Funding by the Jacobs Foundation
The new EPFL-ETH Zurich 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.