The Geography – Earth System Sciences PhD at the University of Zurich focuses on original, independent research at the intersection of geography, Earth processes, and environmental systems. The programme includes a structured doctoral curriculum totalling 12 ECTS, alongside research supervision and a written dissertation.
Key information
- Degree level: PhD (Doctoral programme)
- University: University of Zurich
- Programme focus: Earth system sciences within Geography (e.g., geoscience, biogeochemistry, climate and cryosphere, landscape dynamics)
- Doctoral curriculum: 12 ECTS in total
- Core courses: 6 ECTS (mandatory)
- Additional courses: 6 ECTS (recommended/selected courses within the Graduate School and/or university framework)
- Assessment: Written dissertation based on original research
- Language of instruction: English (English proficiency required for non-native speakers)
- Start dates: Please check the University of Zurich doctoral application calendar for the current intake
Programme structure
The PhD includes a structured doctoral curriculum (12 ECTS) plus your dissertation research. The curriculum is designed to complement your research project and develop transferable doctoral skills.
Doctoral curriculum (12 ECTS)
- Core mandatory component (6 ECTS): includes an introduction to the PhD process, research-themed exchange activities, and opportunities to present your own research project.
- Additional courses (6 ECTS): completed through attendance of further courses offered within the Graduate School and/or the wider university.
Examples of course and seminar offerings
- International Geochronology Summer School: Principles and Theory
- Promotion seminar
- Research Forum on Political Geography
- Research Forum on Biogeochemistry and Landscape Dynamics
- Research Forum on Water, Cryosphere and Climate
- Teaching Advanced Microscopy for Life Science
Dissertation: The programme culminates in a written dissertation based on an original, independent scientific research project.
Academic requirements
Admission to doctoral study is governed by the University of Zurich admission regulations for doctoral programmes (Verordnung über die Zulassung an der Universität Zürich, VZS).
The main requirement is a Master’s degree from a university or an equivalent degree. Each PhD project must be approved by a professor at the Faculty of Science (or by a person with the right to award a PhD at the Faculty of Science).
English requirements
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Other requirements
General requirements
- Applicants whose native language is not English, or whose prior studies were not conducted in English, must provide proof of sufficient English knowledge.
- In addition to academic qualifications, doctoral admission depends on approval of the specific PhD project by the Faculty of Science.
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Post-study work options (Switzerland): Switzerland does not offer a single automatic “post-study work permit” for all graduates. Instead, work authorization is typically tied to an employment offer and the relevant immigration process.
- Eligibility: In general, you may be eligible to work after graduation if you have a valid residence status for study and can secure a qualifying job offer in Switzerland.
- Permit duration: The length of authorization depends on your employment contract and the decision of the Swiss authorities; it is not guaranteed to match the length of your degree.
- Key requirement: You usually need an employer willing to sponsor your work authorization and meet the applicable Swiss labour market rules.
- Doctoral graduates: PhD graduates may be considered for work authorization through the standard employment-based route; the exact outcome depends on your profile, the job, and current regulations.
- Important: Rules can change and may differ by canton and nationality. Always verify the latest guidance with the Swiss Federal Office for Migration (SEM) and/or your university’s international office.
Note: This information is general and may not reflect your personal situation. For country-specific and up-to-date requirements, consult the University of Zurich international office and the relevant Swiss immigration authority.
