Developments in Leadership Training
Diploma of Advanced Studies (DAS)
With a Diploma of Advanced Studies (DAS), you can deepen your expertise alongside your professional commitments by completing several Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS) programmes. HWZ offers DAS programmes in areas such as banking & finance and communication. Find the executive education programme that matches your career goals and compare content, duration, and start dates directly by subject area. These practice-oriented programmes are aimed at professionals and managers who wish to engage more extensively with a particular field and combine several thematically related CAS into a university diploma.
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What is a DAS and who is this executive education programme suitable for?
A Diploma of Advanced Studies (DAS) is a practice-oriented postgraduate qualification at university level. A DAS comprises several coordinated CAS programmes and a minimum of 30 ECTS credits.
This executive education programme is suitable for professionals and managers who wish to deepen their expertise in a subject area more comprehensively than is possible with a single CAS. Thanks to its part-time structure, you can combine your studies with your professional commitments.
How long does a DAS at HWZ take to complete?
At HWZ, a DAS typically takes two to three semesters to complete, depending on the programme. The exact duration of study depends on the structure, the chosen CAS, and any additional assessments that may be required.
You can find detailed information on study dates, start times and modes of delivery on the respective programme page.
How many ECTS credits does a DAS comprise?
A DAS comprises at least 30 ECTS credits. ECTS stands for European Credit Transfer System and enables academic achievements to be measured and compared.
One ECTS credit corresponds to approximately 30 hours of student work. For 30 ECTS credits, this results in a total study workload of around 900 hours. This includes classes, independent study, preparation and follow-up work, as well as assessments.
What qualification will you receive?
Upon successful completion, you will be awarded a Diploma of Advanced Studies from HWZ in the relevant subject area.
The CAS and assessments required for graduation vary depending on the DAS. For certain programmes, a diploma thesis or DAS thesis is also part of the final requirements.
How is a DAS structured at HWZ?
A DAS is structured in a modular way and combines several CAS that are coordinated in terms of subject matter. Depending on the programme, certain CAS are compulsory, while others can be selected according to personal interests and professional goals.
The specific structure varies between the DAS programmes. Details on which CAS are required or optional, and whether a diploma thesis or dissertation is included, can be found on the respective programme page.
Can a DAS be credited towards a MAS?
Depending on the degree programme, completed CAS or a DAS may count towards a subsequent Master of Advanced Studies (MAS). This allows for a partially modular approach to executive education.
However, admission to a DAS does not automatically entitle you to admission to an MAS. Admission to each MAS is assessed separately.
How does a DAS work alongside employment?
The DAS programmes at HWZ are designed for professionals. Depending on the programme, it is possible to continue working full-time while undertaking further study.
As a DAS is comprised of several CAS, you can coordinate the individual study modules with your professional commitments. Teaching times, self-study requirements and assessments vary depending on the programme. You will find the definitive information directly with the respective DAS.
CAS, DAS or MAS: Which continuing education qualification suits your goals best?
Which executive education format is suitable for you depends on how extensively you wish to engage with a subject and which qualification you are aiming for.
A CAS is suitable for targeted professional specialisation. A DAS combines several CAS and comprises at least 30 ECTS credits. A MAS is broader in scope, includes at least 60 ECTS credits, and generally consists of several CAS as well as a master's thesis.
When making your choice, consider which scope suits your professional goals best and which admission requirements apply to the qualification you are aiming for.
Why complete a DAS at HWZ?
HWZ is the largest university in Switzerland to offer exclusively part-time degree programmes in the field of business. Its executive education programmes combine academically rigorous content with a strong practical focus.
Developed for working professionals
The degree programmes are structured to allow you to combine further study with your professional role. Depending on the DAS, it is also possible to continue working full-time.
Knowledge from practical experience
The executive education programmes combine specialist knowledge and methods with practical applications from the professional world. This enables you to transfer new insights directly into your everyday work.
Modular structure
A DAS combines several CAS programmes to provide more comprehensive executive education. Depending on the programme, individual specialisations can be selected and tailored to your own professional goals.
Central study location in Zurich
HWZ is located on Europaallee, just a few steps from Zurich main station. Depending on the DAS, certain elements of the programme may also take place at partner locations.
Opportunities for executive education
Depending on the programme, completed CAS or a DAS may be credited towards a subsequent MAS, provided that the relevant admission requirements are met.
What are the admission requirements for a DAS?
The admission requirements vary depending on the DAS. As a rule, a university degree or a higher qualification, as well as relevant professional experience, are required.
Other equivalent educational qualifications may be recognised, together with relevant practical experience, as part of a special admissions procedure. The binding requirements can be found on the respective programme page.
Frequently asked questions about the DAS programmes at HWZ
Admission without a university degree may be possible depending on the programme. Other equivalent educational qualifications, together with relevant practical experience, may be recognised as part of a special admissions procedure. The admission requirements of the respective DAS are decisive.
Tuition fees vary depending on the DAS, structure, and chosen specialisations. The current price and the services included can be found on the relevant programme page.
This depends on the chosen degree programme. For certain DAS programmes, a diploma thesis or DAS thesis forms part of the final assessment. Other programmes are completed through the required CAS modules and their respective assessments. The binding requirements can be found on the relevant DAS page.
A DAS is comprised of several CAS and includes at least 30 ECTS credits. The exact number depends on the specific programme. Some DAS combine two CAS, while other programmes consist of three CAS. The required modules are listed on the relevant programme page.
The application deadline depends on the chosen DAS and the included CAS. For some programmes, individual entry is possible, while others have a fixed deadline before the start of a CAS. You can find the current dates on the respective programme page.
Yes. The DAS programmes at HWZ are designed to be compatible with professional employment. For several of the programmes, it is also possible to work full-time alongside your studies. The exact time commitment depends on the chosen DAS and the included CAS.
