ETH Competence Framework

An overview for lecturers

The ETH Competence Framework describes the competencies that ETH Zurich aims to foster. With subject-specific competencies at its core, it integrates the teaching of method-specific, social, and personal competencies (transferable competencies). 

"Curiosity for topics outside one's field, empathising with others, and teamwork, for example, can turn purely technical knowledge into solutions. Fostering these competencies is an important task for ETH Zurich."

Graphical representation of the ETH Competence Framework. The framework is represented in the shape of a diamond, with core subject-specific competencies, supported by three transferable competence domains. These are method-specific, social, and personal competencies. All four competence domains are displayed in a different colour.

The ETH Competence Framework helps ETH lecturers teach the competencies that students will need in the future. It also supports the lecturers in making the courses' learning goals, and related teaching material, clearer for the students.

In this way, the students can formulate the right expectations about their learning, become aware of how they develop their competencies throughout their degree programme, and get ready to apply them in their future jobs and societal roles.

Explore the Competence Framework!

Subject-specific Competencies

Link to the Subject-Specific Competencies page.

These competencies concern knowledge of theories, concepts, and techniques as well as its application to specific fields. Take me to these competencies!

These competencies, that lie at the core of ETH Zurich's education, are specified in detail by the degree programmes.

Note for the lecturers

About the ETH Competence Framework

The ETH Competence Framework is a product of ETH Talent, an initiative of the ETH Rectorate. More information about the initiative can be found on the ETH Talent website.

Differentiation from the Social and Leadership Competencies

The Social and Leadership Competencies is another competence framework of ETH. The Social and Leadership Competencies are aimed at employees and come into play in everyday work. They offer guidance in the roles one assumes in research, teaching, knowledge transfer and technical/administrative work.

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