Graduation

Requirements

Graduation requirements are essentially the same for the two Universities.

They are:

A total of 30 ECTS credits
Demonstrable contribution of new knowledge to the research field
Demonstrable ability to conduct independent scientific research
Publications are desirable but not mandatory
Written thesis in the form of a monograph or a compilation of publications (cumulative thesis; at least two papers, one published or in press and others at the stage of submission (at least one as main contributor), public defence (viva)

Your Thesis

Your thesis can be submitted as a monograph or as a cumulative thesis. If you are thinking of submitting a cumulative thesis, please note that the minimum requirements are at least 2 research papers, one of them first author, one published, and the other at least submitted (confirmation of submission required).

Your thesis will be in English, but a German abstract is required. You can try using the DeepL online translator. It works amazingly well – or ask your Program Manager for help.

Two bound hard copies of your thesis and all relevant forms must be submitted to your host University.

Official forms and direct contact with your host University

You will find all forms regarding graduation at the University of Vienna at the PhD Student Lounge. All relevant forms regarding graduation at the Medical University of Vienna are available on their webpage.

Students of the University of Vienna will receive emails from the SSC (Study Service Center) which will be sent to your u:net email address. Do not forget to activate your u:space account if you have never used it before, or you will miss important information. Students of the Medical University of Vienna will receive e-mails from Dieter Breitenbaum (Office for Student Affairs).

Please read all emails carefully and ask your Program Manager for help if needed.

Thesis evaluation and PhD defense (viva voce)

After submission of your thesis, you can suggest three remote reviewers (in consultation with your supervisor). Please send your suggestions to Gerlinde Aschauer. After completion of the remote review, a board of external and internal examiners will be nominated by the Director of the Vienna BioCenter PhD program. At this point, you can organize your viva. Please note that up to three months can pass between the submission of the thesis and the date of the doctoral viva.

For your thesis defense, you need to prepare a 20 min presentation of your project, after which you will discuss your results with the audience and the examination committee.

That’s it – you made it!