Step-by-step Guide to Your Doctoral Studies
From your initial ideas for a doctoral thesis to organising your defence, we have you covered. Read on to find out about the most important steps in your doctoral journey at the University of Vienna.
Admission
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What you need to know
Admission to doctoral studies in Theologies and Research on Religion at the University of Vienna typically begins with securing a supervisor whose expertise aligns with your proposed dissertation topic. Whether you can apply for a paid position with that supervisor depends on the availability of funded posts (e.g., project positions). Often in the humanities, candidates start their doctorate without a stipend or university employment.
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What you need to do
To be admitted to doctoral studies, you’ll usually need
- a relevant master’s degree (or equivalent),
- proof of language if required,
- and key documents such as transcripts, diploma/legalizations, CV,
- a research outline,
- and a written confirmation of supervision.
Applications are submitted via the u:space portal, after which the Admission Office checks formal criteria and the DSPL assesses academic fit. Decisions may include admission (sometimes with supplementary coursework) or rejection.
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What will help you excel
Do your research before contacting a potential supervisor:
- Look up what this person's research focuses on.
- Look for relevant publications that could make them a good fit.
- Write a short, concise outline of your PhD project, clearly articulating the research gap you have identified, your preliminary research questions and your intended methodology.
- Please be aware that supervisors receive a high volume of emails and may not be able to respond immediately. If you have not received a reply within 10 days, please send a friendly reminder.
Year 1 - Entry phase
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What you need to know
Early milestones in the entry phase (typically 12–18 months) include submitting your thesis proposal (Exposé), publicly presenting your project to faculty (FÖP – fakultätsöffentliche Präsentation), and signing the doctoral thesis agreement with your supervisor. If you were admitted with supplementary coursework, you must complete it within two semesters and before the FÖP. The public presentation is a prerequisite for topic approval; if successful, the Directorate of Doctoral Studies usually confirms your topic and supervisor(s) immediately. If not approved, you may withdraw, revise your proposal, and resubmit for approval.
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What you need to do
- Prepare your research proposal
- If applicable, do supplementary coursework
- Register for the public presentation at the Faculty (FÖP)
- Present research proposal and pass FÖP
- Sign the doctoral thesis agreement
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What will help you excel
In the initial phase of your doctoral studies, you should focus on developing the following skills in particular:
- Research methods & academic writing
- FÖP preparation & presentation skills
- Time- and project management
- Good scientific practice
- The use of AI in academia
The VDTR and the university offer courses that are tailored to covering these and other topics that are relevant for you during the entry phase via u:rise.
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Our support
29 mai 2026, 9.45-12pm: VDTR Welcome Cafe for new doctoral students
No registration needed - just drop by at Schenkenstrasse 8-10, Office 060, second floor!
Year 2 and 3 - Research phase
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What you need to know
Your PhD thesis should demonstrate independent scholarship and be publishable; depending on your curriculum and your supervisor, this can be done in the form of a monograph or a cumulative thesis. During the research phase, you’ll refine your argument, deepen your methods, connect with the community, and publish early results. Teaching—often in BA courses—can be part of this. You’ll also complete curriculum-required coursework and academic activities for ECTS credit, which you can earn through VDTR offerings like the Open Research Day.
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What you need to do
- Conduct research and write your thesis
- Do course work
- Participate in conferences
- Engage in science communication
- Broaden your academic network
- Acquire additional skills to increase career opportunities
- Also: don't forget to hand in your annual progress report to your SSC!
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What will help you excel
In the research phase of your doctoral studies, you should focus on refining the following skills in particular:
- Thesis writing
- Publication strategy
- Science communication
The VDTR and the university offer courses that are tailored to covering these and other topics that are relevant for you during the research phase via u:rise.
Year 4 - Final phase
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What you need to know
As you progress, you’ll complete your research and write the doctoral thesis. Once the thesis is ready and all required coursework is complete, you submit it and await the reviews. With a positive assessment, you can register for the public defense at the respective StudiesServiceCenter. The defense consists of a presentation of your key findings followed by a discussion of the research with the examination commission. The exact procedure varies by discipline.
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What you need to do
- Complete coursework and thesis
- Propose three reviewers together with your supervisor
- Upload your thesis via the official submission portal
- Wait for the reviews (up to four months); you can register for the public defense only if both reviews are positive
- Register for the public defense
- Defend your thesis
- Accept congratulations from friends and family
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What will help you excel
In the final phase of your doctoral studies, you could profit from the following support offers:
- Completion workshop
- Proposal writing
- Career planing
The VDTR and the university offer courses that are tailored to covering these and other topics that are relevant for you during the final phase via u:rise.
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Our support
Completing a major project—especially one as significant as your dissertation—is no small feat. The finish line is in sight, yet the path may feel less straightforward than you had anticipated or hoped. So, how do you navigate these challenges and prepare for what comes next?
20 May 2026, 2-4pm: PhD Completion Workshop Series I - 6 Reasons You're in Year x of Your PhD and Still have no clear plan
03 June 2026, 2-4pm: PhD Completion Workshop Series II - Working on the Dissertation, not just in it
17 June 2026, 2-4pm: PhD Completions Workshop Series III - Revising Chapters Effectively
24 June 2026, 2-4pm: PhD Completions Workshop Series IV - Submission, Defence, and what comes after
All legally binding forms required at each stage of your PhD are available here