Doctoral thesis agreement and progress reports

The doctoral candidate, supervisor/s and the University sign an agreement comprising the following information:

  • rights and obligations of all parties involved
  • detailed description of the intended doctoral project
  • time schedule and specification of financial aspects
  • extent of supervision (frequency of feedback meetings)
  • requirements that have to be fulfilled

The doctoral thesis agreement is concluded after a positive public presentation at the Faculty. The doctoral candidate and the supervisor specify within the doctoral thesis agreement how study credits will be achieved (seminars, lectures, etc.). Doctoral candidates are also encouraged to take part in courses teaching transferable skills as well as obtaining other academic skills (e.g. through presentations at conferences). Courses should be chosen as to best suit doctoral candidates’ doctoral thesis projects and their intended professional development. The Directorate of Studies has to approve the doctoral thesis agreement.

The progress of the doctoral thesis project is documented in yearly annexes (annual progress reports) to the agreement.

Deadline for the submission of progress reports: 15 June

As of the academic year 2023/2024, doctoral candidates who have not submitted an annual progress report since October should do so by 15 June. Candidates who have completed the FÖP and concluded the doctoral thesis agreement in the ongoing academic year need to start submitting progress reports to the StudiesServiceCentre as of the next academic year.

Please submit your doctoral thesis agreement and the annual progress reports to the StudiesServiceCentre. Please note that we do not accept handwritten forms.