Bachelor of Civil Engineering

ETH Zurich gives students many opportunities to apply what they learn rather than focusing only on theory. Through programming exercises, surveying activities, design projects, laboratory work and a Bachelor’s thesis, students gradually learn how civil engineers approach real construction and infrastructure challenges.

Students also benefit from specialised laboratories, digital tools and research facilities across ETH Zurich’s Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering:

• Programming and digital tools: Students use MATLAB and Python through the Programming for Engineers module. They also study Digital Engineering, Machine Learning, and Scientific Computing, helping them analyse data, automate calculations and create engineering models.
• Civil engineering design project: Students complete an integrated design project in which they combine knowledge from different subjects to solve a realistic civil engineering problem.
• Surveying field course: After the fourth semester, students take part in a compulsory one-week field course linked to Geodetic Measurement Technology. They carry out surveying tasks, collect measurements and process field data.
• Bachelor’s thesis: In the final semester, students complete an independent research-based or practice-based project under the supervision of an ETH professor. The project includes a written report and an oral presentation.
• Geotechnical laboratories: ETH Zurich has specialist laboratories for testing soil, rock, clay and foundation materials. These facilities support work related to tunnels, roads, foundations and underground structures.
• Hydraulics laboratory: Students and researchers have access to large-scale testing facilities used for hydropower, river engineering, flood protection and water-flow studies.
• Digital and immersive design facilities: ETH’s Design++ centre uses artificial intelligence, extended reality, 3D visualisation and digital design tools to explore new ways of planning and constructing buildings.
• Circular construction projects: Students may take part in interdisciplinary projects that examine how materials from existing buildings can be reused. These projects can involve LiDAR scanning, photogrammetry, 3D modelling, computer vision and generative AI.
• Internship opportunities: Although an internship is not compulsory, ETH encourages students to gain practical experience with engineering consultancies, construction companies or project offices.
• Architecture and Civil Engineering Library: Students have access to specialist books, journals, databases, e-resources, study spaces and research support covering structures, bridges, tunnels, foundations, transport, construction management and hydraulics.

Official facilities and institutes link:
https://baug.ethz.ch/en/department/institutes.html

The programme prepares students for advanced study and, after completing a relevant Master’s degree, careers across construction, infrastructure, transport, water engineering and consultancy. Depending on their area of specialisation, graduates may work as Structural Engineers, Geotechnical Engineers, Transport Engineers, Hydraulic Engineers or Construction Project Engineers.

Students can also benefit from ETH Zurich’s strong employer connections and career support:

• ETH Career Center: Students receive guidance with career planning, CV preparation, applications, interviews and networking.
• Job-search support: ETH’s employment platforms help students find internships, graduate roles, research opportunities, thesis projects and student jobs.
• Employer networking: Career events and company fairs allow students to meet engineering firms, learn about graduate opportunities and build professional contacts.
• Industry partnerships: ETH works with organisations such as Basler & Hofmann, Hexagon, and Halter AG through its Design++ initiative. These partnerships focus on digital construction, artificial intelligence, extended reality and sustainable building design.
• Employment areas: Civil engineering graduates can work in consulting firms, construction companies, government departments, transport organisations, energy companies, research institutions and public infrastructure authorities.
• Salary information: ETH does not publish one fixed starting salary for Civil Engineering graduates because salaries vary depending on the role, employer, location and level of experience. Its Career Center provides access to professional salary guidance and comparison tools.
• Long-term accreditation value: ETH Zurich’s institutional accreditation confirms that the university meets recognised Swiss standards for academic quality, teaching, research and student support.
• Graduation outcomes: By the end of the programme, students will have completed 180 ECTS credits, a design project and a Bachelor’s thesis. They will be able to analyse civil engineering problems, use technical and digital methods, work independently and communicate their solutions clearly.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the Bachelor’s degree, students can progress to ETH Zurich’s MSc in Civil Engineering. At Master’s level, they can specialise in areas such as Structural Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, Transport Systems, Hydraulic Engineering, Water Resources Management, Construction and Maintenance Management, or Materials and Mechanics. Graduates may later continue into doctoral research or move into professional engineering practice.