Thematic doctoral programmes

A thematic doctoral programme (Doktoratsprogramm) expands and supplements the university’s current suite of doctoral degree programmes (Doktoratsstudien). It aims to enhance research, teaching and qualification at the doctoral level. In a thematic doctoral programme, scholars (lecturers and doctoral candidates) join together to form larger communities to foster research in a thematic field as well as in the respective individual projects – also across faculties or in cooperation with other universities, if desired. Doctoral candidates receive structured supervision and training on a specific topic and are given support concerning the successful pursuit of an academic career at an international level. A coordinated and long-term course programme, as well as the embedding in a research context, form the organisational framework of a thematic doctoral programme. Its teaching plan, harmonised in terms of content and didactics, is designed for three years following the regular study duration for doctoral degree programmes (as per § 54 para. 4 UG, Austrian Universities Act).