I want to study at ETH Zurich, but which Bachelor's degree programme?

A complete university education involves both Bachelor’s and Master’s studies. Bachelor’s studies provide foundational knowledge and methodology in the selected discipline. Master’s studies consolidate this foundation and impart expertise.
After completing their Bachelor’s degrees students may choose between various Master’s degree programmes. Every Bachelor’s degree programme is followed by at least one consecutive Master’s degree programme.

• Consecutive Master’s degree programmes follow on directly from a Bachelor’s degree programme in content. Progression to a consecutive Master’s degree programme in the respective discipline proceeds with no additional requirements. Example: Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics > Master’s degree programme in Mathematics.
  
• Non-consecutive Master’s degree programmes do not follow on directly from a particular Bachelor’s degree programme in their content. They are independent, often interdisciplinary degree programmes with a thematic focus, to which admission without additional requirements is possible for persons with various Bachelor’s degrees. Example: Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering and Information Technology > Master’s degree programme in Management, Technology and Economics.
  
• Specialised Master’s degree programmes concentrate on a special topic, which is taught in an interdisciplinary manner with an international focus. They are open to outstanding graduates from different Bachelor’s degree programmes. Specific entry requirements apply, and a selection procedure determines admission. The number of places available is often limited. Example: Bachelor’s degree in Physics > Master’s degree programme in Quantum Engineering.
  
• Joint Master’s degree programmes are specialised Master’s programmes which are offered jointly in cooperation with other Swiss and/or foreign universities. Example: Joint Master’s in Applied Geophysics (offered by TU Delft, ETH Zurich and RWTH Aachen).
  

See the external page academic studies system at Swiss universities for detailed information on the various Master’s degree programmes.

Holders of a Bachelor’s degree cannot progress to any preferred Master’s programme. A student with a Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering cannot enter a Master’s programme in Biology; nor will a student with a Bachelor’s in Chemistry be admitted to a Master’s programme in Computer Science. The choice of Bachelor’s degree programme thus generally determines the later Master’s degree programme. Small changes of direction are possible, but require good preparation. More significant changes mean completing a second Bachelor’s degree. Whoever wants to be sure will take a good look at which Bachelor’s degree leads to which Master’s degree before making a decision. This applies particularly to the monodisciplinary degree programmes offered at ETH Zurich.

See the Master’s degree programmes at ETH Zurich for an overview.