Don't build castles in the air - Lay the foundations for a career in the wood industry or the building sector

Success from specification

Design, Management and Technology:  the three clearly defined specialisations in the Bachelor of Architecture are unique in Switzerland. The complete course structure is geared specifically to the individual specialisations and profiles of our students and increases their career prospects.

Building on the Bachelor's degree, the Master of Arts in Architecture provides the other building blocks for a successful career as an architect on the national or international stage.

However, we put the full scope of advanced and further education at the forefront:  we pay particular attention to international exchange programmes which promote intercultural thought and work.  With close cooperation between the subjects architecture, construction and wood we create valuable synergies and promote interdisciplinary training in architecture.

Subject section architecture

Peter Bölsterli is head of the subject section architecture.  Consequently he represents architectural training internally and externally, defines the subject content of the training courses, develops them further and leads discussions on doctrine.

Versatile specialists in construction

The division Bachelor Civil Engineering has a complex course design based on the practical needs of the construction industry: in-depth knowledge of construction engineering, civil engineering and conversion and maintenance of complex infrastructures are included in the course, as well as preparation for demanding planning and management tasks.

From Autumn 2008 you can expand your CV with a Master of Science in geo-engineering. The Master's program is a collaboration with the University of Bern.  The new range of courses available is unique not only in Switzerland but throughout Central Europe.  The aim is to train highly qualified engineers and scientists for management posts geared to engineering in geo-engineering.

Wood Biel – the national and international squad trainers in the wood industry

The wood engineering course at Biel which has been in great demand for 20 years covers all the processes and applications involving the use of wood, wood-composite and combined materials.  Our graduate engineers are highly thought of, designing and developing wooden buildings, furniture and spaces.

The division Bachelor Wood is the only educational establishment in Switzerland to train wood engineers.  Working closely with companies in the wood industry we are very closely orientated towards the current needs of the wood industry and allied careers.

One innovation is that as of Autumn 2008, Bachelors of Wood Engineering will be able to extend their education to a Master of Engineering in Wood.  This international course was created in cooperation with Rosenheim College of Technology (D).  With the new master's degree course we want to support companies in the wood industry with the most up-to-date practical knowledge.

The Higher Technical Schools HF Wood Biel

The technical courses at the department of Higher Technical Schools HF Wood Biel which are linked to the department train wood technicians for jobs at the medium and top levels once they have completed their education.

Focus on further education/research

Our specialised postgraduate courses and studies ensure that you are right up to date. In a global environment, which is prone to rapid change, it is worth getting to know the changing needs of society.

However we do not just see further education as an important instrument for communicating our expert knowledge.  It is also an important platform for an intensive exchange of knowledge with business.

Using synergies – research for the market

In addition to the curriculum, applied research and development as well as services for third parties are a high priority.  Among our services we test a wide range of products and offer expertise and consultancy nationally and internationally.  We offer our business partners services such as feasibility studies, and product and production optimisation programmes. This makes us an ideal partner for SMEs, large companies and public authorities.

Exchange of knowledge and technology

With practical, advanced educational events we ensure the exchange of knowledge and technology with the wood and construction industry. Our events are authoritative platforms for exchange of information with commerce. These are ideal opportunities for establishing and maintaining contacts.