University of Applied Sciences in Special Needs Education

The intercantonal University of Applied Sciences in Special Needs Education is bridging theory and practice of education, development and support for handicapped people or people who are threatened by disabilities.

Linking teaching, research and practice

The University of Applied Sciences in Special Needs Education attaches great importance to forging strong links between theory and practice. Its various departments work as a close network and the syllabus includes dedicated training in the field to assure the transfer of theory into practice.

Over one thousand students are enrolled in the following degree programmes: Master’s degree in Special Needs Education, with specialisations in either Special Needs Education in Schools or Early-Childhood Special Needs Education, and Bachelor’s level courses in Speech Therapy, Psychomotor Therapy and Sign-Language Interpreting. Our programmes combine a sound scientific basis with a practice-oriented approach that train you to become a qualified professional for a career in teaching or therapy. In addition to basic training and education, the mission statement of the University of Applied Sciences also includes providing services and conducting research activities to analyse and develop solutions for special needs issues in this specific occupational field.

The University of Applied Sciences in Special Needs Education Education is the successor to the former Special Needs Teacher Training College (HPS). It is one of the leading entities in special needs education in Switzerland.

Research and development

We are one of the few Universities of Applied Sciences in Switzerland that places the focus on its research on the issues of special needs education. This means that we work on research assignments on all questions relating to special needs education and try to close any gaps by means of our own studies. A better understanding of the different areas of life – such as learning, working, daily living, recreation – is aimed at safeguarding and improving the quality of life of people with special needs. By means of specific research work, we develop and ensure a high level of professionalisation.