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University of Neuchâtel

Introduction

A stimulating environment of study and research in Switzerland

The University of Neuchatel (UniNE) is an internationally recognised institution as well as a university on a human scale. With 4380 students from Switzerland and beyond (nearly 20% of students from abroad), it provides high quality teaching and support. Bachelor and Master degrees are compatible with most other European universities and are in line with society’s expectations in a variety of innovative and cutting-edge fields.

Halfway between Geneva and Zürich, in the middle of Europe, the UniNE is a perfect place for those who wish to study or to undertake high-level research in a magnificent environment, near lake and mountains. In Neuchâtel, students‘ and researchers‘ activities take place throughout the city, in various but nearby places. This ensures close contact and mutual help, in particular between beginners and advanced students.

Key facts and figures

  • 4380 students
  • almost 60% of them female
  • 552 doctoral candidates
  • over 40% from outside Switzerland
  • 740 staff members (FTE equivalent)
  • of whom almost 70% are teachers
  • 935 degrees
  • awarded in November 2011

History

The Academy of Neuchatel was founded in 1838. It owes its birth not only to the strong political will to provide the region with a high quality educational establishment, but also to the geologist and paleontologist Louis Agassiz who made significant scientific advances at the time. In 1866, the Academy was comprised of the Faculty of Arts, the Faculty of Science and the Faculty of Law, as well as some high school level institutions. In 1873, the Faculty of Theology was added. By decree of the Grand Council of 18 May 1909, the Academy of Neuchatel was officially established as the University of Neuchatel.

In addition to the institution's renaming, the 1910 law on Higher Education created a business school, and gave students the opportunity to undertake doctoral study in all faculties. Since its establishment, the UniNE has always aimed to provide education at the highest possible level. Its modest size lends it the dynamism and flexibility needed to achieve this goal.

Why choose the University of Neuchatel

Commitment to inspired and inspiring teaching

What distinguishes the University of Neuchatel above all else is the quality of its teaching staff. When hiring, we ensure that every teacher has advanced skills and an international reputation within his or her area of research. As a result, our professors are extremely passionate about what they teach - but that's not all. To teach at the UniNE, they must also meet high pedagogical standards so that they can share their knowledge in an inspiring way for their students.

A quick peruse through our expert 'who's who' will help you get to know some of our professors.

A congenial place to study

Unlike larger universities, anonymity doesn't rule the roost at the University of Neuchatel. On the contrary, people get to know one another - they discuss and exchange ideas, and students frequently run into their teachers out of class. There is a sense of solidarity and support between students, in particular between advanced students and beginners. This allows you to build friendships which will last you throughout your professional career and your life outside it.

Unique teaching methods

At the University of Neuchatel, students participate actively in lessons, aiding comprehension and increasing work efficiency. Groupwork, seminars and excursions are frequently organized, unlike in larger universities in which these forms of teaching are often unavailable, given that upwards of one hundred students may attend one course.

Students from the world over

The University of Neuchatel has an international reputation: 21% of the student body comes from outside Switzerland (approximately 100 nationalities). Such a cultural diversity is a great asset, both in terms of teaching and atmosphere on campus.

Engaging students in research

Thanks to the relatively small size of the University of Neuchatel, students can be active participants rather than just an audience. They are initiated into the production of knowledge very early in their studies. Moreover bachelor students (in some fields) and master students have the opportunity to participate in projects with PhD students and other researchers. Engaging master students in research opens up attractive prospects for professional development. Indeed, many institutes of the University of Neuchatel have established linkages with firms on the national and international level.

This school offers programs in:
  • English
  • French

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Programs
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This school also offers:

Master

Master in Biology

Campus Full time 4 semesters February 2018 Switzerland Neuchâtel

The Master of Science in Biology offers a programme that permits students to select their area of specialization and acquire a diverse range of transferable skills. [+]

Master in Biology Studies overview The Master of Science in Biology offers a programme that permits students to select their area of specialization and acquire a diverse range of transferable skills. This Master begins with a core of courses that covers key topics in biology, with particular emphasis on methodological and quantitative aspects. The Master programme extends into courses in seven specialized areas representing the research topics for which the Institute of Biology at UniNE is particularly renowned. Students choose two of the specializations, of which one corresponds to the topic of their Master thesis. Structure of the programme The 1st semester of the Master programme consists of a common core that focuses on fundamental concepts and methods in biology. Particular emphasis is placed on laboratory methods (molecular, chemical), quantitative tools (statistics, modelling, bioinformatics), scientific writing, and ethical aspects. Students also have the opportunity to participate in field excursions (alpine, marine, Mediterranean and tropical ecosystems) or to do internships to obtain workplace experience. The 2nd semester of the Master programme involves course work, mini-research projects and internships in two of the areas of specialization. Students develop a research plan in one of these areas, which forms the basis of their Master thesis during the 2nd year of the programme. The Master thesis research project (60 ECTS) allows students to develop their abilities in critical thinking, their organisational skills, and their intellectual and scientific independence. Fields of specialization Chemical Ecology Chemical signalling is the most ancient form of communication among living... [-]

Master in Hydrogeology and Geothermics

Campus Full time 4 semesters February 2018 Switzerland Neuchâtel

Internationally recognized and accredited by the Swiss Confederation, the Centre for Hydrogeology and Geothermics (CHYN) staff consists of about 50 people and is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities for cutting-edge science and high quality teaching. [+]

