum design

Curriculum overview for the full-time programme: central theory modules and practice-oriented specialisation in the first two semesters, Master’s thesis in the third semester.

The full-time curriculum lasts three semesters and comprises 90 ECTS credits. In the first two semesters, students complete central theory modules as well as practice-oriented specialisation modules. These include modules in the areas of Fundamental Theoretical Principles, Technical Scientific Specialisation, Context Modules and Complementary Modules. In addition, students work on one specialisation project in each of the first and second semesters. The third semester is dedicated to the Master’s thesis.

Part-time curriculum design

Curriculum overview for the part-time programme: central theory modules, practice-oriented specialisation and the Master’s thesis are spread over six semesters and combined with part-time employment.

The part-time curriculum lasts six semesters and comprises 90 ECTS credits. It is designed to be combined with part-time employment throughout the programme. In the first two semesters, students complete central theory modules in the areas of Fundamental Theoretical Principles, Technical Scientific Specialisation and Context Modules. In the third and fourth semesters, they complete practice-oriented specialisation modules, including Complementary Modules and one specialisation project per semester. The fifth and sixth semesters are dedicated to the Master’s thesis.

Theory modules

The theoretical training with 30 credits comprises around one third of the Master's degree programme. There is a variety of modules to chose from. 

At least ten modules must be selected from the full range: three FTP-modules (fundamental theoretical principles), five TSM-modules (technical scientific specilisation) and two contextual modules. Selection takes place on the basis of an agreement with your advisor. This results in a study plan optimised to suit your individual study objectives. The planning software MSE-Tools serves as an aid in this process.

Fundamental theoretical principles (FTP)

Foundation modules extend your basic mathematical-scientific knowledge. Depending on the profile and the chosen field of expertise, a model plan of study is recommended. For each field of expertise, three mandatory modules are defined which you must take in all cases. Deviations in the study programme are permitted.

Technical scientific specialisation(TSM)

The modules for the technical focus promote the degree of specialisation. You must take at least five modules. Depending on the profile, the profile commission makes recommendations which facilitate the selection process. The institutes and centres can declare individual modules as mandatory.

Context modules (CM modules)

Contextual modules serve the purpose of interdisciplinary broadening of knowledge. These modules convey important non-technical themes from the fields of management, quality assurance and jurisprudence. You must take at least two of these modules.

Practice-oriented in-depth specialisation

Practice-oriented in-depth specialisation accounts for one third of the course of study. This enables you to acquire targeted practical know-how in an environment characterised by real industrial research and development projects. You will normally work on two projects. In the first, you will act as a team member of a development group. You will be allocated a specific task and expertly supported by lecturers or experienced scientific staff. During the second project, you will be allocated additional conceptual tasks and greater development responsibility.

The supplementary events (EVA), from which you earn at least six credits, are also part of the in-depth specialisation block. EVA events are special theory modules designed to help promote development of your specialism. These modules are always organised by the institute/centre where you are studying. However, you can also take suitable modules offered by other universities.

Overview Complementary Events:

Complementary modules for external MSE students

External MSE students (i.e. students not enrolled at the ZHAW) wishing to attend complementary modules offered by the School of Engineering must have their attendance confirmed by their home university.

Please ask your degree course director or degree course secretariat to confirm your attendance by sending an e-mail to mse.engineering@zhaw.ch.

If you have any questions regarding complementary modules or would like to reserve a spot in one, please contact the School of Engineering’s programme director at mse-pd.engineering@zhaw.ch.

Master's thesis

You will use the Master’s thesis to prove your ability to independently complete a comprehensive piece of work which meets demanding methodological, conceptual, and scientific criteria. You will also be able to present the results in both written and spoken form.

The Master's thesis is carried out as far as possible as a third-party-financed project in collaboration with an industrial partner. Ideally, you will assume the role of a project manager. You will be largely responsible for the conceptual development of the project. Within the scope of the thesis, you will often lead a small team – generally as co-supervisor of a project or Bachelor's thesis – covering some of the subject areas of your Master's project.

Annual schedule

The study programme is geared to the academic calendar, with some adjustment possible due to individual project situations. By contrast, the teaching times and examination sessions are fixed. It is possible to start your studies in either the spring or autumn semester.