Structural doctorate NITRO
Participation in the academic publishing (in accordance with Section 13(1) of the PromO)
PhD candidates are expected to publish their research findings through relevant publication channels during their doctoral studies; by the time the doctoral programme commences, at least two academic publications must have been accepted in peer-reviewed journals or peer-reviewed conference proceedings, with the candidate as the lead author.
Doctoral candidates must present and discuss their research findings at at least one scientifically recognised conference during their doctoral studies.
An overview of publications must be submitted at the start of the doctoral procedure.
Annual reports under the structured doctoral programme (in accordance with Section 13(3)(1) of the PromO)
As part of the structural doctorate pursuant to Section 13 PromO, it is necessary for supervisors and doctoral candidates to hold regular meetings (at least once a year). During these meetings, they jointly draw up a brief list of steps taken and, if necessary, an adjusted work plan. Information that the meeting has taken place must be reported to the THA Graduate School by email by the end of September each year (see template).
The rule is that anyone who was admitted to the doctoral centre before July 1st of the current year must submit a notification by the end of September of the current year.
Interim report as part of the structured doctoral programme (in accordance with Section 13(3)(2) of the PromO)
The presentation of the interim report is regulated in a concept and takes place within the framework of a colloquium organised by the NITRO doctoral centre. The colloquium takes place up to three times a year. Dates will be announced by email and here.
Important information:
- Please note that the interim report is not intended as a presentation of the dissertation project at the beginning of the process. It is regarded as a kind of trial dissertation defence: reviewers are asked to assess the progress of the doctoral project and to check whether the plans for the remaining time until the dissertation is submitted are convincing.
- If you intend to present your research outline, please inform graduateschool@tha.de together with your primary supervisor and let us know the names of the two reviewers who have already agreed to participate.
Dates:
1st Colloquium of the NITRO Doctoral Center
- 29 September 2026 | 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. | TH Augsburg
- Deadline for registration for the presentation of the interim report: 1 July 2026 (already fully booked)
- Deadline for submission of the research outline: 4 August 2026
2nd Colloquium of the NITRO Doctoral Center
- 21 October 2026 | 09:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | online
- Deadline for registration for the presentation of the interim report: 23 July 2026 (already fully booked)
- Deadline for submission of the research outline: 26 August 2026
Participation in academic qualification courses (in accordance with Section 13(3)(3) of the PromO)
The courses can be completed throughout the entire duration of the doctoral programme. The relevant certificates must be submitted at the start of the opening of the doctoral procedure. The courses can generally be attended at any of the three partner universities. The following courses are available:
- Summer semester: Good scientific practice and avoidance of scientific misconduct, ethics and data protection
- Winter semester: Research data management, university teaching methods
The four courses can be completed as part of the ‘Research and Dissertation Competence’ academic certificate programme.
- Summer semester: Good scientific practice and compliance, ethics and data protection in science, university teaching and legal aspects / didactics and digital teaching
- Winter semester: Research data management
Offer varies
Dates, times, format (in-person, online, hybrid) and course language (German, English) can be found on the respective homepage.
Courses that have already been taken can also be credited, provided that the number of ECTS credits is identical and the content is comparable.
You are responsible for completing the relevant courses during your doctorate and submitting the relevant certificates. The evidence will only be checked at the start of the opening of the doctoral procedure.
Teaching (in accordance with Section 13(3)(4) of the PromO)
Your confirmation of the completed SWS (Semesterwochenstunden/semester hours per week) must be submitted when the doctoral procedure is initiated. Please note that a total of 4 SWS are required, not per semester.
You are responsible for completing the relevant teaching and submitting the relevant evidence. The evidence will only be checked when the doctoral procedure is initiated. If no proof of teaching experience, such as a teaching assignment, is available, this form may be used.