Majority wants a doctorate at universities of applied sciences

Until now, universities of applied sciences (UAS) have not had the right to award doctorates. Since 2017, the first cooperation models have been financially supported by the ERI Dispatch: Twelve cooperation projects for doctoral programs of UAS/PH in collaboration with Swiss universities and six cooperation projects for doctoral programs of UAS/PH in collaboration with foreign universities have been approved. More have been added in the meantime. The first persons have completed the doctorate in the cooperation model today. The umbrella association of UAS graduates FH Switzerland has conducted a survey to evaluate how the situation is currently perceived by the various stakeholders.

Young professionals want independent 3rd cycle at universities of applied sciences

According to the survey of UAS Switzerland, 88% of the interested parties would like UAS to be allowed to award the 3rd cycle (doctorate, PhD, etc.) themselves. The most frequently chosen argument is "so that the higher education landscape is really equivalent but different". Among students and graduates, 57% find a doctorate at universities of applied sciences useful. The most frequent reason given is "to complement the 3rd cycle with an application-oriented/practice-related program". In the case of supervisors, 60% of the participants in the survey are in favor of the requirement, and in the case of universities of applied sciences, the figure is 64%.

The reasons given for a doctorate at a UAS coincide with the argumentation of the umbrella organization of UAS graduates: The different profile of the UAS requires that this be transferred to the third Bologna level as well. According to the Higher Education Promotion and Coordination Act, the Swiss higher education area consists of "equivalent but different types of higher education institutions" with a research mission. An independent doctorate at the UAS can be derived from this law. The 3rd cycle can be supplemented by the participation of the UAS with an application-oriented/practice-related program. This would strengthen the UAS profile, ensure the transfer of research into practice, and promote young talent at the UAS. UASs would have the opportunity to train their own faculty more easily themselves. "New, different, practical, but still scientifically based: Therein lies the great opportunity of a 3rd cycle at the UAS," Andri Silberschmidt, National Councilor and President of UAS Switzerland, summarizes the arguments.

Further results of the survey

Among those interested, "I would like to complete my studies with a doctorate" is the most frequently cited reason for a doctorate at universities of applied sciences. Among students/graduates, planning a career at a UAS (lecturer, etc.) plays an important role.

For those already looking for a doctorate (50%), the search took an average of two years. For those who were able to start a doctorate (students/graduates), the search took less than a year. Those interested received an average of three rejections. 

According to 50% of the students/graduates surveyed, the cooperation between the university of applied sciences and the university colleges is working. 34% do not give a clear answer. 16% are dissatisfied with the cooperation. Reasons given include that the cooperation is not institutionalized in any way and that permeability is insufficient. The universities of applied sciences find that the cooperation works (73%). Among the supervisors, 65% state that the collaborations work.

Conclusion: Doctorate at universities of applied sciences should be possible

The existing opportunities for UAS graduates to do a doctorate should be further expanded. The cooperation model between universities of applied sciences and universities, with which good experience has been gained, serves as a basis. It should be initiated at further universities of applied sciences and departments so that interested UAS graduates are given access to the 3rd cycle.

Source: FH Switzerland