Paths to a doctorate
Is it possible to pursue a doctorate at HSWT? Yes, there are several ways to do so! Below, you'll find an overview of the different doctoral pathways available.
Doctoral Centre
As of 1 July 2024, the Doctoral Centre Sustainable Land Use Systems (PZ SusLand) has been granted the right to award doctorates. This means that it is now possible to pursue a doctorate directly at Weihenstephan-Triesdorf University of Applied Sciences—without requiring a partnership with a university.
Research at the doctoral centre focuses on developing innovative solutions for resilient and sustainable land use systems, in alignment with planetary boundaries and global sustainability goals.
Cooperative doctorate
Early-career researchers at HSWT also have the option to complete their doctorate in cooperation with a national or international university that holds the right to award doctorates. In this model, the doctoral degree is awarded by the partner university – not by HSWT.
Doctoral candidates benefit from the joint supervision of two experienced researchers (usually professors)—one from the cooperating university and one from HSWT. This dual supervision allows candidates to draw on both the applied research strengths of a university of applied sciences and the academic infrastructure and expertise of a traditional university.
The specific conditions, requirements, and qualification programmes follow the doctoral regulations of the cooperating university.
BayWISS consortial doctorate
The BayWISS Consortial Doctorate is offered through the Joint Academic Partnerships (Verbundkollegs) of the Bavarian Academic Forum (BayWISS).
BayWISS established these subject-specific partnerships to promote structured doctoral training and academic collaboration across Bavaria. One of these ten partnerships – the Joint Academic Partnership 'Life Sciences and Green Technologies' – is based at HSWT and focuses on topics closely aligned with the university’s research profile.
The BayWISS partnerships provide platforms for early-career and senior researchers to connect and collaborate. They promote scientific exchange between Bavarian universities of applied sciences (HAWs) and universities, and offer attractive qualification programmes, regular networking events, and research colloquia.
Doctoral candidates can pursue a consortial doctorate within one of these partnerships. This can take the form of:
- a cooperative doctorate in collaboration with a Bavarian university, or
- a doctorate at the Doctoral Centre PZ SusLand
In both cases, joint supervision with a Bavarian university is required.
More information on the Joint Academic Partnership ‘Life Sciences and Green Technologies’ and the full range of BayWISS opportunities can be found on the BayWISS website.
Getting Started: First Steps Toward Your Doctorate
- Check the formal requirements
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First, review the formal admission requirements for the doctorate you want to pursue. These are defined in the doctoral degree regulations (Promotionsordnung) of the awarding institution—for example, a university faculty or a doctoral centre.
If you have obtained your university degree(s) outside of Germany, make sure that your degrees are recognized in Germany and that you fulfill all admission requirements.
- Choose a topic
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Select a research topic that is both scientifically relevant and practically feasible—ideally, something that aligns with your personal interests and long-term goals.
- Find a supervisor
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Reach out to potential supervisors and present your research idea. Together, you can refine your topic and develop a focused project plan. Make sure to approach potential supervisors with a clear research proposal and information on your previous academic experience.
- Plan your funding
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Start thinking early about how you will finance your doctorate. Explore different options such as scholarships, funded research projects, or advertised doctoral positions.
Doctoral Projects at HSWT
Explore current and past doctoral projects at HSWT on our website.
The HSWT Graduate Academy
The Graduate Academy offers support with all questions related to obtaining a doctorate.
We serve as HSWT’s main point of contact for early-career researchers, helping them build strong foundations for their academic future. While our focus is on doctoral candidates at HSWT, we also provide service to supervisors, prospective doctoral candidates, postdocs, and research assistants.
Our goal is to equip HSWT’s researchers with the skills and qualifications needed for outstanding careers in academia, industry, and society.
These are the core tasks of the Graduate Academy:
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Individual Advice & Support
Our wbMoodle platform offers a wide range of helpful online resources for doctoral candidates and those interested in pursuing a doctorate. If you have specific questions or personal concerns, feel free to make use of our office hours for individual consultation.
