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Sustainable Transformation

Would you like to promote sustainability? In our MAS Sustainable Transformation programme, you can combine your individual skills development with practical relevance.

The Master of Advanced Studies (MAS) in Sustainable Transformation is aimed at professionals from various industries who want to further their education and get involved in the sustainable development of the environment, society and the economy. Is sustainability on your agenda? Then this part-time MAS is your next career step: 

  • You will understand sustainability concepts such as circular economy, sustainable development goals and corporate social responsibility, and implement them in your organisation.
  • You will choose one of five possible specialisations to suit your particular work context: business management, strategy and innovation, construction and urban development, society and culture, food systems or technology.
  • You successfully implement interdisciplinary concepts in the private or public sector. In this way, you make a targeted contribution to social change.
  • You organise the time horizon of your studies individually (2.5 to 8 years including the Master's thesis).
Arrange a consultation with Marie Peskova

Strategic advantage

MAS in Sustainable Transformation: A strategic advantage for the future of companies – Article published at Sustainable Switzerland NZZ (in German)
 

Factsheet

  • Degree/Certificate Master of Advanced Studies (MAS)
  • Duration max. 8 years
  • Schedule Depending on chosen CAS
  • Application deadline Depending on chosen CAS
  • ECTS credits 60 ECTS-Credits
  • Costs CHF 34,000
  • Teaching language German
  • Location Depending on chosen CAS
  • School Business School
  • Next session Depending on chosen CAS

Contact

Downloads (in German) and link

Content + Structure

Portrait

Become a sustainability expert in your field of work: our MAS in Sustainable Transformation provides you with in-depth knowledge and practical skills. You will develop sustainable strategies and implement them innovatively in your area of responsibility. Help shape decisions and make a significant contribution to the sustainable transformation of the economy and society.

Your individually chosen specialisation and a practical approach, our Master's programme offers the perfect platform to advance your career as a sustainability expert.

Learning Objectives

The MAS Sustainable Transformation promotes your professional, methodological and personal skills.

  • You will learn about the social, legal, technological and economic requirements of sustainable transformation.
  • You will be able to design and manage sustainability projects and implement them in a specialist discipline.
  • You will draw up a transformation plan that reviews existing values and practices with a view to applying a sustainable approach. The plan takes into account operational and circular implementation.
  • You will master methods for integrating sustainability into your everyday working life. In this way, you will actively contribute to a sustainable and responsible society.
  • You will be able to guide those around you on how to solve current social, ecological and economic challenges. Problems will be dealt with in a well-founded manner, promoting networked thinking and goal-oriented action.

The MAS Sustainable Transformation is modular in structure and allows you to focus on specific areas.

  • Ideally, you should start with the CAS Nachhaltigkeit und Gesellschaft im Wandel (Sustainability and Society in Transition), as this provides general basic knowledge.
  • You then choose one of three compulsory CAS to deepen your knowledge of a specific area of sustainability.
  • You then select two compulsory-elective CAS according to your personal continuing education needs and thus choose one of five specialisations (see below) .
  • Finally, you will write a Master's thesis. You will work on this step by step throughout your studies. We will support you with reflection and review meetings. 

Colloquium and Master's thesis (12 ECTS credits)

The topic of the Master's thesis involves a real-life application of sustainable transformation. You will choose a topic that matches your chosen specialisation and profile. The BFH Business School will take care of the organisation. We are happy to answer any questions you may have.

From the second semester onwards, participation in the colloquium and reflection sessions (online meetings once per semester) is mandatory for admission to the MAS module. The content is linked to the Master's thesis and offers students the opportunity to discuss and reflect on their own practical projects and experiences.

Grafik MAS

Recognition of previous course work

Have you already completed a CAS which matches this programme? We will be happy to check which credits can be recognised towards the EMBA/MAS.

Master's thesis

You complete the EMBA or MAS programme with a Master's thesis.

Specialisations

Most of the CAS websites are available in German only, therefore the links will guide you to the German website of each CAS. 

Would you like to develop strategic skills in sustainable management, circular economy, innovation and sustainability controlling? In this specialisation, you will further expand your management expertise.

Typical participants include managing directors, controllers, specialists in purchasing, production and procurement. Or specialists and managers, for example in consulting, project management or board of directors functions.

