Minor Selection

The most important information on the minor selection process:

  • Generally, the minor selection takes place in spring for minors starting in the autumn semester. In certain cases, students may also choose a minor starting in the spring semester.
  • Information on the minor programme can be found on the major pages.
  • Places are not allocated on a “first come, first serve” basis. There is therefore enough time to decide on a minor. 
  • There are space restrictions in many minors. It is therefore advisable to indicate several priorities (maximum 5) in the Minor Selection in order to obtain a minor place.
  • A minor comprises either 15 or 30 credits. If a 15-credit minor is chosen, a second minor is chosen one year later.
  • The “SWITCH edu-ID” is required for the minor selection. Forgotten passwords can be reset directly in the login screen. New students create a SWITCH edu-ID account as part of the online admission procedure (ONLA).

Allocation  

Students select a minor in the Minor Selection. As the number of places is limited in many minors, it is recommended that you indicate several priorities (maximum 5) in the Minor Selection. Places on minors are allocated at the same time in May. Wherever possible (depending on the number of places available), students are allocated a place on their most preferred minor. The number of priorities chosen has no influence on the allocation of first priority.

Dates 2 Phase Minor Selection

In the 2 phase of the minor selection, students who have not been assigned a minor or have not chosen a minor by 22 May 2025, can select from the still available minor options.

2 Phase Minor Selection 
8 August – 19 August 2025, 11:59 pm

2 Phase Minor Place Allocation
26 August 2025

Participation Regulations for the Minors

Programme Combination 

Possible programme combinations are listed on the website of each major under «Possible Major-Minor Combinations».   

Level of Study 

Many minors are open to students from both levels of study (Bachelor and Master). Some, however, are only open to one level. Details are indicated on the website of each minor under «Level of Study».  

Entry-Level Competencies 

Minors may require students to possess certain entry-level competencies. For details, please see the PDF «More about this Minor» on the website of the respective minor.  

Self-Declaration and Assessment of Entry-Level Competencies  

Entry-level competencies for minors are assessed in two ways:  

  • Self-declaration: Prospective students confirm that they possess the required competencies. 
  • Assessment of entry-level competencies: Students are required to demonstrate that they possess the necessary entry-level competencies by means of assignments, work samples (presentation, portfolio, dossier), projects or interviews (online or on-site). The specific tasks are listed for the corresponding minors on the website under "Assessment of Entry-Level Competencies".

Language Requirements 

For details on language requirements, please see the PDF «More about this Minor» on the website of the respective minor.

Embedding Minors in the Degree Programme

Minors usually commence in the autumn semester. Students choose their minor(s) and are allocated places in the preceding semester.

Minor programmes comprise either 30 or 15 credits, with 30-credit minors generally running over four semesters and 15-credit minors over two semesters. 30-credits minors only have to be chosen once. Students who choose a 15-credit minor must choose a second 15-credit minor a year later.

Minor Selection for Bachelor's Students

Bachelor's students concentrate exclusively on their major during their first year of study and choose their (first) minor during the second semester of their programme, minor classes begin in the third semester. When studying a minor with 15 credits, the second minor is chosen in the fourth semester and teaching begins in the fifth semester.

Bachelor's programmes comprise 180 credits (Major 150 credits, Minor(s) 30 credits).

Minor Selection for Master's Students

On receiving confirmation of place on their major, Master's students are required to accept their place and choose their minor before starting their programme. When studying a minor with 15 credits, the second minor is chosen in the second semester, with classes starting in the third semester.

Master's programmes comprise 120 credits (Major 90 credits, Minor(s) 30 credits).

Student Advice

The ZHdK Advisory Network helps students to understand the programme structure and supports them before or during their studies. The advisory team also shows students how to find their way around the Major-Minor structure and which offerings they can combine.

FAQ

  • I have not received a minor place or have missed the opportunity to register for a minor. How do I proceed?

    The minor selection for the autumn semester closes in May. If you have not been assigned to a minor or have not yet chosen one, you will have another opportunity in August to select from the options still available. Starting mid-August, you will see in the minor selection which minors still have places available. You will need to submit your choice by the end of August. You will be contacted directly by your student office with further instructions.

  • Can I choose two minors with 15 credits at the same time in the minor selection? 

    No, you can only choose one minor at a time. If you choose a minor with 15 credits, the second minor will usually be chosen later. In special cases, an Individual Area of Study (ISB) can be arranged with the Head of Department or Head of Major, so that a second minor is not necessary. A small group of minors starts in the spring semester and can be started parallel to the first minor. However, this is not sensible with all minors and requires more planning and coordination effort. It is generally not possible to drop a minor and start a new one without consulting the Head of Major.

