Theoretical Astrophysics and Cosmology

(Doctoral Program)

Degree program: Doctorate Faculty of Science

General description

The doctoral program in Theoretical Astrophysics and Cosmology is focused on carrying out original research. By the end of their PhD, doctoral students
have typically published several papers in the main refereed astrophysics journals. The program includes a curricular part for which doctoral students must obtain at least 12 ECTS credits. These can be obtained in a variety of ways, such as by attending graduate schools, giving talks at conferences or by attending advanced lectures.
Appropriate lecture courses will be chosen by the PhD advisor together with the doctoral student. Doctoral students are encouraged to attend weekly research seminars and the astrophysics journal club.
Additionally, doctoral students must assist with a lecture course for five semesters, for example, holding a problems class.

Admission requirements

Admission to doctoral study is governed by the ordinance on admission to studies at the University of Zurich (Verordnung über die Zulassung an der Universität Zürich VZS). The main requirement for admission to doctoral study is a Master's degree from a university or an equivalent degree. Each PhD project must receive approval from a professor at the Faculty of Science or from a person who has the right to confer a PhD at the Faculty of Science. There is no general right to be granted admission to a PhD program. Admission may be made contingent on conditions and/or restrictions in the form of additional coursework. Conditions must be met prior to admission to doctoral study; restrictions may be fulfilled during doctoral study. Coursework required to meet conditions and/or restrictions may not exceed a total of 60 ECTS credits; requirements are specified according to the demands of the subject in which the PhD thesis will be written. The Vice Dean of Studies decides on admission, on recognition of similar degrees, and on conditions and/or additional requirements that may apply. As a rule, the language of instruction in the PhD programs is English. All applicants whose native language is not English, or whose prior studies have not been conducted in English, are required to provide proof of sufficient knowledge of English.

ECTS credits

12 ECTS Credits

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Language of instruction

English