How to become a ViDSS student

The ViDSS invites applications by students who are dedicated to their research and academic life. To join the ViDSS, doctoral candidates have to:


Public presentation at the Faculty within the first year

For candidates who have not yet successfully passed the public presentation at the Faculty, membership in the ViDSS will initially be temporary for nine months, after which they should complete the public presentation at the Faculty. The ViDSS may extend this deadline by up to three months.

If you have been admitted to the doctoral programme in Social Sciences before January 2021 and your admission letter included stipulations of additional exams of more than 20 ECTS, the ViDSS may extend the 9-months deadline to a maximum of 18 months.

Activities, funding programmes and prizes organised by the ViDSS 

ViDSS candidates benefit from the supervisory structure of the Doctoral School, take part in cohort-related activities and can apply for additional funding for research and travel expenses.

Student members of the ViDSS are expected to regularly submit progress reports (see the rules and regulations of the doctoral programme) and to participate regularly, at least once per year on average, in the events of the ViDSS (kick off retreat, workshops, brownbag sessions etc.). Student members are also expected to join a PhD Club – disciplinary or thematic groups of doctoral candidates who meet monthly to discuss their work in progress – and present their work in the form of a departmental or faculty-wide lecture or at an international conference at least once during the first three years of doctoral studies.

Candidates who comply with regular submission of progress reports have the opportunity to apply for the ViDSS Research Funds and the sowi:doc Completion Scholarship. Please also consult the overview of activities and funding programmes organised by the ViDSS.

 FAQs

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Do all doctoral candidates have to join the ViDSS?
I have questions about my application for admission to the doctoral programme in Social Sciences. Can the ViDSS administration team help me to submit my application for admission to the doctoral programme?
I have submitted the documents for the admission to the doctoral programme. Can I already apply for admission to the ViDSS?
None of my supervisors is on the list. Can I join the ViDSS?
I am already at an advanced stage of my doctoral research. Does it make sense for me to join the ViDSS?
Can a doctoral candidate apply for funds provided by the ViDSS although they have already obtained funds from other sources, such as extra money from a funded position at one of the Faculty’s departments?
How long can a doctoral candidate participate in the ViDSS?