Overview
Key facts:
- PSC has created a PhD program that combines natural sciences and policy studies. It is based on current societal demand for young scientists to be able to effectively translate scientific results into the public discourse. It correlates with the PSC's view that scientific progress requires not only specialization – in the context of a research discipline – but also the ability to interact and collaborate with society. The next generation of scientists must be able to act as experts and advocates in their fields.
- This 3-year PhD in Plant Science and Policy program at the ETH Zurich - Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, introduces students in block courses and workshops to theory, tools and skills for advancing policy and then applying these in various case studies. Each course is organized as a series of lectures, literature studies, and group work. Real-life case studies and exchange with external experts, policy-makers and politicians provide hands-on experience. Opportunities and expectations for networking are central to the training program. Students are further encouraged to attend at least one national or international conference addressing policy topics in natural sciences.
Accreditation
The program is fully accredited within the Life Science Zurich Graduate School.
Programme Structure
The PSC PhD Program in Plant Sciences requires completion of 12 ECTS (credit points) from courses organized or accredited by the PSC. This includes: PSC courses, Life Science Zurich Graduate School courses, courses from Swiss Plant Science Web PhD Programs, and university courses in the area of transferable skills.
Courses include:
- Evidence-based Policy-making
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Communicating Science
- Building Political Support
- Contributing to Policy Action – Analysis and Communication of Risks and Uncertainties
- Understanding Policy Evaluation
Key information
Duration
- Full-time
- 36 months
Start dates & application deadlines
- StartingApply anytime.
Language
Credits
Delivered
Disciplines
Environmental Economics & Policy BotanyAcademic requirements
We are not aware of any academic requirements for this programme.
English requirements
Other requirements
General requirements
Required Qualifications
- Applicants must hold a university Master's degree (or equivalent) before starting the Science & Policy program. Please note that degrees from Universities of Applied Sciences (Fachhochschulen) are not accepted.
- Applicants must have strong English skills.
Tuition Fee
-
International
268 EUR/yearTuition FeeBased on the tuition of 134 EUR per semester during 36 months. -
EU/EEA
268 EUR/yearTuition FeeBased on the tuition of 134 EUR per semester during 36 months.
PhD candidates - 150 CFH
Living costs for Zürich
The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.
Funding
Studyportals Tip: Students can search online for independent or external scholarships that can help fund their studies. Check the scholarships to see whether you are eligible to apply. Many scholarships are either merit-based or needs-based.