The universities of teacher education (PH) offer degree courses at two levels: the first level finishes with the Bachelor and the second with the Master degree.
The study benefits are measured in accordance with the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS). ECTS is a European wide recognised system for the crediting, transferring and accumulation of educational experience. The points of the ECTS reflect the quantitative workload, where it is assumed that one ECTS point is the equivalent to 25 to 30 working hours and therefore a complete student year is equivalent to approx. 60 ECTS points. 180 ECTS points are required to acquire a Bachelor degree, 90 to 120 ECTS points are required for a Master degree.

 

Pre-school and primary level
The studies consist of a minimum of 180 ECTS points. The degree is awarded following oral, written and practical proof of performance during and/or at the end of the studies. The evaluation covers the following areas in particular:

 

Practical training is to be performed to the extent of some 36 - 54 ECTS points.
The course ends with a "Teaching diploma for the pre-school and/or primary level". The teaching qualification (level, subjects) is entered in the diploma in accordance with the recognition guidelines of the Swiss Conference of Cantonal Ministers of Education (EDK). The title "Bachelor of Arts" or "Bachelor of Science" may be awarded at the same time. Facultative further studies (specialisation or in-depth studies) resulting in a Master degree are possible.

Degree / Title

 

Lower secondary level
The studies consist of 270 - 300 ECTS credit points and can be integrated (i.e. parallel subject-specific and teaching-specific training) or can be taken consecutively. The diploma is awarded as a result of extensive evaluations of the qualifications and performances of the student. The evaluation covers the following areas in particular:

 

The  subject-specific and teaching-specific training amounts to a minimum of 120 ECTS points; for the educational science component there are at least 36 ECTS points and for the practical training at least 48 ECTS points to be earned.
The course ends with a "Teaching diploma for the lower secondary level". The range of professions for which the teacher is qualified is listed in the diploma. The title "Master of Arts" or "Master of Science" may be awarded at the same time. The combination lower secondary level / Maturity school is possible.

Degree / Title

 

Matura schools
Training as a teacher at Matura schools represents a supplement to the Master of Arts or Master of Science degree the students acquire in their subjects of specialisation at a university or university of applied sciences. The pedagogic and didactic courses at the universities of teacher education (PH) correspond to 60 ECTS points.
The course ends with a "Teaching Diploma for Maturity Schools". The range of professions for which the teacher is qualified is listed in the diploma. The combination lower secondary level / Maturity school is possible.

Degree / Title
No additional title will be issued for the teacher training of Matura school teachers in the scope of the Bologna declaration. The degree holders bear the title Master of Arts / Science as a result of their subject-specific university qualification.