General description

The ZNZ International PhD Program in Neuroscience includes a written dissertation about the own independent scientific research project. The program provides training in modern neuroscience disciplines and it is designed for students interested in pursuing a professional career in neuroscience. Since program participants originate from different biomedical branches, one key element of the program is the development of skills of communication, interaction with other scientists, and scientific writing. Course work with a minimum of 12 ECTS credits is required. In the first year, the Introductory Course in Neuroscience, parts I and II, is mandatory. The participation in a two-day doctoral retreat is obligatory. The closely supervised thesis work will provide the experience of conducting a substantial piece of original research.

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.

Specific requirements

A joint doctorate at the Faculty of Science of the UZH and the ETH Zurich is only open to applicants whose responsible professor, with the right to confer a PhD at the Faculty of Science, has a double professorship at the UZH and at the ETHZ.

ECTS credits

12 ECTS Credits

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy, PhD

Language of instruction

English