General description

The PhD Program in Science & Policy includes a written dissertation about the own independent scientific research project in natural sciences and is usually completed in three to four years (full-time).
The program deals with the interface of science and policy and helps students to elaborate tools and skills for engaging with institutions active in decision-making and implementation. The program includes a curricular part of at least 12 ECTS credits. The curricular part is composed of a lecture in Basics of Policy Sciences and Policy workshops: block courses including lectures, group exercises, literature study and case study work on the topics of evidence-based policy-making in life sciences, stakeholder engagement, communicating science, building political support and contributing to a policy action plan. Some ECTS credits can be chosen freely from research or transferable skill courses.

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