Academic degree
Dr. phil., Dr. rer. soc. oec.,
Dr. techn.
Regular study duration
3 years
Language of instruction
English
Deadline
Entry is possible at any time.
Academic degree
Dr. phil.
Dr. rer. soc. oec.
Dr. techn.
Regular study duration
3 years
Language of instruction
English
Deadline
Entry is possible at any time.
The aim of the thematic doctoral programme is to provide postgraduate researchers with access to the theories, methods, tools, and skills needed to investigate and understand the ongoing digital transformation from various perspectives, as well as to actively and responsibly contribute to shaping digital technologies and their usage contexts. The programme is based on the insight that understanding and shaping the digital transformation requires inter- and transdisciplinary approaches. Accordingly, it fosters and encourages exchange and the interrelation of different disciplinary perspectives.
Doctoral students enrolled in the programme gain in-depth insights into the challenges and opportunities of the digital transformation for contemporary societies and for scientific knowledge generation. They gain knowledge of relevant theories and concepts in digitalization research and of topics currently being discussed in relation to digital change across various disciplines and get an overview of a variety of digital methods.
In a supportive and interdisciplinary space, they strengthen their skills in critical thinking, recognizing ethical aspects, and communicating effectively. At the same time as they develop high-level technical skills, they learn about alternative methodologies, thus strengthening their creative problem-solving skills. The collective formats offered and the continuous exchange with their peers and more senior researchers support doctoral researchers in advancing their individual PhD projects all the way to successful completion.
Univ.-Prof. Dr. Daniel Barben (Department of Science, Technology & Society Studies)
Univ.-Prof. Dr. Anke Bosse (Robert Musil Institute of Literary Research / Archives of Carinthian Literature)
Univ.-Prof. Dr. Wilfried Elmenreich (Networked & Embedded Systems)
Univ.-Prof. Dr. Katharina Kinder-Kurlanda (Digital Age Research Center)
Univ.-Prof. Dr. Ulrike Krieg-Holz (Department of German Studies)
Univ.-Prof. Dr. Martina Merz (Department of Science Communication & Higher Education Research)
Univ.-Prof. Dr. Alexander Onysko (Department of English)
Univ.-Prof. Dr. Elisabeth Oswald (Digital Age Research Center/Institute for Artificial Intelligence & Cybersecurity)
Univ.-Prof. Dr. Klaus Schönberger (Department of Cultural Analysis)
Assoc.-Prof. Dr. Matthias Wieser (Department of Media & Communications)
Univ.-Prof. Dr. Rainer Winter (Department of Media & Communications)
Core content (8 ECTS)
Working across disciplines, ideas, theories and methods (4 ECTS)
Overview of ideas, theories, and methods from different disciplines as well as research methods that integrate two or more disciplines, drawing on carefully selected examples of existing/emerging digital infrastructures.
D!ARC Network I ( 2 ECTS) & D!ARC Network II (2 ECTS)
Doctoral colloquium where participants explore ongoing research with fellow doctoral students and their supervisors. In one semester students present their own research, in the other they take on the moderation and discussant role for a colleague.
Academic core skills (2 ECTS)
Career planning (2 ECTS)
Research funding, research grants, submission of research proposals, career planning, implementation of research projects.
Academic core skills (min. 2 ECTS)
Academic skills development (min. 2 ECTS)
Selection of an additional course to strengthen academic core skills (e.g. paper writing club), other skill-oriented courses or doctoral seminars focusing on skill development.
Theories & methods (min. 6 ECTS)
Methods (min. 4 ECTS)
Selection of a dedicated methods course (e.g. digital data sprint, digital ethnography, digital content analysis, Python).
Other theories & methods (min. 2 ECTS)
Selection of a theory or a theory/method course, (e.g. Technology Assessment, Media and Culture Theory, Responsible Engineering of Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity Systems, Theories and Topics in Science and Technology Studies)
Univ.-Prof. Dr. Katharina Kinder-Kurlanda
M: Katharina [dot] Kinder-Kurlanda [at] aau [dot] at
T: +43 463 2700 3723
M: doc [dot] HDA [at] aau [dot] at
T: +43 463 2700 4086
