Degree programmes
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PH Zurich trains future teachers for pre-primary and early-primary, primary and lower secondary level as well as vocational school teaching staff for upper secondary level and higher vocational college or school. Students graduate from the degree programmes with academic Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees and teaching diplomas that are recognised throughout Switzerland. PH Zurich also joins forces with other universities to offer Master’s Degree Programmes in Subject-Specific Pedagogy for aspiring lecturers.
The degree programmes at PH Zurich can be attended on a full-time or part-time basis. Courses for vocational college teachers take place alongside their work.
Degree programmes at all levels
| Full-time degree programmes | School levels | Age | Degree/Qualification (usual study period) | Semesters | ECTS points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-primary and early-primary levels | Pre-primary + 1st to 3rd class | 4–9 |
PH Zurich Bachelor of Arts in Primary Education (classes 1–5) |
6 |
180 |
| Primary | 1st to 6th class | 7–12 | PH Zurich Bachelor of Arts in Primary Education | 6 | 180 |
| Lower Secondary | 7th to 9th class | 13–16 | PH Zurich Master of Arts in Secondary Education | 6 plus 3 | 180 + 90 |
| Upper Secondary | 9th to 12th class | 16 and above | Teaching diploma | at least 3* | 60* |
| Tertiary level | University | 18 and above | Master of Arts | Individual | 90 |
* Teacher training at the Zurich University Institute for Teacher Education (ZHSF) on successful completion of a university degree programme in an academic subject.
Features of teacher education at PH Zurich
An outstanding feature of the Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programmes is the high proportion of practical teaching experience, which prepares prospective teachers for the schools of today and the future. From their first week of studies, students are introduced to a school class. They go on to spend almost a third of their entire studies in partner schools and in teaching practice. This enables them to gain first-hand experience of current developments in the field of education and experience a school’s overall culture.
Further features are:
- Internationally recognised university degree (Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts) and teaching diplomas recognised throughout Switzerland.
- The various contents of the study programme – practical training, teaching methodology, specialised knowledge and educational sciences – are complementary and coordinated with each other.
- Acquisition of a clear subject profile appropriate to a teacher’s particular abilities and specialisation in a range of fields. No subject specialists are trained in Switzerland for pre-primary level and the nine years of compulsory schooling. The range of subjects includes seven to eight pre-primary and primary levels and four for lower secondary education.
- Exchange opportunities with more than 100 partner universities in 35 countries with recognition of academic performance and no extension of the period of study.
- Multiple further study options after graduation from PH Zurich or other universities thanks to the flexibility of the Bologna system (e.g. a Master’s degree at the Zurich University of Special Education or the University of Zurich).
- Close cooperation with the other universities in the Zurich area.
- Lively campus at the university’s location next to Zurich’s main station with cultural opportunities, a broad range of sports and many student activities.