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Pre-Master Program on the Foundations of Information Technology (FIT)
Pre-Master Program on the Foundations of Information Technology (FIT)Delivered Online (8 courses over 4 months)
Fill the gaps in your knowledge of computer science. Our pre-Master offers a fast-track infusion of learning, in preparation for master's programs in computer science, software engineering, and quantum technologies. Fees paid for the online pre-Master can be applied directly toward the first year's tuition of the MSc, so there's no additional cost to begin with the pre-master "FIT" program.
Alternately, as a stand-alone Certificate, it can also be a catalyst for launching your tech career!
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About the Pre-Master program (FIT)
Are you passionate about programming, but find that you are missing some fundamental concepts in topics normally covered by a Bachelor program in computer science? Our Pre-Master (FIT) program may be just what you need.
The Foundations of Information Technology (FIT) program, will bring you up to date on your missing knowledge. Coursework in the FIT include topics like algorithms, data structures, theory of computing, logic, concurrency, databases, linear algebra and statistics.
The FIT program prepares you for advanced studies in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Quantum Technologies, and for work in the IT industry. The program is tailored for individuals who have a strong science, math or engineering background and programming enthusiasm - but who may be missing the essential components of Computer Science from their prior education.
Get FIT to pre-qualify for the Master of Science: if you successfully complete the program with a minimum overall grade of 5 or higher*, you automatically qualify for admission into one of Constructor Institute of Technology master programs (Computer Science, Software Engineering and Leadership – CSSEL, and Quantum Software Engineering and Computer Science – QSECS), along with a tuition reduction. The fees you pay for the online pre-Master will be applied directly toward the first year's tuition of the MSc after you earn admission (overall grade of 5/6). So there's no additional cost to the MSc for those who begin with the pre-master program.
*Grades for the pre-master program follow the Swiss grading system, where 6 is Excellent, 5.5 is Very good, 5.0 is Good, etc. An overall grade below 5.0 will still earn the FIT Certificate, yet will not automatically pre-qualify students for the MSc.
Why is the Pre-Master a good FIT for you?
Many professionals in the field have acquired specific programming tools and techniques but encounter limitations in their career development due to a lack of essential foundations in computer science and software engineering. The Pre-Master (FIT) Program addresses these deficiencies and equips its graduates for successful further study and exciting careers in advanced IT projects, utilizing modern techniques of software engineering, quantum computing, and artificial intelligence.
Program features
- Duration: One semester (4 months)
- Start date: Start of Spring semester (mid February)
- Tuition fee: CHF 5,000*
- Program focus: Theoretical and Practical Foundations
- Academic structure: 8 courses in total, earning 24 ECTS credits (for a recommended workload of studies, you could expect 10-20 hours per week)
- Format: Fully online (synchronous or asynchronous, with all lectures recorded)
- Schedule: 4 courses over 8 weeks (+ 1 week break), then 4 new courses over 8 weeks
- Eligibility to enroll: bachelor's degree (including demonstrated success in quanitative course work at university level). Prior programming experience is helpful and recommended.
- Deadline: Rolling admission basis (through mid-February)
- Outcome 1: Automatic entry into the Master of Science (CSSEL or QSECS) programs at Constructor Institute of Technology upon completion with a minimum overall grade of 5** or higher.
- Outcome 2: Career readiness. Those who get "FIT" and choose not to enroll in the MSc will be well-equipped for immediate roles in the tech industry.
* Fees paid for the Pre-Master program can be deducted from the first-year tuition for those who enroll in the MSc.
**Grades for the Pre-Master program follow the Swiss grading system on a scale of 6, where 6 is excellent, 5.5 is very good, and 5.0 is good. The minimum passing grade for the Certificate is 4.0 (non-master track).
REFERRAL PROGRAM
Refer a Friend or Colleague for a 10% reduction!
Both you and your referred candidate can enjoy a special 10% reduction in tuition fees, if they mention your kind referral on the application during the admissions process. Advance your higher learning and career prospects, while helping your peers to do the same.
Program structure
The schedule for the Pre-Master Program 2025 is divided into two blocks:
- Block A: Foundations
4 Courses (3 ECTS*** each) - Block B: Applications
4 Courses (3 ECTS each)
The total program comprises 24 ECTS credits.
Assessment
Continuous grading during each course
Final exams
*** Credit points in the European Credit Transfer System
Curriculum
Block A (Mid-Feb to early April)
- Logic & discrete math
- Theory of Computing
- Math for AI and ML
- Object-Oriented Programming
(1-week break)
Block B (mid-April to mid-June)
- Algorithms and data structure lab
- Operating systems & concurrency
- Information systems
- Machine learning
Admission and eligibility
Submit an application directly for the FIT program or for the Master of Science. Admissions decisions are taken on a rolling basis.
The Admissions Committee will help to assess the relevance of your prior learning. Some applicants for the MSc program may be recommended for the pre-Master following their admissions (technical) interview.
To qualify for the pre-Master program, you must hold a bachelor's degree. It doesn't have to be specifically in computer science--we welcome applicants from related STEM fields and those with demonstrated programming enthusiasm. We seek motivated applicants with a technical background who have demonstrated success in prior quantitative course work.
As mentioned above, if you achieve an overall grade of at least 5/6 in the FIT program, you are guaranteed admission to one of Constructor Institute of Technology's Master of Science programs.
Refund policy
- Full refund if Constructor Institute of Technology cancels the program.
- Full refund if participant cancels in writing 2 weeks or more before start of program.
- 50% refund if participant cancels in writing 1 week or more before start of program.
- No refund in other circumstances. Constructor Institute of Technology may at its discretion offer a partial or total transfer of the fees to another program.
Join us on the journey
Seize the chance for growth! Enroll in our Pre-Master (FIT) program and pave the way for a rewarding career in the most advanced fields of software engineering.
Know someone else who could benefit from our program?
Refer them, and receive a special discount on your own Pre-Master (FIT) program fee. Hurry, as spots are limited!
How to apply?
Note: If you have already applied to a Constructor Institute of Technology master program, you do not need to resubmit the documents already sent.
To start the application process, please reach out to us by filling the form.
The required documents are:
- Proof of identity: Provide a government-issued national ID or passport for EU and non-EU citizens.
- University transcripts: Submit your most updated transcripts or official mark sheets of completed semesters. Include explanations of grading systems if applicable.
- Diplomas: Submit a copy of all diplomas received.
- CV: Describe your academic, professional, extracurricular, and voluntary activities.
- Motivation statement: Write a 1-page letter explaining your choice of Constructor Institute, reasons for admission, and exceptional qualities.
Optional, but desirable:
- Proof of English Language Proficiency (optional): Demonstrate English language proficiency by any official language certificate or by a personal interview with one of our representatives.
- Recommendation letter (optional): Obtain letters of recommendation from professors, supervisors, or employers, ensuring they are signed and unique.
Your documents should be in English or a Swiss official language (German, French, Italian). This applies to transcripts, diplomas and recommendation letters, all other documents must be in English. Alternatively, you can provide an official English translation.
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