The SBA recommends that its member banks get their employees to study for the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration majoring in Banking & Finance at one of the following recognised universities of applied sciences, which are recognised in accordance with this recommendation (PDF in German) and meet the criteria set out therein:
- Hochschule Luzern HSLU-Wirtschaft bzw. deren Institut für Finanzdienstleistungen IFZ in Zug
- Zürcher Hochschule für angewandte Wissenschaften ZHAW bzw. deren School of Management
- HWZ Hochschule für Wirtschaft Zürich
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PhD, doctorate
A doctorate is generally awarded upon successful completion of a doctorate degree course at a university. A thesis setting out new research or insights is required.
Doctorates usually take three to four years. A Master's degree is generally a prerequisite of admission to a doctorate course.
The Swiss Finance Institute coordinates efforts in respect of the Swiss universities' banking and finance-related PhD programmes.
More information can be found at www.swissfinanceinstitute.ch.
Courses of further education
There is a very broad spectrum of courses available for practice-oriented further education and training in the fields of banking and finance.
At university level, postgraduate courses and programmes are split into three categories: Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS), Diploma of Advanced Studies (DAS) and Master of Advanced Studies (MAS). The CAS programmes replace the postgraduate courses, while the MAS programmes replace the majority of the former postgraduate programs. The DAS category is new. A Master of Advanced Studies is awarded at the end of MAS courses, a Diploma of Advanced Studies for DAS courses, and a Certificate of Advanced Studies for CAS courses.
Outside the university area, there are also various further education courses that are relevant to banking and finance. These include specialist examination courses, higher professional examination courses, international certificates from associations etc.
More information and links can be found under Further Education.
University – Master's degree
The key subjects for banks and financial institutions are economics and law, but scientific subjects such as mathematics and IT are also important.
Swiss universities classify their courses according to the Bologna Declaration on Bachelor's and Master's degrees.
A Bachelor's degree is required before students can embark on Master's degree courses. Master's courses last one to two years, and Master's degrees are awarded when the course is completed successfully.
More information and links can be found under www.crus.ch
University of applied sciences – Master's degree
According to the federal law of 1995, universities of applied sciences are educational institutions offering courses which build on basic vocational training. Practice-oriented diploma courses at two levels (Bachelor's and Master's) prepare students for jobs which require specialist knowledge and methodologies.
Master's degree courses allow students to acquire more in-depth, specialist knowledge. A minimum course of study of 18 months is required. A Bachelor's degree or equivalent is required before students can be admitted to Master's courses from universities of applied sciences.
Economy / Business Administration and Banking + Finance are particularly significant for banks.
More information and links can be found under Universities of Applied Sciences.University – Bachelor's degree
The key subjects for banks and financial institutions are economics and law, but scientific subjects such as mathematics and IT are also important. The first degree is usually a Bachelor's degree, which can lead to a Master's or PhD course.
Swiss universities classify their courses according to the Bologna Declaration on Bachelor's and Master's degrees. Bachelor's degrees can be awarded after a total of three years. A Bachelor's degree represents an initial basis in a subject and is a prerequisite for going on to specialise further in a Master's degree course. A Bachelor's degree should, however, also be regarded as a first degree that functions as a "stepping stone" into professional working life.
More information and links can be found under www.crus.ch
University of applied sciences – Bachelor's degree
According to the federal law of 1995, universities of applied sciences are educational institutions offering courses which build on basic vocational training. Practice-oriented diploma courses at two levels (Bachelor's and Master's) prepare students for jobs which require specialist knowledge and methodologies.
The legislation governing universities of applied sciences stipulates that Bachelor's degree courses generally qualify graduates for their respective professions and replace the former university of applied sciences diploma. A Bachelor's degree is awarded after a minimum of three years (four when the degree course is completed in conjunction with work).
Business Administration with specialisation in Banking + Finance is particularly significant for banks.
More information and links can be found under Universities of Applied Sciences.
HFBF
The higher specialist course in Banking and Finance HFBF is a practice-oriented course of study. The course lasts three years (carried out in conjunction with work) and results in the federal diploma "Diploma in Banking and Finance HF". Students acquire the skills necessary to work independently as specialists and managers in their chosen field. The course builds on the knowledge gained through completion of a course of basic commercial training for banks or equivalent.
More information and links can be found under HFBF.
