Research phase

After familiarizing yourself with the subject matter, you can begin the research phase. In this phase of your doctoral studies, you should set forth the preliminary arguments for your thesis or project and work on these according to your project plan. You will undoubtedly continue to develop your hypothesis, theory, and methods in line with your progress. You will reach your key findings in this period; hence, it will also be the longest phase, lasting up to three years.

You will probably also attend conferences to present your interim results, or give lectures. Even though it may be time-consuming – exchange with researchers or research groups working on related topics or visits to relevant research institutions, higher education institutions, and libraries in Germany and abroad can inspire your work. This will also be beneficial to your future career. Be sure to clarify funding early on, as applications are sometimes only accepted once a year.