FAQ for the DOK Ph.D. programme

Here you will find answers to frequently asked questions (FAQ) for the Ph.D. programme DOK.

Please refer to the FAQ for the Office of Doctoral Studies, particularly with regard to deadlines and submission procedures.

1. Submitting the research proposal: What should be observed?
For information on deadlines and the formal requirements, please see item 6 of the FAQ of the PhD Office.
All other information can be found in the research proposal factsheet.

2. Can I apply for an extension of the coursework stage?
It is possible to be granted an extension for the coursework stage under certain circumstances. Please contact the Executive Director of the DOK programme about the matter.

3. Search for a co-supervisor: I have obtained a letter of support from the supervisor. When should I start to look for a co-supervisor?
The supervisor and co-supervisor assess your doctoral thesis together and in equal measure. The co-supervisor must be appointed at the time of submission of the research proposal at the latest. It is recommended that you find a co-supervisor early on, however, because he or she will be involved in your thesis process. The acceptance of a co-supervisor is also based on certain requirements which can be found in the research proposal factsheet.

4. Courses outside the DOK program: Can I attend courses outside the DOK program and how many?
The DOK’s coursework stage comprises four courses. You can attend one of these outside the tracks offered. This course must correspond with a DOK course in terms of workload. A letter of support is needed for this from the supervisor as well as an application to the programme committee that grants permission.

5. Why can’t I receive credit for more courses outside the DOK program?
Attending other seminars is possible at any time and even encouraged, even if credit cannot be granted for them. The DOK program does not require a broad course or seminar programme at the Ph.D. level so as to allow students to qualify and structure their courses individually.

6. Can I attend several courses per semester?
The general rule is to attend one course per semester. Two courses can be attended in exceptional circumstances.

7. Is it compulsory to attend the DOK courses?
Yes, there is an obligation to attend these courses. The courses are offered as block seminars whenever possible.

8. Are the courses graded?
The courses are not graded. They are simply pass/fail.