Structure of ETH Zurich Bachelor's degree programmes
ETH Zurich Bachelor's degree programmes cover in-depth academic content, practical knowledge, the competence to collaborate across disciplinary boundaries and socially relevant key skills.
Studies at ETH Zurich are structured as following:
- 6 semesters
- 180 credits
The bachelor's degree is followed by either a consecutive or a specialised Master’s degree programme:
Consecutive Master’s degree programme
- Free of additional requirements
- 3 or 4 semesters
- 90 or 120 credits
Specialised Master’s degree programme
- Special admission procedure
- 3 or 4 semesters
- 90 or 120 credits
Further information on the Master's programme
The Bachelor’s degree programme comprises 180 credits and usually takes three years. The maximum permitted duration of studies is five years (six years as of the Autumn Semester 2027).
The first year of studies, called the Basisjahr, covers the basics of mathematics, areas of science (e.g. physics, chemistry and biology) relevant to the respective programme, and the fundamentals of the degree programme itself.
The second and third years of studies together form the higher Bachelor's degree programme, during which the theoretical and methodological knowledge of the degree programme is consolidated.
The first year of studies covers the following general basic courses:
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Computer Science
- Biology
as well as internships and the fundamentals of the degree programme itself.
- Course-specific subjects
- Electives
- Excursions, laboratory courses, project work, etc.
- Independent work (e.g. Bachelor's thesis)
- Science in Perspective
After six semesters, students acquire a Bachelor's degree ?Bachelor of Science ETH?, or ?Bachelor of Arts ETH? for the Public Policy programme (Professional Officer).
The Bachelor’s degree is not a professional qualification. This level is reached only with the Master’s degree.