Degree programme phases
The degree programme is organised into two sections. The first is structured into a set of curricular offerings. In this preparation phase, methodical and subject competencies are further expanded. The doctoral students prepare a preliminary study, or research plan, for their dissertation, to be presented in a colloquium. The preliminary study must be approved before continuing the programme.
The second section of the degree programme is the dissertation phase. Research is carried out independently, and the results are presented in the form of a dissertation. Seminars or colloquia relating to the dissertation must be attended. The dissertation is concluded with a disputation, or oral defence. The dissertation must be published before the academic degree can be awarded.
Curriculum
Modules in the preparation phase include Research Design and Management, Scientific Writing, Sustainability in Architecture and Planning as well as Research- and Design Methods in Architecture and Planning. The doctoral advisor can also stipulate the attendance of additional modules. The preliminary study represents a research plan. The research question, methodology and method of execution are developed in this phase.
In the dissertation phase, two seminars (e.g. Doctoral Consortium in Architecture and Planning and International Conference Participation and Paper Presentation) are to be attended in the respective focal area. The topic of the dissertation is geared to the selected focal area. It can be written as a monograph or as a cumulative dissertation thesis.
“If a man will begin with certainties,
he shall end in doubts ;
but if he will be content to begin with doubts,
he shall end in certainties.”
Francis Bacon ( 1561 – 1626 )