Hey,

I've been looking at universities in Switzerland for my master degree. But I'm wondering what experiences people here have of them and which one to aim for?

Do they care much for prestige of the university in Switzerland?

So far I like Universität Bern and Universität Zürich but I'm open for ideas. My subject is in the humanities/philosophy area.

I've mainly looked at the german speaking part since I studied german in school and believe I can get it up to a sufficient level before it is time.

Best regards,

Nideus

As far as humanities/philo is concerned, there is no real "prestige" uni here I can think of. Not the same in physics/economics/maths/science in general.

Bern should be fine for you. Besides, your student life will be a bit cheaper in Bern than Zurich (if u need more parties/fun, you can allways take a train to Zurich - it's only 58 minutes from Bern).

Willkommen till Bern

PS. In Berne we have the best hockey-team of Switzerland....

But some must still be regarded as better than others?

Merci vilmal!

Cheaper is always good. I do like how Bern looks from what I've seen. I'm mainly concerned about the quality of education. Switzerland does have excellent reputation in the area but at the same time the universities aren't too highly ranked (except for the technical ones as you say).

Hockey is good stuff. I was sad when Switzerland lost this year (even though it was against my country) because I kind of wanted them to win. They've never won before and they did so so well, having really stepped up their game. But silver is pretty good too

Hearing from someone who has attended any of the cantonal universities in the german speaking part would be helpful.

What do you want to know mate?

The rankings are silly. Each faculty in each Uni is different from one another, and not subject to rankings. Uni A rank 44 in world, 3 teachers in subject A and all are awful, Uni B rank 200, 10 teachers in subject A well known in their fields of study and well respected. Uni A will still be ranked higher ....

I would like to know how it is like studying there from people who know

And yes, I agree the rankings have some serious weaknesses.

Anything more specific to how is it like to study here?

It's good. With philosophy you'd be at the Hauptgebaude near the train station. There are Menza's quite near that offer decent food. You get two chances to pass an exam, at least in my section. Some teachers are good others not so. Bern is a lot more laid back then the ETH and Uni Zuri, the mentality is also different here due to less funding then those universities. I'd argue it's a bit more friendlier here from what my collegues at ETH have said, who told me it's much more competitive within the faculty over there.

Yes, agree!!
On the humanities/philo swiss-job-market, I dont' know of any difference in consideration between Zurich and Berne. Both are recognised higher eduction institutions with a good reputation. What is your concern exactly ?

My concern is which university to choose in german speaking Switzerland
So whatever helps in that regard.

We've got a few Bernese, have we got any Baselese or Züris here that can write what they think of their respective university?

What matters to the swiss is that you know what you are doing unlike some other parts of the world. Nearly all swiss unis are know to teach a high calibre so trying to pick one from another is a waste of time

That is a nice concept which I'm not used to. In Sweden, it is prudent to choose one of the better universities. There are worse ones available these days. Hence me asking.

But of course, it is not only academic prestige or standard, but also if I believe I'll like it there.

I haven't studied at Berne Uni, but a lot of my friends have, as we went to high school there. Berne is a bit smaller, more intimate than Zurich Uni. So is the city. Zurich is more urban, Berne is really quite a small town, so it depends on what appeals to you. Zurich has the lake, Berne just a river.

Hi I am studying philosophy in Bern have sent you a PM.

However, in Switzerland, the fees are mostly token, as the universities are largely supported by tax revenues. For example, I'm studying at UZH for my Masters' degree and I pay less than 1000 CHF per semester.

My husband's worked both at Bern and now at Zuerich. There are advantages to both, and it may depend on your area of interest as much as anything. As a master's student, you're mostly taking courses, correct? Do you have a chance to look at the course schedules and learn something of the instructors? I think that makes a bigger difference than ambience. Can you compare the requirements for completion of your degree between the Unis?

Tjena,

there's no overwhelming favorite university within the german speaking part of the country. Yet the University of zurich is the only one requiring latin knowledge (in terms of certain subjects at the philosophical faculty). consider that! it might be both an obstacle but also a benefit...

I'm swiss and doing my master degree at Zürich (history and linguistics). however this semester I study at Stockholm University (erasmus). I think that the academical level is noticeably higher at Zürich. Stockholm focuses practical aspects wheras Zürich stresses rather theory. but i can't compare Zürich with Bern or basel..