Our Doctoral programme in Philosophy
Our doctoral programme equips early-career researchers with the competencies necessary for independent academic work in philosophy that meets international standards.
During the programme, doctoral researchers complete both compulsory and elective activities. Within the first year of study, they present their dissertation project to the faculty for approval. During the second and third years, they conduct original research in their dissertation area, culminating in the defense of either a monograph or a cumulative dissertation. Doctoral researchers are required to complete 24 ECTS, for example through doctoral seminars or other academic activities related to their research projects.
The working languages of the programme are English and German.
1962 NIG | Neues Institutsgebäude, Staircase with the provisions of the Austrian Constitution of 1867 „Die Wissenschaft und ihre Lehre ist frei“
Hard Facts
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24 ECTS | 3–4 Years
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Self-Funded and Funded PhD Researchers
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Research Milestones, Not Modules
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Career-Development & Transferable-Skills Training
Overview of the Doctoral Path
Doctoral Path. Described below
Prior to Admission
Prospective VDP researchers must meet the admission requirements for the Doctoral Programme in Philosophy, and have the agreement of a faculty member to supervise their research project.*
*This process may differ when researchers are hired through pooled calls. In any case, hiring a PhD researcher and enrolling them on the doctoral programme are two different procedures at our university.
Onboarding
Once you have been admitted, you can apply for VDP membership at no cost.
You will receive onboarding support from both the VDP* and the Centre for Doctoral Studies.
*VDP onboarding covers the programme milestones, networking, supervision and funding.
Entry Phase
To become a doctoral candidate, you must successfully present your research proposal at the faculty, normally within your first year.*
You can prepare for the presentation in doctoral seminars. During this time, you and your supervisor(s) should discuss supervision arrangements (e.g., adding a second supervisor or forming a thesis advisory committee) and the structure of your dissertation (monograph or collection of papers).
Once your proposal is approved, you and your supervisors sign the Doctoral Thesis Agreement.
*Students admitted with conditions (e.g., additional MA-level ECTS in philosophy) may only register for the presentation after completing these requirements.
Research Phase
After signing the Doctoral Thesis Agreement, your research phase begins. During this time, you write chapters of your doctoral thesis or scientific papers, participate in doctoral seminars, and, if contracted, deliver undergraduate teaching.
You can also engage in structured doctoral training, such as applying to organize the annual summer school, participating in or organizing academic conferences, undertaking research stays abroad, and applying for teaching opportunities.
Each year, you submit an annual progress report, in which you summarize your achievements and development. The report also provides an opportunity to make amendments to your doctoral work plan, with the timing counted from the date you signed the Doctoral Thesis Agreement.
Concluding Phase
This phase begins when you indicate in an annual progress report that you plan to submit your dissertation within the year ahead. You then focus on reviewing and finalizing your work to ensure it meets international academic standards.
You and your supervisor must nominate three external reviewers, from which the university selects two. The reviewers submit reports on your work, which you receive to help prepare for the public defense of your dissertation.