Compulsory CAS

Compulsory-elective CAS

Elective CAS

Most of the CAS websites are available in German only, therefore the links will guide you to the German website of each CAS. 

Would you like to develop and implement innovative, sustainable solutions in the construction industry? In this specialisation, you will focus on sustainable construction or urban planning.

Typical participants include construction consultants, architects, wood technology engineers and urban development specialists.

Compulsory CAS

Compulsory-elective CAS

Elective CAS

* under development

Most of the CAS websites are available in German only, therefore the links will guide you to the German website of each CAS. 

Would you like to develop and implement sustainable food systems? This specialisation focuses on sustainable food production and technology, agronomy and nutritional science.

Typical participants include food production specialists, food technologists, nutritionists and agronomists.

Compulsory CAS

Compulsory-elective CAS

Elective CAS

* under development

Most of the CAS websites are available in German only, therefore the links will guide you to the German website of each CAS. 

Would you like to become an expert in social sustainability and help shape a sustainable society that values inclusion and social and cultural sustainability? This specialisation focuses on social sustainability, sustainable design, art/culture and the sports sector.

Typical participants include designers and professionals in the arts, culture, social services and sports sectors.

Compulsory CAS

Compulsory-elective CAS

Elective CAS

* under development

Are you technically savvy and interested in developing and implementing sustainable solutions that minimise environmental impact and increase efficiency? This specialisation focuses on sustainable energy systems or sustainable information technology (green IT/CDR).

Typical participants include computer scientists, project managers and energy systems specialists.

Compulsory CAS

Compulsory-elective CAS

Elective CAS

Specialisations

Most of the CAS websites are available in German only. Therefore the links will take you to the German website of each CAS. 

Would you like to develop strategic skills in sustainable management, circular economy, innovation and sustainability controlling? In this specialisation, you will further expand your management expertise.

Typical participants include managing directors, controllers, specialists in purchasing, production and procurement. Or specialists and managers, for example in consulting, project management or board of directors functions.

Compulsory CAS

Compulsory-elective CAS

Elective CAS

Would you like to develop and implement innovative, sustainable solutions in the construction industry? In this specialisation, you will focus on sustainable construction or urban planning.

Typical participants include construction consultants, architects, wood technology engineers and urban development specialists.

Compulsory CAS

Compulsory-elective CAS

Elective CAS

* under development

Would you like to develop and implement sustainable food systems? This specialisation focuses on sustainable food production and technology, agronomy and nutritional science.

Typical participants include food production specialists, food technologists, nutritionists and agronomists.

Compulsory CAS

Compulsory-elective CAS

Elective CAS

* under development

Would you like to become an expert in social sustainability and help shape a sustainable society that values inclusion and social and cultural sustainability? This specialisation focuses on social sustainability, sustainable design, art/culture and the sports sector.

Typical participants include designers and professionals in the arts, culture, social services and sports sectors.

Compulsory CAS

Compulsory-elective CAS

Elective CAS

* under development

Are you technically savvy and interested in developing and implementing sustainable solutions that minimise environmental impact and increase efficiency? This specialisation focuses on sustainable energy systems or sustainable information technology (green IT/CDR).

Typical participants include computer scientists, project managers and energy systems specialists.

Compulsory CAS

Compulsory-elective CAS

Elective CAS

Adults learn differently. That is why the continuing education at the BFH Business school is committed to modern adult education. Our mission with «brain, heart and hand» is an important principle in the design of our offers. Questions in the lessons are based on the participants' professional and practical life experiences. 

It is the mix of contact study and phases for self-study, analogue learning environment as well as digital tools that makes all the difference.

We work with Microsoft Teams in the CAS and in some courses and SAS-programmes. You have access to documents, messages and information and use the chat function within your class.

Continuing Education at the Business School (PDF, 154 KB)
  • You can find information on the proof of competence for each CAS on the respective website.
  • During or towards the end of the last CAS, you register for the Master thesis module with the EMBA study organisation. 
  • Information and conditions regarding the Master's thesis and the Master's thesis module.

The BFH Business School will take care of organising your master's thesis. Do you have any questions? We are happy to help.

