PhD Seminar I is a 7 week course taught in the autumn semester, which aims to provide, firstly an opportunity for new cohorts of doctoral students to form informal cross-disciplinary networks and secondly to provide a basic set of knowledge of both the regulations and the process of obtaining a PhD within the University of Zurich.

ECTS: 1

Status: mandatory

Skills and competences developed:
networking (+), presentation skills (+), transferable skills (+), career development (+)

PhD seminar II is focussed around a weekend retreat, where cohorts of doctoral students identify areas in which they feel their skills base is weak, and a set of activities and discussions are held to explore these areas. Typically, doctoral students attend this course in their second year of study.

ECTS: 1

Status: mandatory

Skills and competences developed:
networking (++), presentation skills (+), transferable skills (+), career development (+)

Geography is a mature and successful discipline, but increasing specialisation means that many doctoral students are recruited from outside the discipline, and that Masters students often specialise early in their careers. This seminar will introduce doctoral students to a range of cross-disciplinary literature and allow wide ranging discussions of the relevance of this literature, and a broad knowledge of the discipline, to individual research projects.

ECTS: 1

Status: mandatory

Skills and competences developed:
disciplinary knowledge (++), presentation skills (+)

Scientific writing is a key skill for all scientists, and one which must be practised and refined. Bespoke courses will focus on developing writing skills for geographers for journal and conference papers as well as dissertations. Because of the significant differences in writing styles within geography, courses focussed on writing for natural and social sciences will be offered in alternate years.

ECTS: 1

Status: mandatory

Skills and competences developed:
presentation skills (++), transferable skills (+)

Grant writing, CV development, presentation and interview skills are all important elements of doctoral education whether doctoral students plan careers in science, public services or industry. A series of afternoon workshops by external experts will be offered to doctoral students and, where space is available, other interested members of staff.

ECTS: 1

Status: mandatory

Skills and competences developed:
transferable skills (++), career development (++)

A key aim of the graduate programme is to build strong networks between doctoral students. 2nd and 3rd year doctoral students will be invited to attend a weekend retreat and present their research. These retreats will also feature a well-known international guest speaker, and all supervisors will be invited to attend at least once every three years.

ECTS: 1+1

Status: mandatory

Skills and competences developed:
networking (++), disciplinary knowledge (+), presentation skills (++)