University Overview
Established in 1998, Haute École Spécialisée de Suisse Occidentale (University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland) is a non-profit public higher-education institution located in the large town of Delémont (population range of 10,000-49,999 inhabitants), Jura. This institution also has branch campuses in the following locations: Neuchâtel, Fribourg, Genève, Sion, Lausanne. Officially recognized by the Staatssekretariat für Bildung, Forschung und Innovation, Schweiz (State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation of Switzerland), Haute École Spécialisée de Suisse Occidentale (HES-SO) is a large (uniRank enrollment range: 20,000-24,999 students) coeducational Swiss higher education institution. Haute École Spécialisée de Suisse Occidentale (HES-SO) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees in several areas of study. See the uniRank degree levels and areas of study matrix below for further details. International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment. HES-SO also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, as well as administrative services.
Pre-Bachelor degrees
It includes undergraduate programs and courses that:
1) lead to tertiary certificates, diplomas, and foundation or associate degrees that are below the bachelor's degree level.
2) usually take less than 2 years to complete.
The UNESCO International Standard Classification of Education classifies these as short-cycle tertiary education (ISCED Level 5) programs that are typically practically based, vocational or occupationally specific and prepare for labor market entry. These programs may also provide a pathway to other tertiary programs such as bachelor's degrees.
Bachelor's degrees
It includes undergraduate programs and courses that:
1) lead to bachelor's degrees.
2) usually take between 3 to 5 years to complete.
The UNESCO International Standard Classification of Education classifies these as bachelor's or equivalent (ISCED Level 6) programs that are designed to provide intermediate academic and/or professional knowledge, skills and competencies leading to a first tertiary degree or equivalent qualification.
Master's degrees
It includes postgraduate programs and courses that:
1) lead to master's degrees.
2) usually take between 1 to 3 years to complete.
The UNESCO International Standard Classification of Education classifies these as master's or equivalent (ISCED Level 7) programs that are designed to provide advanced academic and/or professional knowledge, skills and competencies leading to a second tertiary degree or equivalent qualification.
Doctoral's degrees
It includes postgraduate programs and courses that:
1) lead to doctorate degrees.
2) usually take 4 or more years to complete.
The UNESCO International Standard Classification of Education classifies these as doctorate or equivalent (ISCED Level 8) programs that are designed primarily to lead to an advanced research qualification, usually concluding with the submission and defense of a substantive dissertation of publishable quality based on original research.
Arts & Humanities
This University offers courses in at least one of the following subjects:
- Applied Arts
- Classics
- Design
- Education
- Fine Arts
- History
- Literature
- Museum Studies
- Performing Arts
- Philosophy
- Religion and Theology
- Visual Arts
- Other Arts & Humanities Studies