Zurich School of Management and Law

The ZHAW School of Management and Law (SML) is one of the largest business schools in Switzerland, with around 9,500 students in its BSc, MSc, and continuing education study programs. It is also the only business school of a university of applied sciences in Switzerland to be listed in the renowned Financial Times rankings while also meeting the high standards of the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). As one of the schools of ZHAW, it works closely within its network of disciplines. Our internationally recognized Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programs, cooperative PhD programs, and numerous continuing education programs are scientifically sound, interdisciplinary, and practice-oriented. We contribute to solving economic and societal challenges. Our guiding principle, “Building Competence. Crossing Borders.” stands for high-quality (continuing) education, research, and openness to the world. The SML maintains partnerships with over 190 selected universities worldwide.

Degree programs

The Bachelor’s degree programs (Bachelor of Science, BSc) offered at the SML impart modern specialized knowledge geared to the needs of businesses. They have a strong practical orientation and provide a sound level of supplementary general education in specific areas. Graduates are prepared for immediate entry into their chosen field. The SML offers four BSc programs with six specializations leading to the academic degree of “Bachelor of Science.”

After earning a Bachelor’s degree, students also have access to six consecutive Master’s degree programs. These allow them to develop their skills and expertise even further.

Continuing Education

The latest findings from science and practice mean that what was new yesterday can become quickly outdated. How do you deal with this inevitable consequence, and how do you prepare for change? Knowledge and flexibility are essential prerequisites in this context. Participants contribute a flexible mindset, and the SML imparts the knowledge. At the SML, there are over 100 study programs to choose from. Participants are taught by lecturers with both professional and academic qualifications and by experts practicing in their respective fields. Students work on real-life case studies and gain insights into the current state of research. The SML exchanges information with companies, associations, and other partners and continuously adapts its products to meet changing requirements.

Services

Research conducted at the SML and the advice we give are theoretically sound and practically relevant. Our consulting mandates combine practical experience with theoretical expertise and comprehensive methodological competence. We are prepared to cross geographical and disciplinary boundaries if a project calls for it. We are also happy to research, carry out consulting projects or develop training courses for our clients, whether they are an SME or an international corporation.

Research & Development

At the SML, we conduct both applied basic research and research projects in collaboration with external partners. Our primary sources of funding are the federal government and the Canton of Zurich, the Swiss National Science Foundation, Innosuisse, EU research institutions, and the private sector. In addition, we attach great importance to promoting young talent through our cooperative doctoral programs.

In our research projects, we cooperate with other ZHAW schools, external partners (companies), and partner universities worldwide. The knowledge gained through research is introduced back into our teaching and consulting activities.