Bachelor Degree

A degree in Civil Engineering at ETH Zurich is structured similarly to the Bachelor-Master degree programmes in Europe. After 6 semesters, successful students are conferred a bachelor degree and can pursue a master degree at home or abroad.

In the first year, subjects fundamental to Mathematical and Natural Sciences are covered: Mathematics, Informatics, Mechanics and Geology, System Engineering, Business Administration and Geodetic Measurement Engineering. First year students are requested to carry out a small project allowing them to work independently and to carry out some practical work. The first year examination is based on all the subjects taught in the first two semesters.

The second and third years involve an in-depth study of the core subjects in addition to an introduction to the fundamental subjects taught in the master courses, namely Physics, Hydraulics, Hydrology, Structural Engineering, Material Science, Legal Doctrine as well as Structural Analysis for Civil Engineers (reinforced concrete and steel construction), Geotechnical Engineering, Transportation, Hydraulic Engineering and Process Technology.

To complement one’s studies, a wide range of interdisciplinary subjects including Social Studies and the Humanities can be taken at either ETH Zurich or the University of Zurich.
Assessment in all the compulsory subjects is by formal examination whereby 180 credit points, which correspond to the European Credit Transfer System, should be obtained. The bachelor degree course concludes upon completion of a thesis during the last semester. Successful students are awarded the title 'Bachelor of Science ETH'.

Most of the lectures are taught in German.