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 sessions on doctoral research

In our regular online introductory session, “My Doctoral Degree at the University of Münster?!”, we provide an overview of key aspects of pursuing a doctorate. The session addresses central questions around choosing a topic, finding supervision and securing funding: How do you get started? What kind of supervision suits your needs? Where can you find a position or a research topic? What support is available for doctoral researchers with children? Please feel free to bring your own questions and benefit from exchanging ideas with others who are at a similar stage. Please note that this session offers general, interdisciplinary guidance.

Upcoming dates

Monday, 10 August 2026, 10 am –12 (German)

Monday, 5 October 2026, 12 – 2 pm (English)

Monday, 11 January 2027, 10 am –12 (German)

Monday, 22 February, 12 – 2 pm (English)

No registration is required.

Join Zoom session:
https://uni-ms.zoom-x.de/j/65060847020

Meeting-ID: 650 6084 7020

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.

There are also subject-specific information events at some departments, institutes or organisation units.