Doctoral research
There are many reasons for joining the Konstanz Research School, such as the outstanding research conditions at a University of Excellence and our exceptional advice and support services.
All you need to know
On the following pages, you will find all the information you need for your time as a doctoral researcher: making your first decisions, finding the right doctoral position, application and acceptance, starting the doctoral examination process and obtaining your doctorate.
Starting doctoral studies
The Konstanz Research School (KRS) offers you a variety of paths to a doctorate with different funding options and structures.
Whichever one you choose, KRS ensures you get the same high standards of doctoral supervision and university support for your doctoral research.. More…
Application and admission
If you meet the formal requirements and have found your doctoral project and supervisor in addition to being accepted as a doctoral researcher by the department, you can start your academic work – the doctoral thesis. Browse the following items to find out how to get to that point!
Acceptance and enrolment
If you meet the admission requirements for doctoral researchers, you will also need both a research topic and a confirmation letter from your prospective supervisor in order to be accepted. You will conclude a doctoral supervision agreement with your supervisor covering the topic, the type of supervision and the conditions of supervision. Now you can apply for acceptance as a doctoral researcher.
At the same time, you are also applying for enrolment as a doctoral student. However, on request you can be exempted from mandatory enrolment if
- you earn your main income (50% job or more), contract period of 6 months or more, at the University of Konstanz and
- have not joined a doctoral study programme.
More on the following pages:
Admission requirements
To be admitted to the Konstanz Research School, you need to meet the following requirements:
1. You meet the admission requirements stated in the Doctoral Regulations of the University of Konstanz: Admission requirements & Doctoral Regulations
2. You have found a primary supervisor from your research field who would like to supervise your doctoral research and supports your acceptance by the department as a doctoral candidate. More ...
and/or
You have successfully applied for one of the many doctoral programmes at the University of Konstanz. More ...
Doctoral research and degree
Welcome as a doctoral researcher to the University of Konstanz. Now you can start your academic work – the doctoral thesis.
Doctoral research
How your research activities are shaped varies greatly in the different subjects and research teams.
At any rate: your doctoral thesis is an independent academic work and the focus of this academic period. More ...
Commencement of the doctoral examination process
After the positive review of your doctoral thesis, you will be admitted to the oral examination as part of the doctoral examination procedure. The doctorate is awarded once you have successfully completed the doctoral examination and the doctoral thesis has been published.
After you have completed your doctoral thesis, you submit the Application for Commencement of the Doctoral Examination Procedure to the university’s Central Examination Office.
More on the following pages:
Advice and Support
As a doctoral researcher at the Konstanz Research School you can benefit from a great range of support options. Contact our Service Desk for doctoral researchers to get your bearings.
Our Academic Staff Development team offers great service in the areas of coaching and advice as well as events. In addition, you will be supported by a variety of other services, such as the Equal Opportunity Office, the International Office, the Welcome Centre, the Career Service and the Communication, Information, Media Centre (KIM).