General description

The specialized Fast Track single major study program in Theoretical Astrophysics & Cosmology (90 ECTS credits) at Master’s level is intended for exceptional students envisioning an academic career. The program takes students to the forefront of our understanding of our Universe. Together with the core courses in advanced theoretical astrophysics and cosmology, an original research project is carried out with a faculty member (55 ECTS credits). This can range from a computational astrophysics project, to analysing data from observations or supercomputer simulations, or carrying out a theoretical project. At least 30 ECTS credits are earned through research seminars, lectures, exercises and internships in the chosen specialist area. This program is ideally suited for students wishing to carry out doctoral studies in astrophysics, cosmology or theoretical physics.

Admission requirements

The Fast-Track program in Theoratical Astrophysics and Cosmology is a specialized Master’s program with specific additional admission requirements.
For admission to the program, the following conditions have to be met:

• Bachelor's degree from the University of Zurich with a major grade of at least 5.5 or a corresponding recommendation from another university.
  
• Assessment interview with the student and the future leaders of the thesis
  

in the presence of at least one other faculty member. The Faculty may require additional requirements in the form of further assessments. The Faculty also decides on the recognition of studies and credit points acquired elsewhere.

Specific requirements

The Fast-Track program in Theoratical Astrophysics and Cosmology is a specialized Master’s program with specific additional admission requirements.
For admission to the program, the following conditions have to be met:

• Bachelor's degree from the University of Zurich with a major grade of at least 5.5 or a corresponding recommendation from another university.
  
• Assessment interview with the student and the future leaders of the thesis in the presence of at least one other faculty member.
  

The Faculty may require additional requirements in the form of further assessments. The Faculty also decides on the recognition of studies and credit points acquired elsewhere.

Educational goals

The fast-track program furthers students scientific education and fosters their abilities for independent research. Students will be prepared for careers in industry, at research institutes and at universities.

ECTS credits

90 ECTS Credits

Degree

Master of Science UZH in
Theoretical Astrophysics and Cosmology

Program structure

At least 30 ECTS must come from modules that have been approved by the doctoral committee. One year after the starting the Master's thesis, the student must submit it and pass an exam, as described in the MNF study regulations "3. Physik § 4.3 Masterarbeit /-prüfung." Thereafter, the student transitions to the doctoral program "Theoretical Astrophysics and Cosmology." The doctoral program includes a dissertation, with a scope appropriate for the respective field. During the program the full doctoral program shall be completed in accordance with the official PhD regulations.

Major/minor subject combinations

The specialized Fast-Track Master's study program in Theoretical Astrophysics and Cosmology 90 can be taken as a single major or be combined with a minor study program 30 at Master's level.

Examination and assessment regulations

The student's achievement is assessed at the end of each module. Achievements are graded on a scale from 1 to 6, whereby 6 denotes the highest grade of achievement and 1 the lowest. A grade below 4 is insufficient. Achievements can also be graded with 'passed' or 'failed'.

Language of instruction

English