User:Keye Umber/Fernfachhochschule Schweiz

Translated from Fernfachhochschule Schweiz (German Wikipedia)

Swiss Distance University of Applied Sciences

Fernfachhochschule Schweiz (FFHS)
Type	Foundation
Established	2 March 1998
Rector	Michael Zurwerra
Academic staff	500 part-time professors
Administrative staff	650
Students	2,900 (2021)
Location	Brig (Headquarters), Zurich, Bern, Basel
Website	www.ffhs.ch

The Swiss Distance University of Applied Sciences (Fernfachhochschule Schweiz, FFHS) is a federally recognized University of Applied Sciences, headquartered in Brig. Founded in 1998, it offers part-time bachelor’s and master’s programs, as well as continuing education, in the fields of business/management, computer science/e-business, engineering, law, psychology, health, and didactics/e-learning.

University

With approval from the Federal Council to establish and operate a department of a Swiss university of applied sciences, the university was founded on March 2, 1998. Shortly thereafter, it was recognized by the Canton of Valais, and the first diploma and postgraduate programs were launched, which were recognized by the Swiss Federal University of Applied Sciences Commission in 2003.

Since September 24, 2004, FFHS has been an officially approved department of the University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland (SUPSI). FFHS operates largely independently and, in addition to its headquarters in Brig, maintains locations in Basel, Bern, and Zurich. In 2013, the Swiss Distance University of Applied Sciences transformed from an association into a foundation.

Since 2017, FFHS has held a UNESCO Chair for personalized and adaptive distance education.

In 2021, FFHS received institutional accreditation and moved to its new campus, Gleisarena Zurich, directly at Zurich's main train station.

Educational programs

The educational offerings include the following part-time degree programs:

Bachelor of Science (BSc):

• BSc in Computer Science
• BSc in Cyber Security
• BSc in Business Administration
• BSc in Business Administration with a focus on Sports Management
• BSc in Business Information Systems
• BSc in Industrial Engineering
• BSc in Nutrition and Dietetics
• BSc in Nutrition and Health

Master of Science (MSc):

• MSc in Business Administration
• MSc in Business Information Systems

Master of Advanced Studies (MAS):

• MAS Work 4.0
• MAS Business Law
• MAS Business and IT Consulting
• MAS Data Science
• MAS Digital Education
• MAS Health Promotion
• MAS Industry 4.0
• MAS Web for Business
• MAS Business Psychology

As the first university of applied sciences in Switzerland, FFHS has been offering the practice-integrated bachelor's program (PiBS) in computer science since autumn 2015, which combines professional practice in a company with a recognized bachelor’s degree.

Teaching methods

FFHS uses the distance learning method and decided in 2000 to implement a blended learning concept. During the structured and largely guided self-study phase, which constitutes about 80% of the entire program (depending on the course), students acquire subject-specific and methodological skills at their own pace. This high proportion of self-study is intended to foster self-competence.

Self-study

In self-study, students independently work toward their milestone goals according to a prescribed study plan on the online learning platform MOODLE. They remain virtually connected with their instructors and fellow students and receive answers to any open questions. Various forms of e-learning technologies, such as online tests, forums, and multimedia, facilitate efficient learning until the next class meeting.

In-person instruction

On average, students meet for in-person instruction twice a month on Saturdays, depending on their place of residence, at the campuses in Zurich, Bern, Basel, or Brig. More and more programs also offer online classes, where students can interact in a virtual classroom. In small study groups, the knowledge and skills acquired during independent study are deepened and applied under the guidance of the instructors. Practical case studies, simulations, and action-oriented training are conducted together. Social skills are trained through presentations, discussions, and role-playing.

See also

• List of universities in Switzerland