Master in Hydrogeology and Geothermics Cutting-edge science and high quality teaching Internationally recognized and accredited by the Swiss Confederation, the Centre for Hydrogeology and Geothermics (CHYN) staff consists of about 50 people and is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities for cutting-edge science and high quality teaching. The CHYN research themes focus on subsurface water and energy resources, with special emphasis on fundamental and applied aspects of operational hydrogeology, hydro- dynamics, hydrochemistry, geochemistry, geothermics, geostatistics and mathematical modelling. A unique training opportunity Moving towards sustainable use of subsurface water and energy resources is a major challenge for our society and for geoscientists in particular. This Master degree, unique in Switzerland, offers a complete introduction to the current scientific approaches to address this challenge. Designed by the CHYN dedicated staff, the program delivers a comprehensive hydrogeological training that covers the relevant physical, chemical, biological and thermal processes, as well as key field investigation techniques. Intense teaching during three semesters provides students with core knowledge and specific skills in hydrogeology and geothermics. The fourth semester is devoted to an individual research project to be carried out internally or in collaboration with external partners. Specific strengths The technical skills related to groundwater prospection and abstraction, as well as to reservoir characterization and protection are an important part of the program. Particular emphasis is laid upon groundwater contamination processes and remediation issues, and prospection and exploitation of geothermal resources at low, medium and high depths. Degree awarded Master of Science in Hydrogeology and Geothermics Credits 120... [-]

Master in Psychology

Campus Full time 4 semesters February 2018 Switzerland Neuchâtel

Acquiring an education and training in work and organizational psychology so as to understand and deal with various phenomena such as human interactions in the work place, effects of work-related factors on employees, and the attitudes and behaviors of individuals towards the organization. [+]

Master in Psychology Master of Science in Psychology, Option in Work and Organizational Psychology Objectives Acquiring an education and training in work and organizational psychology so as to understand and deal with various phenomena such as human interactions in the work place, effects of work-related factors on employees, and the attitudes and behaviors of individuals towards the organization. The curriculum is based on critical thinking and the mastery of appropriate methods of analysis. Specific Assets High interactivity and the application of the most advanced didactic criteria Work in small groups and personalized tutoring Availability of the Professors Valuation of individual contributions Strong link between research and practice Possibilities to participate to international research collaborations Structure of the programme The education and training in work and organizational psychology consist of theoretical teachings, seminars, projects and other individual assignments: an internship and the writing of a Master’s thesis. Optional courses in different disciplines related to organizations (law, management, economics, career guidance) and methodological teachings complete the curriculum. This education and training programme focuses on psychological phenomena in relation to the work place through the study of three domains: Personnel psychology: the focus is on the relation between individuals and the organization, from the starting point of the selection process to the ending phase characterizing the relation between the individual and the organization. The important aspects are: recruitment, selection, career development, work performance, criteria used for evaluating appreciation, and equality of treatment. Work psychology: focuses on the effects of work on employees by... [-]

Master in Public Opinion and Survey Methodology

Campus Full time 3 semesters February 2018 Switzerland Neuchâtel

Public opinion polls and surveys on social, political and consumer behavior have become more important within recent years. At the same time, methods of data collection as well as techniques and tools for analysis and interpretation of this data have been developed and have become more complex. [+]

Master in Public Opinion and Survey Methodology Objectives Public opinion polls and surveys on social, political and consumer behavior have become more important within recent years. At the same time, methods of data collection as well as techniques and tools for analysis and interpretation of this data have been developed and have become more complex. Up to now, no university courses have been offered that take into account this development in a broad sense. There is now a recognised need for professionals who are able to combine strong theoretical, methodological and technical knowledge of survey research and who are moreover aware of the legal issues related to data processing. Acquired skills Students gain methodological insight and knowledge, particularly quantitative and statistical, enabling them to design, implement and analyse a survey in the private or public sector. Further, they develop theoretical skills that allow them to understand how chosen methods and research questions can affect results. The course allows students to develop a large number of cross-disciplinary skills such as: discernment, analytical and summarising skills, research experience, acquisition and transmission of knowledge, independence, and the ability to form judgments in their field of specialisation and related areas. This range of skills, combined with specialist knowledge acquired during their studies, prepares students for professional careers in very varied sectors of activity. Course structure The Master of Arts comprises 90 ECTS credits and is composed of three parts: a common program of compulsory courses elective courses Master thesis (which may or may not... [-]

MSc

Master of Science in Computer Science

Campus Full time Part time 3 semesters February 2018 Switzerland Neuchâtel + 1 more

A joint program between 3 universities provides students with a wide range of courses at the leading edge of Computer Science research and development. The Master studies at the University of neuchâtel are part of the Swiss Joint Master of Science in Computer Science, a study program offered by the universities of Bern, Neuchâtel, and Fribourg. [+]

Master of Science in Computer Science A joint program between 3 universities provides students with a wide range of courses at the leading edge of Computer Science research and development The Master studies at the University of neuchâtel are part of the Swiss Joint Master of Science in Computer Science, a study program offered by the universities of Bern, Neuchâtel, and Fribourg. This unique program provides students with a wide range of courses at the leading edge of Computer Science research and development. It is an ideal program for computer scientists who want to expand their knowledge, and enrich their career perspectives or prepare themselves for doctoral studies. Our research groups also welcome numerous PhD students. To register to the program, please visit the admission office. Swiss Joint Master of Science in Computer Science The Swiss Joint Master of Science in Computer Science is a brand new study program offered by the universities of Bern, Neuchâtel, and Fribourg. Based on modern educational concepts and offered across an exciting multi-site campus, this unique program provides students with a wide range of courses at the leading edge of Computer Science research and development. The Swiss Joint Master of Science in Computer Science is ideal for computer scientists who want to expand their horizons and open doors to future career opportunities. A Unique MSc Program The Swiss Joint Master of Science in Computer Science provides students with an unparalleled variety of subjects, combinations, and opportunities for specialization: a selection of over 60 courses... [-]
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