PhD Process

The VDS CoBeNe, Vienna Doctoral School in Cognition, Behavior, and Neuroscience - from Biology to Psychology and the Humanities, offers flexible, research-driven doctoral programs over three or four years. Here you find an overview from enrollment to thesis submission, defense, and degree conferral.

For new PhD candidate at the University of Vienna, you can find information concerning your entry to Austria and arrival in Vienna in the Welcome Guide. This guide provides useful information about setting in and living, as well as links to institutions which can support you while getting established in Austria.

1st Step: Getting a PhD position
  • First you need the committment of a supervisor(s) from the CoBeNe faculty.
  • Second, secure funding either through one of our advertised open CoBeNe uni:docs calls or through one of the individual PhD calls specified by the responsible group leader.
  • As another option you bring your own funding, e.g. from third-party funding agencies.

2nd Step: Admission to UniVie
  • You must hold a master's degree (or similar) in the intended field of research (or closely related) and be accepted by a CoBeNe supervisor.
  • In the study program, SPL54: Psychology, Cognition, Behavior, and Neuroscience, you have to choose your dissertation field in the respective doctoral program.
  • Please enrol via u:space.

3rd Step: Become CoBeNe Member
  • After UniVie admission please read and sign our Code of Good Practice VDS CoBeNe to officially become a member of the VDS CoBeNe.
  • Sign up for our Welcome and Information meetings to get to know your CoBeNe office team, your peers and learn about the PhD program.
  • VDS CoBeNe will guide and support you through your doctoral journey.

4th Step: Processing your PhD

  1. Your supervisor(s) should introduce you to your new working group, department and facilities.
  2. Take part in the Welcome days for PhDs (each winter semester).
  3. Within your first year please plan your Public Presentation (FÖP).
  4. Please hand in your Doctoral Thesis Agreement 4 weeks after the public presentation.
  5. Within your second semester, organize your first Thesis Advisory Committee (TAC) meeting.
  6. Submit yearly after your FÖP, your Annual Progress Report to the SSC / together with the annual report you can hand in external credits.
  7. For finalization you have to hand in your written Doctoral Thesis and nominate your thesis reviewer/committee and finally register for the oral defense for psychological sciences or cognitive humanities at SSC Psychology/ssc.psychologie@univie.ac.at or for PhD candidates in behavioral and cognitive biology or neurosciences at SSC Life Sciences/doktorat.lewi@univie.ac.at.

 Educational program

In your doctoral program you wlll engage in impactful research, with opportunities to publish your research, participate in third mission activities, and embrace open science practices. In addition, the program provides cohort-building retreats, seminars, conferences, and tailored discipline-specific training to enhance your academic and professional development.

 Study Service Center

CoBeNe - Handbook for doctoral candidates

20231024 CoBeNe handbook November2023.pdf

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