University of Lucerne
Universität Luzern
Profile
The University of Lucerne is a young one. Although its roots reach back as far as 1600, it has only been one of Switzerland's twelve universities since 2000.
Three faculties
The University of Lucerne has just three faculties and is distinguished by a streamlined and clearly identifiable profile. The three faculties (theology, law, humanities and social sciences) allow the university to focus on three core areas, thereby grouping together its competence in humanities and training law students.
Future-oriented system of study
The system of study at the University of Lucerne conforms to a pan-European standard in accordance with the Bologna Process model. Studies are arranged according to a three-step system. The bachelor’s degree is awarded after 6 semesters. Students can then acquire a master’s degree after another 3-4 semesters. Subject to achieving the necessary qualification, students can then take up doctoral studies. This system of study has been implemented in all three faculties.
Interdisciplinary, flexible, personal
The convenient size of the University of Lucerne provides students with a great degree of freedom and permits innovative subject combinations. Study courses are offered in traditional subjects as well as in overlapping integrated subjects. Students can also combine elements from different faculties. The excellent student support system is a special feature of the University of Lucerne.
The long road to becoming a university
The roots of the University of Lucerne can be traced back to a theological school dating from the confessional era. As such, the university shares the same historical background as the universities of Geneva, Lausanne, Berne and Zurich. Expansion and reconfiguration only truly began in Switzerland in the 20th century: in 1938 the "Höhere Lehranstalt" institute of learning became the Faculty of Theology, which received the right to award academic degrees in 1970. In 1978 a university project centred around five faculties failed to make it past a referendum. Another two decades passed before a renewed attempt was possible: the Humanities Faculty opened in 1993 and in 2000 the people of Lucerne finally voted for the university law with an overall majority, thereby approving the establishment of the University of Lucerne. In keeping with the Federal Law on Financial Aid to Universities, the Swiss Federal Council officially recognised the University of Lucerne in 2005.
