Credit points

The D-MAVT doctoral studies take place within the framework of an individually compiled program. Doctoral students must earn at least 12 credits during their doctoral studies. One credit corresponds to a workload of 25 to 30 hours. At least one third of the credits must be earned outside their research area.

The D-MAVT decides on the accreditation of achievement in the doctoral program according to the Download Detailed stipulations regarding the Doctorate (PDF, 233 KB):

Course with an examination: Students who pass the examination acquire credit points as indicated in the course catalogue. Examination requirements, registration and de-registration, and the grading follow ETH Zurich guidelines. Courses passed as additional requirements are not counting for the credits.

Individual achievement without an examination: ETH Zurich lecturers may stipulate particular activities (participation in tests, independent work, tasks, etc.) to be carried out by D-MAVT doctoral students in order to acquire credit points without an official examination. The lecturers will detail the conditions for these individual achievements (form, type and time plan) on request.

Credit points for courses and activities outside of ETH Zurich: The supervisor decides on the attribution of credit points for courses and activities attended outside of ETH Zurich. An input of 25 to 30 working hours is required for each credit point. See the confirmation of attendance sheet.

Coursework can only be credited if the course is offered at the higher education level. For courses at ETH, the details in the course catalogue apply. Download More information (PDF, 177 KB)

There is no official academic record for students enrolled before 1 January 2022.

During the doctoral studies, the doctoral student must acquire a minimum of 12 credit points, as specified in the Rector's implementation provisions for the ETH Zurich Ordinance on the Doctorate.

To obtain the minimum 12 ECTS credits required in regular doctoral studies, credits must be earned in each of the following three categories:

• Subject Specialisation: Consolidation of knowledge in the research area of the doctoral thesis and the extension of knowledge beyond the original discipline, e.g., through attendance of courses designed especially for doctoral students, regular Master’s degree courses or courses from the third year of Bachelor’s degree studies
• Transferable Skills: All doctoral students must complete a minimum of 1 ECTS in ethics and good scientific practice. This can be achieved by enrolling in the course “151-9910-00L Ethics and Scientific Integrity for Doctoral Students of D-MAVT” or other courses offered on the ETHics Resource Platform. In addition, further transferable skills, e.g., by attending soft-skills courses or participating in ETH Zurich bodies or committees, can be counted toward the remaining required overall ECTS.
• Integration into the Scientific Community (max. 2 ECTS): e.g., by attending international conferences, participation in workshops, posters or presentations, etc.; max. 1 ECTS credit point for participation in committee work

Doctoral students coordinate the details of their individual doctoral studies with the supervisor of their doctoral thesis. For the required ECTS credits, either a performance assessment must be passed or an active, verifiable contribution must be made. One ECTS credit corresponds to a workload of 25 to 30 hours. Study achievements during doctoral studies are documented in an academic record. This academic record is only issued after the doctorate has been completed and all administrative requirements prescribed by regulation have been fulfilled. Please read the Download Detailed stipulations regarding the doctorate (PDF, 233 KB) for further information.

Credit points are only awarded if:

1. an associated performance assessment to the course is passed;
2. when participating in other scientific events such as conferences or meetings, the person taking part makes an active and verifiable contribution.
3. the course is offered at the higher education level. For courses at ETH, the details in the course catalogue apply. More information.

The following credit points cannot be counted towards the regular doctoral program:

1. credits achieved before entering the doctorate;
   
2. credits achieved within the framework of multiple enrolment at a different study level, with the exception of the teaching diploma or didactics certificate;
   
3. credits achieved as part of the extended doctoral program;
   
4. participation in the professorship's own seminars and events, such as group meetings, group retreats, etc.;
   
5. participation in teaching;
   
6. attendance of courses without performance assessment
7. semester project (8CP)