Structure of the Doctoral Programme

One can start his or her doctoral studies at any time. Doctoral students are supported by three mentors who guide the scientific work, give advice on the individual academic training programme, and help to introduce the candidate to the scientific community.

Within the first six months of the doctoral studies the candidate drafts a research plan which serves as an outline of the thesis project. During the course of one´s doctoral studies, the candidate annually reports about the progress of his or her research project. The scientific work carried out within the research project is the principal item of the doctoral training.

The research work is complemented by an individual training programme which is adapted to suit the candidate´s individual skills and needs in addition to the demands of the doctoral project. By actively participating in courses of the accompanying programme the candidate earns at least 30 credit points which are required for admission to the doctoral examination.

The doctoral programme is meant to support early-career scholars’ ability to do independent research work, to improve their skills in scientific communication, and to prepare them for leadership positions in education, science, industry, and society.