There are many reasons for doing a PhD. For scholars a doctorate is the condition to pursue an academic career because it is necessary to obtain a professorship and to apply for research grants. For many a PhD is also desirable for a career in public service or private enterprise because in it opens up career paths. Lastly, a PhD may also pursued to archieve personal growth or because of the profound interest in a specific topic.

Doing a PhD should be well considered. Taking up a doctorate marks the beginning of a long, challenging and often precarious phase of life.

Financing a PhD is challening. The german academic system offers three general ways to finance a PhD: a scholarship, a position in a reasearch project or a regular position at a university. It is also possible to finance a PhD out of your own (or your parents) pocket or to to a PhD while working.

In germany a PhD scholarship is awarded by the 13 'Begabtenförderwerke'. PhD students apply with their research project and if the scholarship is granted may be funded up to three years. A scholarship offers a lot of flexibility and freedom for your own research but scholars need to actively seek contact to research instituions and build their own network in the scientific community.

A position in a research project offers financial security for the duration of the project and integration in the  daily work and research of the project. However, the topic for your PhD project is often restricted by the projects general research agenda and there is less room for your own focus.

A regular position at a university or Hochschule offers the same benefits and drawbacks as a position in a research project. However, a regular position at a university also entails teaching obligations and a very close relationship to your professor/supervisor. Regular positions are rare at the Hochschule.

We offer support and counceling for scholars trying to get their doctorate started and for PhD students doing or finishing their PhD at Hochschule Bremerhaven. PhD counseling and support concerns all the aspects of your doctorate apart from the research itself: formal, personal, financial or motivational.

PhD students of Hochschule Bremerhaven meet and talk regulargly, everyone is free to join!

There is a special gender related career service for female PhD students.

There is no playbook for doing a PhD at Hochschule Bremerhaven. But some of the first steps are: deciding for a PhD, contacting a potential supervisors at Hochschule Bremerhaven, finding a way to finance your PhD, finding a cooperating institution, writing a synopsis for your project or getting enrolled as a PhD student at the cooperating institution.

While your are working on your doctorate you should meet your supervisors regularly to discuss your work. Also it is desirable to share your work with your scientific community at conferences or workshops.

To finish your PhD you need to hand in your thesis, defend your arguments in a colloquium and publish your work.

Our position for PhD support and counseling may support you every step of the way.