The principal components of the doctoral qualification process are research and writing a dissertation. A doctoral development programme is designed to complement and provide optimal support throughout this process. In addition to developing academic and transferable skills, specific courses and offerings also promote personal development, career development, and professional networking. Taking your individual background and disciplinary context into account, we offer a programme that combines a maximum scope for personal development with a carefully selected set of required components that are necessary to ensure quality standards are met.

The doctoral development programme is organised by the respective lead universities for each doctoral research center. However, the courses are coordinated by the three universities and are open to all doctoral candidates at the doctoral research centers of the consortium and are mutually recognised. Equivalent courses offered by other organisations (e.g. BayZiel, BayWISS) may also be recognised.

There are usually no costs associated with the courses. A certificate of participation will be issued to participants who complete the courses.

The staff in the Doctoral Research Center Office and the professorial members of the centers are available to advise you.

Components of the development programme for doctoral candidates

The doctoral development programme comprises interdisciplinary components (general doctoral qualifications) and components that are specific to your discipline. The interdisciplinary components are described in § 13 (6) of the RPromO and comprise required courses and required elective courses that are pre-requisites for beginning the doctoral procedure. In addition, elective courses are offered that you can take on a voluntary basis. In some cases, your supervisor may recommend specific courses. The interdisciplinary components (general doctoral qualifications) stipulated in the RPromO must be completed by all doctoral candidates in all of the doctoral research centers. The discipline-specific components are defined in the respective FPromO.