Teaching Diploma

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The Biology Teaching Diploma

The Biology Teaching Diploma (Lehrdiplom Biologie) qualifies you to teach biology at Swiss Gymnasien and other secondary schools. It is offered by ETH Zurich, taught entirely in German, and recognised by the Swiss Conference of Cantonal Directors of Education (EDK) — accepted at all Swiss Maturitätsschulen. It is a separate programme from the Biology MSc, but the two are designed to be pursued in parallel.

60
ECTS total
~3
semesters
6 yrs
max. duration
30 Apr
deadline

Prerequisites

Completed Bachelor’s degree

You must hold a Biology BSc diploma before entry.

Enrolment in a Master’s programme

At the time of application you must be enrolled in a Master’s programme at ETH. Entry is only possible at the start of the autumn semester.

The application Deadline is every year on 30 April

Studies begin the following autumn semester. Can be completed alongside the MSc, a PhD, or work.

The programme is taught entirely in German. Sufficient German language proficiency is an official admission requirement.

When to start thinking about it

The pathway spans your entire study career — here are the key moments to be aware of:

Teaching Diploma pathway timeline Five milestones: optional EW courses during BSc, BSc 3rd year three required block courses, apply by 30 April, Lehrdiplom during MSc, awarded after Master’s degree. During BSc EW courses optional BSc 3rd year 3 block courses required Apply by 30 Apr MSc enrolment required During MSc ~3 semesters in parallel Awarded After Master’s degree
Scheduling note: Zoologie and Systematische Biologie: Pflanzen follow a different timetable from other block courses. Taking either means you cannot take other block courses in the 3rd and 4th quarter of the spring semester — plan ahead.

Programme structure

15 CP – Erziehungswissenschaften

Educational and learning science. Some students begin taking these courses already during their BSc.

12 CP – Fachdidaktik Biologie

Subject-specific teaching methods and lesson design.

15 CP – Berufspraktische Ausbildung

Guided school internships — observing, analysing, and teaching real classes.

12 CP – Fachwissenschaftliche Vertiefung

Subject knowledge with a pedagogical focus, linking university biology to secondary teaching.

6 CP – Wahlpflichtfächer

Elective compulsory courses from the ETH course catalogue.

Further information

The Department of Biology holds an information event during your studies where you can get some additional biology-specific information on the teaching diploma. Look out for announcements at a later point in your studies.

Teaching Diploma Biology — D-HEST overview
English-language overview of the Biology Teaching Diploma hosted by D-HEST.
EN
Lehrdiplom Biologie — D-HEST
German-language version with additional detail and a programme structure overview.
DE
Lehrdiplom für Maturitätsschulen — full programme details
Comprehensive ETH page on programme structure, areas of study, guidelines, and FAQ.
DE
Zulassungsvoraussetzungen — admission requirements
Official admission requirements including degree, subject knowledge, and German proficiency.
DE

Most detailed resources are currently available in German only.