  • Can I change my submitted minor selection again?

    No, a minor selection that has been submitted and completed cannot be changed again, even if the selection period is still running. In the minor selection, you will be explicitly informed before submitting your selection that it will be final. 

  • How is the allocation of minor places carried out exactly?

    • All students are randomly shuffled by the system and placed in a sequence.
    • The system goes through the students in this random order and assigns them a place in the minor of their first priority (for which they meet the entry requirements).
    • If more students have registered for a particular minor than there are places available, and no spots are left in their first priority, those students are not assigned a place at that stage, and the system moves on to the next student in the order.
    • Once all first priorities have been processed in this way, the system goes back to the students who have not yet received a place and attempts to assign them to their second priority, if possible. If there are no spots left in the second priority either, the system again moves on to the next student, continuing this process until all second priorities have been considered.
    • Then, third priorities are assigned, and so on.

  • Can I register for a minor without choosing a major?

    No, unfortunately this is not possible. However, there are some minors that are also offered as a CAS as part of a continuing education programme.

    → All continuing education programmes

  • Can I withdraw from my chosen minor if I don’t like the place allocation?

    No, the place in the allocated minor must be taken. Only Minors whose studies are relevant should be chosen in the Minor selection.

  • What is a minor with Fast Track?

    Minors with a minimum enrollment of 1, unlimited places, and no assessment of entry-level competencies are assigned through an accelerated process (called Fast Track). If you select such a minor as your first priority in the Minor Selection, you will be directly enrolled in it upon submitting your choice. Therefore, it is not possible to select additional minors alongside a first-priority Fast-Track Minor.

  • Where can I find more information about the minors? 

    There is a separate page for each major and minor on the website. The major pages list the minors that can be combined. The minor pages explain the programme content and registration conditions. In addition, all minors are presented at the minor information days. 

    → All minors

  • When will I see which minors I can choose in the 2nd phase?

    From mid-August, the minor selection will show which minors still have places available and can be selected for your own major.

  • As an exchange student (incoming), can I choose a minor and complete it in full?

    As exchange students are usually only at ZHdK for one semester, they cannot usually complete a minor in full. However, there may be exceptions or opportunities to participate in minors via individual modules. The actual choice and implementation must be discussed with the responsible department.

  • Can I complete an exchange semester (outgoing) during my major-minor studies?

    Yes, as part of your studies at ZHdK, you have the opportunity to apply for and complete an exchange semester. You can find all information on the exchange semester process, in the intranet under Mobility Office.

    Please note that not all minors are equally compatible with an exchange semester, as at least part of the minor will be missed during the exchange. Be sure to discuss your options with the minor coordinator as early as possible.

    If you have any questions, the Mobility Office or the Student Advisory Network will be happy to assist you.

  • Do all minors require an initial competency assessment?

    No, only some minors require this. And if required, it’s sometimes for all students and sometimes depending on the students' major. This is indicated on the pages of the relevant minors under "More information about this minor".

  • Where can I find information on the assessment of entry-level competencies?

    Information on the assessment of entry-level competencies required by the minor can be found on the minor pages under "More information about this minor".

  • When do the assessments of entry-level competencies take place? Are they on site?

    If the assessment of entry-level competencies requires the submission of documents (dossier, work samples, etc.), these will be uploaded directly with the minor selection.

    If the assessment of entry-level competencies includes an examination date, you will receive an invitation by e-mail. Details of the date and location can be found on the minor's website. 

  • I do not yet have the necessary entry-level competencies at the time of choosing the minor. Can I catch up on these by the start of the minor?

    No, the required competencies will be checked before the minor is allocated.

  • I do not yet have the necessary language skills at the time of choosing the minor. Can I still choose the minor and acquire the language skills by the start of the minor?

    Yes, because language skills are not tested. It is your own responsibility to have the required language skills.

  • If I successfully complete the entry-level competencies, am I guaranteed a place in the minor?

    No, successfully completing the assessment of entry-level competencies does not guarantee a place in the relevant minor (if there is a restriction on places). It does entitle you to participate in the allocation of places.

  • Can I have modules from a minor I have not completed recognized?  

    In general, this is possible. The modules can be credited to the Individual Area of Study (ISB) but not toward a major or another minor. The Head of Major is responsible for the recognition of credits in the Individual Area of Study (ISB).

    → More about the Individual Area of Study (ISB)