The doctoral programme in Social Sciences (Directorate of Studies 40)

The doctoral programme in Social Sciences entails training through research. The duration of the doctoral training programme is three years and includes the writing of an original research work in form of a dissertation and a training component.

Entry phase

• Development of an individual research project and a written research proposal
• Completion of the Research Ethics Pre-screening for PhD projects
• Optional: completion of courses (up to 10 ECTS credits)
• Submission of the research proposal and public presentation at the Faculty (“FÖP”, within the first year of studies)
• Conclusion of the doctoral thesis agreement

Research phase

• Writing of a doctoral thesis in accordance with the general requirements at the University of Vienna and the guidelines concerning doctoral theses by the Social Sciences Directorate of Doctoral Studies
• Submission of annual progress reports
• Completion of achievements comprising 30 ECTS credits through courses and, if needed, external activities (as specified in the doctoral thesis agreement)

Final phase

• Submission and review of the doctoral thesis
• Public defence in front of an examination committee