Requirements + Admission

The MAS Sustainable Transformation programme is aimed at experts and managers who work in private companies, public administration, NGOs/NPOs or other types of organisations and would like to further their education in sustainability.

Typical participants include:

  • Managers and employees in private companies, public administration or NGOs/NPOs
  • Experts in the consulting industry with a focus on sustainable transformation
  • Specialists in architecture, engineering and other technical sectors
  • Specialists in environmental and agricultural sciences
  • Experts from various industries such as food technology, nutrition, design, art, sport, IT and social work

University degree

You will be admitted to the programme with a degree from a university, university of applied sciences, university of teacher education, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, or an equivalent foreign university and at least two years of professional experience.

Higher vocational training

If you have a qualification from a higher vocational education institution (Diploma Höhere Fachschule HF, Federal Diploma, Federal Certificate of Proficiency) and several years of professional experience, you will also be admitted to the programme. However, you will be required to attend our «Introduction to Academic Writing course» before starting the CAS. Completion of this module is a prerequisite for admission to the CAS.

Exceptions

The Head of the Degree Programme or of the CAS will decide on admission based on a portfolio analysis and assessment of your current situation. Please contact us. If you are admitted, you must attend the course ‘Introduction to Academic Writing’ before the first CAS.

Good to know

Specific admission requirements apply to the individual CAS. The language of instruction and compulsory literature is generally German. Individual texts may be provided in English.

Master of Advanced Studies (MAS) of the Bern University of Applied Sciences with specialisation in «Sustainable Transformation» (60 ECTS credits).

Organisation + Application

At first you register for the MAS. Then you register for one or more CAS (depending on dates etc.) via our portal. Good planning is important: For the Master's thesis, you should register directly with the study organisation by e-mail during or towards the end of your last CAS. Expect your EMBA to take an average of 2.5 years. The maximum duration of the programme is 8 years. If you require support regarding planning, finding a topic or selecting supervisors for your Master’s thesis, the Head of the Degree Programme will be happy to provide you with the necessary support.

Please register for the Master's programme in Sustainable Transformation first. Then register for the CAS courses.

Registration via our portal

You will need a Switch edu-ID to register. Please upload the following documents, even if you have already submitted them with another application:

  • Diplomas 

  • Curriculum Vitae 

  • Passport-sized photo (in JPG format)

Organisational Information

Your MAS programme starts with the first CAS. However, please register for the entire MAS programme in advance or at the same time. The Head of the Degree programme will then contact you.

Registration deadlines, dates, teaching days, etc. can be found on the programme pages. We combine face-to-face and guided distance learning in an appropriate and relevant form. 

Certain CAS are only held once a year. The number of participants in the individual CAS programmes is limited. We recommend that you arrange a consultation interview and register early.

For the Master's thesis module, please register directly with the study organisation during or towards the end of the final CAS. Please note the teaching dates for the Master's sis module. The module starts at the beginning of May and the beginning of November.

The total cost of the MAS Sustainable Transformation programme is CHF 34,000.

The continuing education regulations of the Bern University of Applied Sciences and the implementation regulations for the continuing education regulations apply. The right to make changes is reserved. In case of doubt, the wording of the legal provisions and regulations shall prevail.

Continuing Education Regulations of Bern University of Applied Sciences (WBR) (PDF, 133 KB)
Implementation Provisions for the Continuing Education Regulations WBR in the Business School (PDF, 81 KB)
Implementation Provisions for the Continuing Education Regulations (PDF, 77 KB)
Framework Study Regulations at Bern University of Applied Sciences (PDF, 127 KB)
Regulations on Scientific Integrity at Bern University of Applied Sciences (WissIR) (PDF, 140 KB)
Legal foundations

In addition, the continuing education regulations of the respective department offering the CAS apply.

Consultation + Information Events

In our FAQ you will find answers to many questions about the administration and organisation of our continuing education programme. 

Study Consultation

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us.

Head of the Degree Programme

Study Organisation

Information events in German

In addition to the online information events of BFH Business school, we naturally offer you our personal counsellingconsultation service. By telephone or online via MS Teams. Contact us via e-mail weiterbildung.wirtschaft@bfh.ch or telephone 031 848 34 02

Location + Infrastructure

Locations according to the chosen CAS.