Formation Continue UNIL-EPFL groups together the continuing education offerings of the University of Lausanne (UNIL) and the EPFL aimed at professionals from all backgrounds, both academic and non-academic. Its range of programmes covers a wide array of formats, including certified and non-certified programmes such as MAS, DAS, CAS, COS, micro-credentials, short courses (FCO) and MOOCs.
Find out more about the Swiss Higher Education System
certified programmes
Our certified programmes lead to university qualifications awarded by UNIL and/or EPFL – two Universities recognised by the Swiss Confederation. They are accompanied by ECTS credits recognised at European level.
Among the programmes that we offer, the following are considered certified:
Masters of Advanced Studies (MAS)
A MAS (Master of Advanced Studies) is awarded upon completion of a programme lasting at least one year, a written examination and a dissertation.
It generally results in a minimum of 60 ECTS credits, although in certain cases a MAS may offer more.
MBAs (Master of Business Administration), EMBA (Executive Master of Business Administration) or LL.Ms (Legum Magister) fall into the MAS category.
Diplomas of Advanced Studies (DAS)
A DAS (Diploma of Advanced Studies) is awarded upon completion of a programme comprising at least 250 contact hours, a written examination and, in most cases, a dissertation.
It may result in between 30 and 59 ECTS credits.
A DAS may in certain cases comprise part of a MAS.
Certificates of Advanced Studies (CAS)
A CAS (Certificate of Advanced Studies) is awarded upon completion of a programme comprising at least 120 contact hours, plus hours of personal work, a written examination and, in certain cases, a dissertation.
It may result in between 10 and 29 ECTS credits.
A CAS may in certain cases comprise part of a MAS or a DAS.
Certificates of Open Studies (COS)
EPFL offers COS (Certificate of Open Studies) – certified programmes open to everyone, regardless of academic background. The teachings are generally online, while the examinations take place at an approved exam centre. The complete programme (theoretical teachings and personal work) takes between 420 and 600 hours of study.
It may result in between 10 and 29 ECTS credits.
Micro-credentials
The University of Lausanne awards micro-credentials at the end of certain short courses, validated by the passing of an examination. These certify the acquisition of specific skills in a given field.
They may result in between 1 and 9 ECTS credits.
Micro-credentials can sometimes be accumulated and integrated into a broader programme (CAS, DAS, MAS).
Non-certified programmes
Some of the courses we offer are considered non-certified and lead to certificates of attendance:
- Short programmes (FCOs) that do not lead to micro-credential.
- Open modules that do not lead to micro-credential.
Some CAS, DAS or MAS programmes offer open modules, i.e. modules that can be attended separately by participants who are not enrolled for the whole CAS, DAS or MAS curriculum. - Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs)
MOOCs are online courses offered by universities worldwide. Generally free of charge, they are accessible to anyone with internet access.
Find out more about the MOOCs offered by EPFL or the MOOCs offered by UNIL
Find your programme
Access the online catalog of all courses
Or discover in video how to boost your professional career thanks to UNIL and EPFL programmes (in French):
