General information

The Department of Education and Learning of the University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland

The University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland (SUPSI) is one of the nine universities of applied sciences in the Swiss Confederation.

SUPSI provides bachelor and master degree courses, featuring cutting-edge teaching that combines theoretical-scientific education with vocational and application guidance. With its seven departments and affiliated schools, SUPSI offers 21 Bachelor programs, 13 Master programs and over 500 continuing education courses, and is attended by over 9,000 students from Ticino, Switzerland and other countries.

Special attention is paid to applied research: 200 on-going projects every year, with funding by the main European and national agencies and mandates from companies, foundations and institutions.

The Department of Education and Learning is heir to a centuries-old tradition dating back to 1837 when the first school for teachers was founded.
Since 2009 the Department of education and learning has been dealing with the training of future teachers for kindergarten, primary, lower and upper secondary schools. This is the only institution in Switzerland which provides the full training required to qualify teachers to work in the Swiss non-vocational school system, where courses are held entirely in Italian.

The Competence Centre for Innovation and Research on Education Systems (CIRSE)

The Competence centre for Innovation and Research on Education Systems (CIRSE) is a competence centre of the Department of Education and Learning, which carries out scientific research in the field of education.

The CIRSE has a permanent staff of 22 people, including teachers, researchers, and administrative personnel and a department head.

Research activities are carried out to mandates and with funding from the main national and European agencies, in cooperation with local institutions and national and international scientific partners.

Locarno

Locarno is a well renowned tourist destination overlooking Lake Maggiore, characterized by intense cultural activity and home to an important International Film Festival. The Piazza Grande, the Visconti Castle and the Old Town are particularly suggestive tourist attractions. During winter, the Saline Thermal Baths, located near the bathing establishments, are particularly pleasant.