First steps for PhD-Students

Step 1

Dissertation project selection and finding a supervisor

Along with the application, a brief abstract of the intended dissertation (approximately 2-4 pages) is expected to be submitted. However, the research topic may shift over time.

At the same time, a supervisor must be secured for the dissertation project. Depending on the research topic, one or two supervisors can be chosen, provided both agree.

Step 2

Choose the right PhD program

"The Faculty of Law at the University of Vienna offers two PhD programmes. Depending on the academic background and the proposed dissertation project, you can choose either the Doctoral Studies (UA 783 101) or the PhD in Interdisciplinary Legal Studies (UA 794 242 101). The former is typically aimed at students who have completed a diploma or master's degree in law at a faculty (in Austria or other countries with an equivalent degree). The latter is more geared towards students who have obtained their master's degree in a field other than law."

Step 3

Application for admission to the chosen programme

Once you have decided on a dissertation project and made an agreement with your supervisor(s), you can apply for admission to your chosen PhD programme. Please follow the guidelines of the Centre for Doctoral Studies at the University of Vienna.

Step 3a

Become an Ars Iuris Fellow

To the application

Step 4

Choose your dissertation topic

You must present your dissertation project within one year after successful admission to your PhD programme at the faculty ("Faculty Public Presentation" – FÖP). Depending on the procedure of your department, you will either participate in a seminar specifically dedicated to presenting the department's dissertation projects or in a regular seminar conducted by your (main) supervisor. After completing your presentation, you must submit an exposé based on the presentation to the SSC together with a dissertation agreement. Your exposé (approximately 4-5 pages, maximum 10 pages) should describe your dissertation project and research questions, as well as provide an overview of the current state of research and key literature. You may also include a timeline and an outline.

Step 5

Writing the dissertation

After successfully presenting your dissertation project, you can continue your research. You must submit annual updates on your progress ("Fortschrittsbericht"). If you have agreed with your supervisor to complete additional qualifications (e.g., courses or workshops) during the writing of your dissertation, you can also document this using the 'Anhang Fortschrittsbericht' form.

Schritt 5a

Completing courses

According to the curriculum of the doctoral programme, completing three seminars and one lecture on methodology during the course of the doctoral studies is mandatory. These courses can be started immediately after enrolment in the programme.

In particular, attention should be drawn to the Socratics seminars designated for Ars Iuris Fellows and the lecture on Applied Methodology offered every summer semester.

Step 6

Submission of the dissertation

After completing your dissertation, you must submit it both online and in printed form to the university. All relevant information can be found here (under 'Einreichung der Dissertation').