The SHS program begins in the second semester of the first year of the Bachelor’s degree and lasts for five semesters. It continues during the first two semesters of the Master’s degree. It is compulsory and carries the same weight for all sections. The curriculum offers a mix of lectures and more active teaching methods, such as seminars, workshops, and research projects.
Registration for SHS courses
Registration for courses is done via IS-Academia, as for all semester courses, according to the instructions sent by email. BA3 SHS courses will be open towards the end of July, with the exact date to be specified by the Academic Services Department (SAC). Other SHS courses are open at the same time as other EPFL courses (during the month of May).
As a general rule, any choice of elective courses can be changed at the beginning of the semester during a period set by the Academic Services Department.
Class schedules
- Bachelor’s degree, preparatory course: Tuesday 5:15 p.m. to 7 p.m.
- BA semester 3: Tuesday 3:15 p.m. to 5 p.m.
- BA semester 4: Tuesday 3:15 p.m. to 5 p.m.
- BA semester 5: Tuesday 1:15 p.m. to 3 p.m.
- BA semester 6: Tuesday 1:15 p.m. to 3 p.m.
- Master’s semester 1: Wednesday 4:15 p.m. to 7 p.m.
- Master’s semester 2: Wednesday 4:15 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Number of students per class
- In BA2 (Sustainability ENV101), all students (approximately 1,700) are grouped together in a single course.
In BA3 (Global Issues), courses are limited to 120 students per course. - From BA4 to BA6, the number of students admitted per course is limited to 70.
- In MA1 et MA2, enrollment is limited to 60 students per subject area.
Special cases ECAL and HEAD: for logistical reasons, courses offered by ECAL (Industrial Design and Graphic Design) are limited to 40 students, and those offered by HEAD (Artistic Practices) to 30 students.
Some courses taught by HEAD take place partly in Geneva. Students who are duly enrolled may obtain partial reimbursement of their travel expenses. Further details can be obtained from the professors responsible for these courses.
Exams and assessments
In the Bachelor’s program, each course is worth 2 ECTS credits. Assessments are carried out during the semester.
In the Master’s program, the course consists of two semesters, the first of which introduces students to the chosen theme and methodological framework, while the second involves the completion of an individual or group project. The media for this project are varied and may include an essay, a film, an artistic project, etc. Each semester is worth 3 ECTS credits.
Languages of instruction for SHS courses
SHS Program courses are generally taught in French. Some courses are also offered in English. However, class work and exchanges in the classroom can take place in French and English. The course descriptions are also available in French and English. If you have any questions or specific requests, the teaching team and coordinator are available to assist you.