Postgraduate Programs / Doctorate

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PhD - Doctor of Philosophy in Communication Studies

Language

All courses are taught entirely in English at all campuses.

Duration

Depending on the number of credits attempted per quarter, the course selection and the course planning, students may, for example, earn a Doctoral degree in 2 academic years of 9 months, for a total of 6 quarters of 10 credits each. Postgraduate Certificates can be earned in 1 academic year of 9 months, for a total of 3 quarters of 5 credits each, or, in case of a Postgraduate Certificate in Business Studies, in 3 to 36 months, again depending on the number of credits attempted per quarter, the course selection and the course planning. Postgraduate programs are available in a part-time format only. Part-time studies are available only for students with a national passport or residence permit, and for students who, upon invitation, have the ability to attend seminar courses.

Schedules

Courses are scheduled across main and satellite campuses from Monday to Saturday between 8:30 and 18:30, typically in sessions of 3 hours each and in an intensive seminar format with visiting professors, providing students the flexibility to combine work and studies, and fostering inter-campus exchanges and global networking. Refer to the course planning for further details on the availability of seminar courses. Additional courses may be available online; additional academic policies and conditions will apply.

Credits

Courses are assigned a number of credits, indicating the estimated workload. Each credit equals up to 30 learning hours, including contact hours, exam hours, self-study hours and group-study hours. Contact hours vary depending on total student enrollments per course. The workload of a typical part-time postgraduate student amounts to up to 10 credits per quarter and to 300 learning hours.

Program European Credits (ECTS) American quarter credits American semester credits
Doctorate 60 60 40
Certificate 15 15 10

Courses

Postgraduate courses are divided into program-specific courses. Electives can be chosen from any of the scheduled courses offered at the postgraduate level. Program-specific courses are scheduled based on enrollments and may not be available at all campuses. Refer to the program schedule for further details. Refer to the course overview for the list of available courses. Students are recommended to complete courses and earn credits at the highest level possible.

Program requirements

Switching to another program once the studies have started is possible as long as the program requirements are met by the end of the studies. Therefore, the decision to switch should be made as early as possible to avoid not meeting the program requirements within the intended program duration.

Graduate Courses 60 credits (if applicable)
Courses (PhD) 15 credits / 3 courses
Courses (Communication) 15 credits / 3 courses
Courses (Higher Education)
15 credits / 3 courses
Dissertation 15 credits
Doctorate 60 credits / 9 courses + dissertation

 

Grading system

Students are assessed on a combination of attendance, participation, individual assignments, group assignments and exams. Assignments may include reading materials, term papers, reports, presentations, and others. The combination of these assessments provides students with an equal opportunity to demonstrate their skills and knowledge. The minimum passing grade is D (60%). In case of an FX grade, students have the option to request a second exam in order to obtain the minimum passing grade of 60%. The Grade Point Average (GPA) is calculated on a 4.0 scale.

Percentage Grade Definition
90 to 99 A Excellent
80 to 89 B Good
70 to 79 C Average
60 to 69 D Poor
50 to 59 FX Unsatisfactory
0 to 49 F Fail
Percentage GPA Academic Honors
90 3.6 Summa Cum Laude
85 3.4 Magna Cum Laude
80 3.2 Cum Laude

Dissertation

The comprehensive dissertation work consists of a dissertation proposal and the actual dissertation. Proposals for its title and contents are submitted by the student and are approved by our academic council. Dissertation work can be directly related to the student’s professional activities.

Faculty

All courses are taught by academically qualified faculty members who have earned a doctoral degree in their field of expertise and also draw from extensive professional experience. Faculty members teaching in the postgraduate courses specific to higher education also hold an adult teaching certificate.

Diploma

Upon successful completion of the study program students receive an international private postgraduate certificate or degree awarded by the college’s headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland, based on the recommendation of the faculty of the local campuses where credits were earned. Our study programs are based on and are fully compatible with the established European and American educational systems.

Admission

Because of the program’s flexible structure and modular design, multiple starting dates are available in October, November, January, February, April and May. Refer to the academic calendar for the exact starting dates. Postgraduate programs are offered at main and satellite campuses only. Refer to the admission section for details on how to apply. When applying, please adhere to the application procedures and guidelines.

Admission requirements

  • proficiency in the English language (refer to the admission section for further details)
  • Master degree (or equivalent)

No distinction is made between academic or professional Master degrees.

Degrees with 60 European credits or 40 American semester credits are considered equivalent.