What does the program entail?
The curriculum covers all essential topics in computer science as well as their interdisciplinary application in areas such as business and media.
The computer science education includes...
- Computer science with a focus on software engineering
- Theoretical foundations and mathematics
- Computer science and society
- English and intercultural communication
The specialization in Design and Management includes...
- Design with a focus on user interface and interaction design
- Design theory and processes, information visualization
- Management with a focus on project management, marketing, and product management
- Presentation skills
Most modules in the iCompetence program are taught by faculty from one of the four Institutes of the School of Computer Science: Institute for Data Science, Institute for Interactive Technologies, and Institute for Mobile and Distributed Systems.
The mathematics modules are taught by faculty from the Institute of Mathematics and Natural Sciences from the School of Engineering and Environment. You will attend context modules together with students from the School of Engineering and Environment. These modules are offered by faculty from the Institute of Humanities and Social Sciences from the School of Engineering and environment.
An overview of all modules can be found using this following link:
In your first year, you will develop competencies in core subjects, forming the foundation for your further studies. For this reason, you must complete several basic courses in the first semesters. This part is called the Assessment.
Apart from the Assessment's mandatory basic courses, you can customize your studies picking modules according to your interests. The modules are divided into basic subject knowledge, subject complements, and subject specializations.
The basic subject knowledge is the foundation of your computer science expertise. You can choose the subject complements according to your interests. By completing the subject specializations, you become a specialist in Design & Management.
Another important component of your studies are the projects you implement with industry partners. You will complete a project each semester. The final semester project is at the same time your Bachelor's thesis. Your studies are complemented with context subjects covering society, business, and languages .
At FHNW, you can study while working and combine a 50-60% position with your studies in an optimal way. The part-time program takes eight semesters to complete.
Classes take place on Mondays and Tuesdays, allowing you to focus on your job from Wednesday to Friday. During block modules, which are held one week before and after each semester, you will develop an additional range of competencies.
If you already work in the IT sector, Projects 1 and 2 can be credited toward your degree.
The sample study plan shows what a iCompetence program might look like.
The Assessment in the part-time program takes place over the first three semesters. Afterwards, you set your own focus areas within module groups.
The full-time program takes six semesters to complete. It is not realistic to work while pursuing a full-time degree. If you wish to work alongside your studies, you can either choose the part-time while working model or study part-time.
As a part-time student, you will study together with full-time students but complete fewer modules per semester. With a 40% employment, the part-time program typically takes eight semesters to complete.
The sample study plan shows what a computer science program might look like.
The Assessment in the full-time program takes place over the first two semesters.
