CAS and Micro-Certification in Higher Education

This CAS develops the core pedagogical competencies of higher education teachers. It supports the design of coherent and effective teaching, from defining learning objectives to assessment, while integrating a variety of teaching and learning methods, the support of students both on campus and online, the reflection on one’s own teaching practice, and exchanges with peers. The programme values participants’ professional experience, fosters collaboration, and is based on active learning approaches.

In addition, a micro‑credential programme is offered. Shorter and more flexible, it allows participants to focus on the development of specific pedagogical competencies according to their individual needs.

 A teaching activity (course, seminar, exercises, supervision of students' work, etc.) in progress or in preparation is required to participate in the programme, in particular to be able to carry out the validation work required in the different modules

• Target audience

  The CAS is aimed at higher education teachers (university or HES/HEP) with a Master's degree or equivalent, from all disciplines.

  It is characterised by its openness to the needs and questions of participants and is aimed at both beginners and experienced teachers.

• Organisation and duration of the programme

  2026–2027 Calendar (in French)

  Module A: Fundamentals for tertiary education (5 ECTS)

  • A1. Design pédagogique : 4.09 / 24.09 / 08.10 

  • A2. Méthodes d’enseignement et évaluation : 11.09 / 30.10 

  • A3. Relation pédagogique : 26.01 

  Module B: Advanced studies for tertiary education (3 ECTS)

  • B1. Intervision : 10.09 / 24.06 

  • B2. Choix à la carte 

  Module C: Continuous developments in my pedagogical approach (3 ECTS)

  • C1. Introduction SoTL : 21.01 / 04.02 

  • C2. Projet SoTL : Ideally SS27

  Skills Assessment (1 ECTS)

  • To be written toward the end of the training

  Duration of the programme

  It is not possible to start the CAS in the spring semester.

  The CAS can be completed within one academic year. Depending on availability, or if the participant wishes to complete the program in multiple languages, he or she may extend the duration of the program to up to three years.

• Languages

  The modules are offered in a different language each year:

  • 2026/2027: French
  • 2027/2028: German
  • 2029/2030: English
  • ...

  The CAS can be completed in French, German, English, or in a bilingual/trilingual format, which involves a program spanning several years. The certificate (CAS) lists on the diploma the number of ECTS credits earned in each language (FR, DE, EN). To earn the bilingual designation on the certificate (CAS), students must earn at least 5 ECTS credits in each language. It is the responsibility of each participant seeking the bilingual designation to distribute their ECTS credits appropriately when registering for modules.

• Costs

  The CAS registration fee is CHF 1,000 for faculty members of the University of Fribourg (including teaching assistants) and CHF 5,900 for external participants.
  The registration fee is due upon confirmation of enrollment and must be paid before the program begins.

• Micro-credential

  Alongside the CAS in Higher Education Didactics, it is also possible to obtain a micro-credential worth 4 ECTS. This option is aimed at individuals who wish to complete a more focused qualification without enrolling in the full CAS programme.

  The micro-credential consists of two to three elective courses amounting to 3 ECTS, as well as a competency assessment worth 1 ECTS. The rules governing the composition of the 3 elective ECTS are defined in the document Information and Terms and Conditions. A total of 4 ECTS must be completed to obtain the certificate.

  The cost of the micro-credential is CHF 150 for UNIFR members and CHF 1,500 for external participants.

  The registration fee is payable upon confirmation of enrolment and must be settled before the start of the programme..
• Attendance 'à la carte'

  CAS modules can also be taken 'à la carte'. In this case, the participant is free to choose whether or not to submit the validation work. A certificate of attendance will be issued for participation without submission of the validation work; a certificate of validation with the number of ECTS credits awarded will be issued if all face-to-face and distance learning activities have been completed and the validation work has been submitted and accepted. Certificates are issued on request by e-mail.

  Participation in modules without assessment is free of charge.

  Assessment of a module for the purpose of earning ECTS credits must be completed no later than one year after the end of the course.

  It is possible to have 'à la carte' validated modules recognised for a subsequent CAS, which must then be completed within three years of the first module taken.