Doctoral thesis agreement

Doctoral candidate, supervisor/s and the university sign an agreement comprising the following points:

• all participants' rights and obligations,
• detailed description of the doctoral thesis 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 presentation at the faculty. The progress of the doctoral thesis project is documented in yearly annexes to the agreement.

Besides writing their thesis doctoral candidates have to earn study credits (e.g. through seminars, lectures etc.). The amount of credits which have to be earned are defined by the respective curricula. The doctoral candidate and the supervisor specify within the doctoral thesis agreement how these credits will be achieved. Doctoral candidates are also encouraged to take part in courses teaching transferable skills as well as obtaining other scientific qualifications (e.g. through presentations at conferences). 
Courses should be chosen as to best suit a doctoral candidate's research project and his/her intended professional career.