You’re interested in doing a doctoral degree?

You’re still an undergraduate or on the way to your Master's degree, but afterwards you want to embark directly on research? Or you’ve been at work for a long time and now want to put the experience you have gained in practice to good use in a doctoral project? Regardless of whether you have long since decided to try out an academic career or are wondering if it might be the right decision for you: there are a lot of questions at the beginning – and we’ll be glad to help you make up your mind, step by step, and embark on the path you have chosen.

Your motivation is important

Why, actually?

Before you plunge into any doctoral phase, ask yourself why you actually want to have a doctorate. And where do you want to go with it? Look for people to talk to and take your time. A high degree of intrinsic motivation in wanting to do research is a strong resource enabling you to withstand difficult times. During the doctoral phase, more than 60 percent of researchers think of giving up (Nacaps study). There are no reliable figures for the exact quota, but it is assumed that at least one-fifth of all doctoral research projects are ended prematurely.

Brochures and books on the subject

Gain an overview

The brochure „Doing your doctorate: making conscious decisions and getting off to a good start“ published in 2019 by the Qualitätszirkel Promotion provides an introduction to preparations, formalities, funding and more. More literature can be found in the University of Münster library (ULB) – some of it subject related – and note that there can be big differences. On this page we have compiled a list of links for some of the titles. One useful tip: in the library, take a look at some dissertations from your subject area which have been published.

Information events

Getting started together

In our series entitled „My doctoral degree?!“ we regularly offer digital events which focus on various aspects and bundle initial information on doctoral research. Subject – supervision – funding: what’s the best way in? What kind of supervision would you like to have? Where can you find openings? How can you find a topic? What is on offer for parents aiming to do doctoral research? Feel free to bring your own individual questions with you, and benefit from talking to other people who are facing the same challenges, or who have already overcome them – because we also incorporate doctoral researchers in our advisory service. Please note, though, that the advice we offer is of a general nature and not subject-specific.

My doctoral degree...

... directly after the master’s degree?
... parallel to working life?
... with child(ren) or family?

In addition to this, the Equal Opportunities Office (Büro für Gleichstellung) organises an event every November entitled „Mehr Frauen* in die Wissenschaft – Promovieren geht über Studieren!?“ (More women into academic life: a doctorate and not just a degree!?, in German language) which is aimed exclusively at female students. Also involved are the Career Service, the SAFIR research funding support, Münster CERes, the representative body for doctoral researchers, and advisors from the faculties.