EPFL and ETH Zurich launch their first joint doctoral programme

How can the science of human cognition and learning help us to teach and learn? How can data science and artificial intelligence support the personalisation of learning? And how can we – especially in the age of flexible working – systematically evaluate the interaction between learners and physical spaces in different environments? These and similar questions will be intensively addressed by participants in the new joint doctoral programme in the learning sciences being offered by EPFL and ETH Zurich that starts in Spring 2022.

The learning sciences sit at the crossroads of several disciplines. They require experts from an array of fields, who are eager to put their expertise to work to improve education while advancing the understanding of human cognition and learning. The new joint doctoral programme is especially aimed at Master’s graduates mainly from the STEM fields- science, technology, engineering and mathematics- who have a keen interest in learning and education.

An important step

“Our goal is to train experts who can address education-related issues by drawing on a scientific background,” says Pierre Dillenbourg, EPFL’s Associate Vice President for Education and head of EPFL’s external page Computer-Human Interaction in Learning & Instruction (CHILI) laboratory. He conceptualized and designed the joint doctoral programme together with Manu Kapur, who holds the Chair of Learning Sciences and Higher Education at ETH Zurich and heads up ETH Zurich’s Future Learning Initiative.

“Research shows that traditional methods of teaching are often not optimal,” says Manu Kapur who has experience as a mathematics teacher himself. For example, the professor has shown that the systematic use of productive failure is significantly more effective than teaching by means of lectures. “Data science, artificial intelligence and robotics open up new research approaches that further promote such insights. “ He adds: “The joint programme is a significant step for the learning sciences in Switzerland, but also for science in general, as it sets the framework for joint programmes in other fields to be established.”

In fact, this is the first doctoral programme offered jointly by the two universities, each of which has extensive experience in the learning sciences (read below). “There are great synergies and opportunities between our schools and we look forward to more joint doctoral programmes in the near future”, says Luisa Lambertini, EPFL’s Associate Vice President for Postgraduate Education. And the Rector of ETH Zurich, Sarah Springman, says: "At the beginning of every innovation is learning. Our education system must build on current research knowledge at all levels - from childhood to adulthood - in order to meet an ever more rapidly changing world." In this regard, the new doctoral programme is an important step, says Springman: "It is only right that Switzerland's two leading technical and scientific universities continue to expand the basis for this."

Funding by the Jacobs Foundation

The new programme lasts four years and is being funded by the Jacobs Foundation. “Collaboration is key to driving innovation, which is why we are delighted that these two high profile institutions are jointly offering this programme which will shape the future of learning,” says Simon Sommer, Co-CEO of the Jacobs Foundation.

Students must obtain at least 12 credits during the programme, including a total of eight credits from two mandatory courses (worth four credits each) taught each year at ETH Zurich and at EPFL. The first course looks at the theories of learning sciences, the latest research findings and different perspectives on the field. It focuses on two questions: How do people learn? And how can we improve the learning experience?  The second course explores the interdisciplinary methodological toolkit of various research design, data-collection and data-analysis methods that learning scientists employ.

Students can also choose from a wide range of optional courses on topics like machine learning, how to learn and digital technology for education. The programme will also feature joint colloquia, seminars, summer and winter schools, and events for strengthening the community of learning science experts both within the programme and in Switzerland at large.

Students can take the joint doctoral programme through either EPFL or ETH Zurich, depending on where their primary thesis supervisor is based, although they will also be co-supervised by a professor from the other university. Their doctoral degree certificates will bear the logos of both universities. Students wishing to apply for the programme should submit their application by 1 December 2021; another application round will be held in Spring 2022.