ARCH Competency Framework
The ARCH Competency Framework is the foundation for both the BSc and MSc curricula and was developed through a three-year participatory process involving faculty and students. Competence represents the synthesis of theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and professional attitudes. It is the capacity to act responsibly and effectively in unpredictable architectural scenarios. To translate this framework into everyday educational practice, D-ARCH develops a suite of coherent tools (indicated in pink).
"The more people appropriate the curriculum, the more effectively they implement the changes later on."
In this podcast, Vera Kaps explores how competence-orientation, participation, and ownership shape an active curriculum culture.
Sequence BSc & MSc in Architecture
‘Foundations’ 1st year
...acquire design strategies (Entwurf) and conceptual thinking as the core competencies
…adopt various design attitudes through the lenses of integrated competencies
…understand the full complexity of architecture from the start ...are introduced to methods
‘Positions’ 2nd year
...create a complete project out of the basics learned in the 3 competency fields
...train the ability to work in groups and individually ...evaluate and position an architectural project in the light of complexity
...experiences methods through guided application
‘Explorations’ 3rd year
...develop personal interests and specializations in architecture and beyond
...integrate the full complexity into a coherent project on a variety of scales
...explore/apply method(s) independently
'Critical Agency' MSc
…to develop critical agency in architecture by engaging with its cultural, technical, environmental, and societal dimensions.
…to deepen and extend an individual range of architectural competencies within a polytechnical and interdisciplinary framework
…to specify the own study path within the streams of the MSc ARCH programme
…to take responsibility for developing a professional and intellectual profile as an architect
…to position oneself between a generalist and an architectural specialisation
…to take as stance as an architect – not only as an author, but as an actor embedded in networks of practice and academia.
Qualification Profiles ARCH
The Bachelor of Science in Architecture at ETH Zurich prepares a new generation of architects to creatively and critically tackle the pressing challenges of architecture and the built environment at all scales. The degree programme provides graduates with a comprehensive competence profile. The programme focuses on (1) architecture, construction, and artistic exploration; (2) society and the environment; (3) architectural histories and historical and contemporary building culture; and (4) building processes, technologies and digitalisation. Over the course of the three-year programme, students progress from Foundations through Positions to Explorations, acquiring divers design approaches through the lens of integrated competencies and engaging with the full complexity of architecture from the outset. The breadth of the programme enables graduates to take their first steps towards further specialisation and the development of diverse profiles at the subsequent Master’s level.
Download Link Qualification Profile BSc in Architecture, Regulation 2025 (PDF, 218 KB)
The Master of Science in Architecture at ETH Zurich fosters critical agency in future architects, equipping them with architectural competencies to excel in both academia—through teaching and research—and professional practice. The programme focuses on (1) architecture, construction, and artistic exploration; (2) society and the environment; (3) architectural histories and historical and contemporary building culture; and (4) building processes, technologies, and digitalisation.
The programme enables students to define their individual study paths within the MSc ARCH and to articulate a thoughtful, personal and creative stance as architects. The students deepen and expand their competencies in the cultural, technical, ecological, social, and economic dimensions of architecture, embedded in the polytechnical framework of ETH Zurich.
The students learn to navigate the space between generalist versatility and
architectural specialisation in collaborative and multidisciplinary practices
and to form a professional and intellectual profile, which is sound as well as adaptable.
The programme fosters the ability to not only design architecture as an author but also to be an actor in the network of academia and practice. While fostering critical agency and aesthetic sensibility, the programme challenges students to contribute to urgent endeavours regarding the
built environment by applying building expertise and design excellence.
Download Link Qualification Profile MSc in Architecture, Regulation 2028 (PDF, 218 KB)
the ARCH Competency Chart
… lists all competencies to be taught and learned in the BSc and MSc programme.
… is a binding, yet evolving agreement for all teachers involved.
… is not a study plan.
… but forms the basis for the study plan, the actual courses and the assessment.
… is organized in learning paths and not in institutes.
external page Find the ARCH Competency Chart here
Structure
