Basic Teacher Training

At PHZ many different courses train teachers for pre-school and school years 1 to 9. The teaching language is German.

The following courses are available at PHZ:

• Diploma studies for teachers at the pre-school/lower primary level prepare the students for teaching at pre-school and at 1st and 2nd grade of the primary school. Course length: six semesters. This course is available at PHZ Lucerne, PHZ Schwyz and PHZ Zug.
• Diploma studies for teachers at the primary level prepare the students for teaching at 1st to 6th grade of primary school. Course length: six semesters. This course is available at PHZ Lucerne, PHZ Schwyz and PHZ Zug.
• Diploma studies for the lower secondary level prepares the students for teaching the 7th to 9th school year. The basic course takes two semesters and the main course in Lucerne takes six semesters. The basic course is available at all PHZ universities, the main course is only available at PHZ Lucerne.
• Master in Special Needs Education (MA-SHP): University of Teacher Education Central Switzerland (PHZ) has been running a Master programme for special education needs teachers at its campus in Lucerne since September 2007. These specialists will work with the regular class teachers in normal classes, in small classes and at special educational needs centres (special schools).
• Course for upper secondary level teachers (SEK II): An integrated Masters programme leads to the qualification of grammar school teacher. This study combines specific subject knowledge with methodological, pedagogical and practical aspects. It aims to give above average gifted young people a bright future and strengthens Switzerland's position in the field of education.

The courses start in the middle of September each year. The courses are structured in modules. The teaching diplomas are accepted in Switzerland and throughout Europe.

The courses are characterised by a large amount of teaching practice. At least 20% of course time is set aside for practical professional training. This means that all students have intensive contact with school practice, right from the beginning of their studies and have contact with the life and work of primary and secondary schools through teaching practice in co-operating schools. A further important part of the course is formed by academic education, which includes interdisciplinary sections, educational science and the results of research and development in their professional field.

Requirement for acceptance at the PHZ is:

• an EDK (Swiss Conference of Cantonal Ministers of Education) accepted Matura certificate or an equivalent educational background;
• an extensive acceptance procedure including a preparatory course and an entry test. The preparatory course is constructed on an individual basis and is a part-time course providing the basic knowledge needed for the entry test. The preparatory course lasts for two semesters (part-time) or one semester (full-time) and is taught in German.

Would you like to know more about the courses at PHZ?

Contact one of our three universities:
PHZ Lucerne
PHZ Schwyz
PHZ Zug