Training program

The basis of the doctoral training and qualification program is a binding, individually structured supervision concept, which is developed in cooperation with each doctoral candidate individually. In addition to the appointment of a primary supervisor, this also includes a work plan and timetable for the completion of the doctorate. In this, work stages are to be worked out, interim goals formulated and regular meetings scheduled in which the work done and any problems that arise are discussed. This supervision concept enables structured support throughout the entire course of the doctorate.

The central core of the supervision concept is the colloquium, which takes place regularly once a semester over several days and is mandatory for all doctoral candidates. In addition to individual supervision, the colloquia also allow for joint supervision of all participating institutions of the research training group and are also intended to involve the cooperation partners more closely. In terms of content, the events of the study program are tailored to the focus of the Research Training Group and the respective projects of the doctoral candidates. They serve to promote, accompany and support the qualification work as well as the scientific and professional exchange. It is therefore planned that guest academics will be invited to give lectures at the colloquia and will be available to the doctoral candidates for specialist discussions and practical advice. The colloquium supports and structures the entire doctoral phase. Doctoral candidates must regularly present the status and results of their work and submit individual text sections/chapters at set times (see Appendix 8.1). On this basis, not only aspects of content and thematic questions can be discussed, but also concrete assistance in the writing process can be provided. In order to ensure this, the submitted papers are also intensively edited by at least one predetermined commentator (supervisor/cooperation partner/postdoc). The following fixed stages in the doctoral process are planned:

1. An exposé of the planned project is submitted together with the application for the scholarship. This exposé is presented and discussed at an early stage during the colloquium.
2. Development of a detailed research plan with methodological operationalization and registration for the doctorate within 6 months of acceptance as a scholarship holder.
3. In the first year: Presentation of the dissertation project (exposé) as part of the Research Training Group in the form of a 20-minute presentation followed by a discussion lasting around 60 minutes.
4. In the second year: Discussion of methodological/theoretical concepts and sub-chapters worked on in the colloquium.
5. In the third year: Discussion of the content, language and style of the dissertation in the colloquium on the basis of selected, completed chapters. Presentation of the results of the dissertation project at the end of the doctoral phase.

After the first and second year, the doctoral candidate must also submit a report on the status of their work and the further time and organizational planning of the project. These reports and the contributions to the colloquium can also serve as the basis for the scholarship holder's reporting obligation to the Hans Böckler Foundation. In addition, they are included in the annual summary report on the activities and progress of the research group.