To help us provide tailored advice and information, we kindly ask you to register your current doctoral project—or your interest in pursuing one—using the forms below:
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Qualification & Professional Development
The Graduate Academy offers a comprehensive qualification programme designed to support doctoral candidates and postdocs as they prepare for careers in research or industry.
Our courses focus on developing transferable skills and interdisciplinary competencies that are essential for the next step in your career.
You can find a list of current workshops and events below.
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Networking & Community Building
The Graduate Academy promotes networking among early-career researchers and supports interdisciplinary exchange.
Each year, we organize a variety of networking events that give researchers the opportunity to share ideas and experiences, learn from one another, and gain new perspectives for their own research.
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Academic Career Advising
Whether you're considering a doctorate, currently pursuing one, or already working as a postdoc—if you're thinking about a career in academia, the Graduate Academy is here to support your professional development.
Our individual advising sessions can help you explore key questions such as:
- Is a doctorate the right path for me?
- What are my career options after completing a doctorate?
- How do I become a professor at a university of applied sciences (HAW)?
- What can I do if I want—or need—to leave the academic system?
Feel free to use our office hours for individual questions or tailored advice on your academic career path.
Qualification Programme
The Graduate Academy supports the academic and professional development of early-career researchers through a wide range of interdisciplinary qualification opportunities.
We regularly offer workshops and short sessions on topics such as:
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Good scientific practice
HSWT places strong emphasis on promoting good scientific practice as the foundation for responsible research. To help early-career researchers understand and apply these principles in practice, the Graduate Academy offers five workshop modules covering the following key topics:
- Principles of good scientific practice
- Research ethics
- Ombudsperson system and scientific misconduct
- Research data management
- Publication process, authorship, and plagiarism
Each module is offered once per year and ensures that participants become familiar with the core principles and guidelines essential for conducting responsible and high-quality research.
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Scientific writing
Every two years, the Graduate Academy offers a four-week scientific writing workshop designed to help doctoral candidates develop the core skills and strategies for successful academic writing.
In alternating years, we offer a short session focusing on specific aspects of scientific writing. These sessions build on the foundational knowledge from the main workshop and provide an opportunity to deepen your writing skills.
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Higher Education Didactics
The Graduate Academy regularly offers workshops to support the development of teaching skills in higher education. Every two years, we run a Foundations of Teaching in Higher Education workshop, providing practical tools and strategies for designing and delivering engaging courses.In alternating years, we offer a short session focusing on specific aspects of teaching and didactics, allowing participants to deepen their knowledge and explore novel approaches.
Our qualification courses are open to doctoral candidates and those interested in pursuing a doctorate. To take part, please register with the Graduate Academy using the appropriate form (doctoral candidates from the PZ SusLand Doctoral Centre are already registered):
Research assistants who are not pursuing a doctorate may also participate in our courses, provided there are available places. If you're interested, simply contact us at graduiertenakademie@hswt.de.
We welcome your feedback! Help us improve our events and services by using the contact form to share ideas, suggestions, or concerns.
E-Learning with TwentyOne Skills – An online platform for professional development in academia
Each quarter, the HSWT Graduate Academy awards eight exclusive e-learning licenses for early-career researchers. Through TwentyOne Skills, participants can independently build key professional competencies at their own pace.
The platform includes over seventy online courses and interactive live sessions on topics such as:
- Communication & presentation
- Good scientific practice
- Time management
- Mental health & cognition
- Career planning
- ...and more.
Support & Advisory Services
- Crisis and conflict management
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In situations involving conflict or crisis, we offer support through mediation with Prof. Dr Cristina Lenz and peer case consultation. Often, a clarifying conversation can already lead to a constructive solution.
You’re welcome to use our contact form to describe your concern. Providing your name (optional) can help us respond more quickly and appropriately.
- Equal Opportunities & Diversity
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For questions or concerns related to equal opportunity, please reach out to the relevant contact person.
- Diversity-related inquiries: diversity@hswt.de
- Discrimination-related concerns or incidents: antidiskriminierung@hswt.de
- Scientific integrity
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If you suspect a case of scientific misconduct, please contact the ombudspersons at HSWT to ensure adherence to good scientific practice.
