A very similar thought came to mind when we asked ourselves how SUPSI Continuing Education could evolve. Our participants, with their busy lives and relentless schedules, did not need longer courses. They needed a shorter format, designed to meet these emerging needs.

And it was from that simple question, almost inevitable when viewed from above, that in 2023, the new certified course format was born: Short Advanced Studies (SAS). An essential response to a real need. Short, qualifying courses that can be integrated into the modular structure of Advanced Studies. Short formats, between 3 and 6 ECTS, designed for professionals already in the workforce, flexible enough to fit into the lives of working people. With the right solidity to offer immediately applicable skills: from managing complex teams to the strategic use of data.  Today, SUPSI has over 80 SAS courses, integrated into its modular Advanced Studies architecture. Over time, this model has proven to be functional for both participants and organizations, helping to spread a more flexible approach to continuing university education. It is a rare balance, which perhaps explains why the format is beginning to attract attention far beyond SUPSI Continuing Education and the Canton of Ticino. 

In fact, for several months now, we have been witnessing a phenomenon that speaks louder than any press release: other universities are introducing the SAS format. The FFHS (Fernfachochschule), our affiliated distance learning school, launched it with its program in Agile Leadership and GeoAI, spatial data science. At HSLU, SAS has been introduced into the continuing education program. The BFH (Berner Fachhochschule) published its SAS catalog this fall, announcing that the format will be gradually integrated into its entire continuing education course offering. This is a sign that the format is becoming an emerging standard in Swiss universities of applied sciences, in line with the evolution of professional needs and the demand for modular courses.

In short, we didn't invent the wheel, we just tried to make it turn better. And the fact that others are choosing the same path is simply convergence. After all, the principle remains the same: getting to the point.
And that's not all. SAS courses are just one of the pieces with which we are revamping SUPSI's continuing education program. In recent months, we have also introduced Advanced Training, short professional courses with digital badges designed to enhance new skills. And we are working on a new category, Advanced Longlife Learning, which will make our content even more accessible and informative.

We will talk about this soon in a dedicated article.