FAQ Doctoral Researches
Frequently asked questions about doctoral research at TH Köln
Doctoral researchers at TH Köln
What is a Supervision Agreement and how is it signed?
Before the start of a doctorate, it can be very helpful to draw up a Supervision Agreement between both TH Köln and the selected university and their belonging professors who will act as supervisors for your thesis. This Supervision Agreement shall serve as a basis for a qualified cooperation and illustrates all rights and duties of both the doctoral researcher and the professors.
May I use the libraries at TH Köln?
As a doctoral researcher you can of course use any library associated with TH Köln. You can either do this with your student card (MultiCa) or with an employee identity card (MultiCa) as an identification to borrow books, access digital media, use the inter-library loan as well as publish open access.
Is it possible to work/teach at TH Köln at the same time while I work on my doctoral research project?
Working/teaching at TH Köln while executing doctoral research projects is also possible. If you are employed as a scientific assistant, you are allowed to be engaged in the teaching process for 4 semester periods per week (provided you are working full-time). With a part-time job the hours per week are obviously reduced. In all other cases, these teaching activities will be handled by another teaching assignment.
What is meant by “Good Scientific Practice“ and where can I find further information?
Good Scientific Practice means to implement and apply certain standards for a qualified research, the publication of research results or intellectual property rights. One of the objectives is to make them obligatory and general for everyone. TH Köln already set up certain standards.
Which possibilities do I have to publish my dissertation thesis?
TH Köln library offers two publication series for electronic documents:
Cologne Open Science
If you like to publish your Doctoral thesis online, you may publish within a publication series of „Cologne Open Science“:
• Kölner Schriften zur Geistes- und Gesellschaftswissenschaftlichen Forschung (Social Sciences)
• Kölner Schriften zur Ingenieur- und Naturwissenschaftlichen Forschung (Engineering and Natural Sciences)
The service is free of charge. No editing takes place. The library assists you with a title page according to the requirements of the publication series.
ePublications:
The second online publication server is open for all members of the university. It is especially for single publications which are not part of a publication series and for bachelor and master theses.
How can I finance conference participation and travels as part of my doctorate?
There are various options for funding travel to scientific conferences as part of your doctorate.
If you are employed in a research project, you should first check whether there are any travel funds available that you can use.
You can also apply for funding under the following programs:
- DAAD conference funding: HAW.International: Kongress- und Messereisen Important: The application must be submitted 120 days before the event. However, some documents (e.g. acceptance of contribution) can be submitted later. One funding per year is possible.
- Funding Opportunities If no other funding options are available; requirements include a completed supervision agreement and participation in a seminar on good research practice.
Is it possible to go abroad during my doctoral research?
Yes, it is possible to conduct research abroad for a flexible time interval, after consulting with your supervisor. The Department of International Affairs advises about funding opportunities.
Is it possible to receive a refund for the local transportation ticket, which I automatically buy when I register at TH Köln, if I do not want to use it?
It is only possible to get a refund if you are already enrolled at another university in North Rhine-Westphalia and therefore paying for the transportation ticket.
May I use the service of the ” Studierendenwerk“? Where do I find more information?
If you are enrolled as a doctoral researcher at TH Köln, you are of course able to use the service of the “Studierendenwerk”. This service includes special offers concerning habitation, gastronomy (canteen), finance opportunities and childcare.
Can I participate in the language courses offered by the Language Center at TH Köln?
Yes. Further information can be gathered here:
What kind of insurance do I need as a doctoral researcher?
As a doctoral researcher you have to insure yourself if you are not at the same time employed by TH Köln. If you are enrolled at or employed by TH Köln, you are automatically insured against any accidents.
Registration at Graduate Center
In order to benefit from the offers, we ask you to register at Graduate Center.
Consultation and contact
By e-mail (graduatecenter@th-koeln.de)
or by phone (0221 8275-3300)
Open Zoom consultation hours
(without appointment)
always on Tuesdays from 9:30-1
Service desk Graduate Center
Mirjam Heetkamp
Hochschulreferat Forschung und Wissenstransfer
+49 221-8275-3062
graduatecenter@th-koeln.de
Dr. Helen Overhoff
Hochschulreferat Forschung und Wissenstransfer
- +49 221-8275-3451
- graduatecenter@th-koeln.de
Nora Unger
Hochschulreferat Forschung und Wissenstransfer
- +49 221-8275-5403
- graduatecenter@th-koeln.de