University of Lausanne

The University of Lausanne is a higher teaching and research institution composed of seven faculties where approximately 14,300 students and 3,000 researchers work and study.

UNIL is focused on several academic disciplines, especially Medicine, Life Sciences, Geosciences, Environment, Business, Humanities and Social Sciences. An emphasis is placed on an interdisciplinary approach, with close cooperation between students, teaching staff, and professors.

The UNIL represents:

• An international atmosphere. One fifth of the student population and one third of the teaching staff come from abroad.
• Up-to-date facilities and technology. State-of-the-art laboratories for researchers: spacious, well-equipped lecture halls for teaching staff and students.
• Three faculties unique in their kind in Switzerland. Law, Criminal Justice and Public Administration; Biology and Medicine (FBM); Geosciences and Environment (GSE). New innovations require new synergies.
• Close collaboration with the University Hospital of the Canton of Vaud (CHUV) in order to remain at the forefront of advances in medical knowledge.
• The University and Cantonal Library - Lausanne (BCUL), with its two million documents, modern research tools and an ideal working environment overlooking Lake Geneva.
• A philosophy and work ethic expressed in a Charter of Values and precepts.
• An exceptionally green and spacious lakeside setting. In just a few minutes an excellent public transport network links the university campus to Lausanne, the capital of Vaud, noted for its varied cultural activities.
• A wide range of continuing education and interdisciplinary courses, as well as countless sporting and cultural activities in fields as varied as: language and IT courses, football (soccer), capoeira, fitness or underwater diving at the Sports Centre; societies, cinema, exhibitions or theatre at the Grange de Dorigny.

The UNIL offers a vast range of courses in both the human and natural sciences. Following the Bologna recommendations, main university studies are at two levels: first, a three-year Bachelor degree course, followed by three to four semesters leading to a Master’s degree, either by specialising in a specific domain, or by undertaking interdisciplinary studies. For those wishing to complement their training, post-graduate courses are available (Masters of Advanced Studies, and Doctoral Schools), which enable graduates to perfect their knowledge in targeted disciplines in their own sphere, or in related subjects, thus facilitating their entry into a chosen career. Finally, the University offers a programme of complementary and refresher courses designed for adults already professionally active, but who wish to update their knowledge in their particular domain, or enlarge their field of competence with a view to changing their career direction. To ensure the rapid renewal of knowledge and to respond to a growing demand for flexible and effective education, the UNIL encourages the appropriate use of technologies of information and communication (TIC) as well as MOOCs.

The University of Lausanne comprises more than 175 research units working in fields as diverse as genomics, aesthetics of cinema, environmental law and criminalistics. In institutes, laboratories and libraries, 3,000 researchers, including 558 professors, work every day on projects of national and international significance, thereby increasing the institution’s research capital. The UNIL seeks in particular to encourage a cross-disciplinary approach to research.