Studying at the University of Innsbruck

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Doctor of Philosophy Programme Earth Sciences

Faculty	Faculty of Geo- and Atmospheric Sciences
Duration / ECTS-Credits	6 semesters / 180 ECTS-Credits
Academic Degree	Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Qualification Level	Doctorate (Third Cycle) ISCED-11: Level 8, EQF/NQF: Level 8
ISCED-F	0532 Earth Sciences
Mode of Study	Full-Time
Study Code	UC 094 xxx | UC 794 655 xxx
Curriculum	Information on the Curriculum (2009W) *
Language of Instruction	German / English
Admission Requirements	Relevant diploma or master's degree or equivalent and Language Certificates
Application	Apply ONLINE

* Information on the Curriculum (2009W)

The complete version of the curriculum reflects the currently valid version of the curriculum. It is for informational purposes only and is not legally binding. The legally binding version of the curriculum, including any amendments, may be found in the University of Innsbruck Bulletins.

In order to determine which version of the curriculum is applicable in your case, see the Catalogue of Studies,
  available at: https://lfuonline.uibk.ac.at/public/lfuonline_meinestudien.studienblatt
  Section: Current Curriculum version.

University of Innsbruck Bulletins » (Click to open all University of Innsbruck Bulletins)

Requirements

Relevant master's or diploma degrees at the University of Innsbruck:

• Diploma Programme Earth Sciences
• Master's Programme Earth Sciences
• Master's Programme Materials and Nanosciences

Proof of general university entrance qualification:

With the exception of § 64 par. 5 UG 2002, the general university entrance qualification for admission to a doctoral programme shall be demonstrated by the completion of a relevant diploma programme or master's programme or another relevant programme of at least the same level of higher education at a recognised domestic or foreign post-secondary educational institution. To compensate for substantial subject-related differences, supplementary examinations may be prescribed, which must be taken by the end of the second semester of the doctoral degree programme.

The rectorate may determine which of these supplementary examinations are prerequisites for taking examinations provided for in the curriculum of the doctoral degree programme.

Modules and Dissertation

Compulsory Modules 25 ECTS-Credits	Dissertation 150 ECTS-Credits
Development and Presentation of Doctoral Concept 4 ECTS-Credits Analysis and Presentation of Own Results I 6 ECTS-Credits Analysis and Presentation of Own Results II 10 ECTS-Credits Doctoral Thesis Defence 5 ECTS-Credits	The dissertation is a scientific piece of work in a special field of the earth sciences which – in contrast to a diploma or master's thesis – serves to prove the student's ability to cope with scientific questions in an independent way.  The dissertation can also consist of articles that are related in terms of subject matter or methods. The quality criteria mentioned in the curriculum are valid.  The student has to propose a team of supervisors, consisting of at least two people (dissertation committee) and to nominate one of them as the supervisor mainly responsible. It is permissible to propose supervisors (with the exception of the main supervisor) from subject‐related fields. In justifiable exceptional cases it is possible for students to propose only one supervisor.  Prior to beginning the work, the student has to communicate the dissertation topic and the names of the supervisors in writing to the Director of Studies. Topic and supervisors are considered as accepted, if the Director of Studies does not veto them by means of a decree within one month after the receipt of the proposal.
Elecitve Module 5 ECTS-Credits
One Elective Module must be completed. Generic Skills 5 ECTS-Credits Scientific Basics/Core Skills of the Thesis Topic 5 ECTS-Credits

Qualification Profile and Skills

Graduates of the Doctor of Philosophy Programme Earth Sciences have a theoretical and systematic understanding of their research discipline and the methods employed by research in this field. Through their submission of an original piece of scientific work in the field of Earth Sciences, graduates of this program have made their own contribution to research which widens boundaries of knowledge and conforms to the evaluation standards of experts. They develop scientific questions and independently subject them to critical analysis.

Expected Learning Outcomes for the Doctorate

Graduates are qualified junior academics. They have mastered the methods applied in research in their area and are capable of critically discussing, analyzing, and further developing theories. Junior academics possess the competence to develop and conduct substantial research projects with scientific integrity, and they are qualified to reflect on these processes scientifically and theoretically. They are also aware of issues and questions in gender research.

Future Prospects: Occupational Profiles and Career Opportunities

Information about the Programme (in German only)

• Information on the PhD- and Doctoral Programmes
• Submission of the Dissertation
• Deadlines
• Information on the PhD- and Doctoral Programmes
• Guidelines for electronic submission and publication of academic theses and Instruction

Forms (in German only)

• Examination Records
• Appplication of the Dissertation (including Exposè)
• Cover Sheet of the Dissertation
• Declaration of Academic Honesty 
• Submission of the Dissertation
• To block the Dissertation
• Application of the Dissertation's Defense
• Recognition of exams and Supplementary Sheet

Contact and Information

Examination Office
Standort Innrain 52d

Associate Dean of Studies (from 01.03.2024)
Ass.-Prof. Priv.-Doz. Dr. Jasper Moernaut

Dean of Studies  
Priv.-Doz. Mag. Dr. Gertraud Meißl 

Information for students with disabilities