FAQs on Doctoral Studies in the Humanities and Social Sciences
Whether you are already engaged in a doctoral studies programme or considering doing so, there will be many questions you will want to have answered, especially in the early stages. Making a conscious effort to address these questions at the start can really help get you off on the right foot and give you an early advantage on the road to a successful doctoral project.
Below you will find lots of information, tips and advice on doctoral studies in the humanities and social sciences. A good starting point with plenty of useful links is the portal for Young Researchers and Artists of the Gutenberg Council for Young Researchers. There are also several specialised JGU Advice Centres to help you with particular questions.
Regardless of whether or not you are already a GSHS member, you are welcome to take advantage of our Guidance and Advisory Services for prospective doctoral candidates. Simply make an appointment via the GSHS office.
Starting your doctorate:
- Why (or why not) do a doctorate?
- I am interested in doing a doctorate at the JGU. How do I get started?
- What status do I have as a doctoral student at the JGU?
- How do I go about finding a supervisor?
- What issues can/should be addressed in the initial conversations at the beginning of the mentoring relationship?
- Do I need a supervision agreement and if so, how do I go about getting one?
- How can supervisory meetings proceed?
- Structured doctoral programme or individual doctorate?
- Structured doctoral programmes in the humanities and social sciences at the JGU
- Which doctoral studies fields are available at the JGU, and which one is right for me?
- How long does it take on average to complete a doctorate?
