Doctoral Supervision

In their first semester, Fellows participate in a field-specific Proposal Workshop, a class of about 5 students. By the end of the first semester they turn in their finalized Dissertation Proposal and defend it publicly.

In consultation with their respective Field Chairs, Field Coordinator and the Director of Studies, Fellows choose their Dissertation Committee by the end of their first year. The majority of the members are members of BIGSSS faculty. One member of their Dissertation Committee is neither a member of the University of Bremen nor Jacobs University. From the second year onward, the Committee closely supervises the Fellow's dissertation progress, also through annual Progress Assessment Colloquia.

Six months prior to graduation, i.e. in the middle of their 3rd year, Fellows meet with their Dissertation Committee  in a Dissertation Completion Meeting. Here, they

• agree on a detailed work and time plan for completion of the remaining chapters during the final six months;

• develop a plan for publishing the dissertation;

• discuss career and employment plans upon completion of the dissertation, whether this be a post-doc position, a Junior/Assistant Professorship, or a position outside the university environment;

• identify potential funding sources for any additional months the Fellow may need to complete the dissertation.

Fellows also present their dissertation progress and receive feedback each semester in a field-specific Doctoral Colloquium. The regular academic progress of Fellows is continually supervised by the respective Dissertation Committee, Thematic Field Coordinator, and by the Director of Studies.