General description

Doctoral students demonstrate a systematic understanding of a field of study and mastery of the skills and methods of research associated with that field. They can conceive, implement, and adapt a research process with scientific integrity. Doctoral students can undertake original research which expands existing knowledge through substantial research contributions. Doctoral students can analyze and solve complex problems and critically reflect on scientifically relevant issues. They present and discuss their research field to the international scientific community as well as communicate their research field to the general public. Graduates of the structured doctoral program successfully completed courses with a total work load of 93 ECTS credits and are especially prepared for an academic career. The doctoral thesis covers a specific subject in Banking and Finance of current scientific interest in great depth, and is publicly defended.

Admission requirements

The conditions for admission to the Doctoral program in Economics and Business Administration are published at:
http://www.oec.uzh.ch/studies/general/admission/phd_en.html

Educational goals

Students who intend to pursue an academic career and hold a Master's degree (or equivalent, such as the Swiss lic. oec. or the German Universitätsdiplom) with a distinction of at least "magna cum laude" are offered the opportunity to take courses in the Track B program in Banking and Finance in preparation for writing a dissertation.
The structured Doctoral program in Banking and Finance at the University of Zurich is part of the Swiss Finance Institute PhD Program, which operates at three campuses in Geneva/Lausanne, Lugano and Zurich. The program is targeted towards the pursuit of academic excellence. It aims at providing an intellectual environment and a curriculum comparable with the top PhD programs in Europe and North America.

ECTS credits

93 ECTS Credits

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy, PhD

Program structure

The program comprises two phases: one preparatory year of intensive coursework followed by three years of advanced studies and research. It covers a wide range of subjects, including economics, financial economics, corporate finance, mathematical finance, and econometrics. The compulsory modules include an independent research proposal. The candidates draft a dissertation based on this foundation. All courses are taught by internationally renowned academics from Switzerland, Europe, and North America. Moreover, a large number of courses in related fields is offered by partner institutions in the Swiss Finance Institute PhD program. Please refer to the Doctoral program regulations for more details: www.oec.uzh.ch/regulations_en. For a detailed description of the courses offered at the department as well as for a general overview of the program's structure, consult the website of the Department of Banking and Finance: www.phd-finance.uzh.ch/Program_en.

Language of instruction

English