Writing a Dissertation Proposal

This workshop is offered in collaboration with the Writing Centre of the University of Graz.

Register here: Writing a Dissertation Proposal

Target group: Individuals at the beginning of a dissertation who wish to develop a written concept for their planned work. It is primarily aimed at individuals planning to write a dissertation in the faculties of Humanities, Social Sciences, Economics, Law, and Theology. Those planning a doctoral thesis in the natural sciences can receive feedback on their proposal through individual consultations. For more information, please contact the Research Careers Campus at rcc(at)uni-graz.at.

Language: English

Course times: November 4 and 18, 2026, 10-12

Description: A dissertation proposal is required for admission to doctoral studies. Similarly, applicants for doctoral funding are required to submit a dissertation proposal. Generally speaking, the proposal is the basis for every doctoral project. However, undergraduate students typically focus on other types of written work, such as term papers and seminar papers. Writing a proposal for such a large-scale research project can be particularly challenging. This workshop provides participants with a fundamental understanding of this frequently required type of document and supports them in creating their own dissertation proposal. Additionally, it will explore the use of generative AI in scientific writing, while encouraging a collaborative environment through peer support methods, enabling participants to refine their ideas through exchange with their peers.

Please note that the goal of the workshop is to develop a draft dissertation proposal. Participants should therefore have a clear idea of the topic of their doctoral project before attending. The workshop will help them transform this idea into a dissertation proposal. 

About the workshop facilitators:
 

Franziska Gürtl studied Sociology, Science and Technology Studies and German Philology in Graz and Vienna. She has been working at the writing center of the University of Graz since 2019, where she is responsible for all topics regarding “Academic writing with AI”. In an ongoing research project, she currently explores how teachers navigate students’ use of AI in writing processes.

Gerald Lind studied Literary Studies, History, and Cultural Studies in Vienna and Edinburgh, and completed his PhD as a member of the Doctoral College “Cultures of Difference” (University of Vienna). At the University of Graz, he serves as Deputy Head of the Research Careers Campus and develops institutional strategies to promote the personal and academic growth of (early-stage) researchers.