Qualification programme
The qualification programme aims at scientifically qualifying doctoral researchers and ensuring their interaction within and between the participating institutions. The qualification programme is laid out in a way that it should not prolong the time to degree. This will be ensured through a specific combination of obligatory training with additional opportunities for voluntaries courses. A well-suited timing of the courses offered and the thesis committee system of supervision should guarantee that the qualification programme is tailored to the needs of the doctoral researchers.
During their three years doctorate, the doctoral researchers of RTG 2530 have to obtain 12 credit points (CPs). At least 9 CPs must be earned from scientific courses in the respective research field or in an interdisciplinary context. Three CPs may be earned in courses on key competences. Courses are primarily held in English (Studienordnung MIND 2021 EN).
Scientific training
Scientific training comprises introductory courses to the research topics of RTG 2530, to the Elbe Estuary as well as specific Lectures, Lab and Field Courses, Research Seminars and Scientific Workshops offered either by RTG2530 or by other institutions (e.g. the Hamburg Research Academy)
Mandatory courses
- Introductory Days
- Lecture Series
- Lab & Field Methods
- Research Seminar
- Annual Retreats
- Research Data Management
- Good Scientific Practice
Voluntary courses
- Scientific Workshops
- Data Science / Statistics
- Scientific Writing
- Presentation Techniques
Training of Key Competences and Professional Skills
The doctoral researchers are free to choose courses that they believe will help them achieve their scientific goals. These courses may comprise specific scientific methods needed for their research focus as well as courses on key competences and professional skills to support their personal development. These courses will be offered by RTG2530 or can be booked with other institutions (e.g. Hamburg Research Academy, ProExzellenzia, or others)
Examples of further qualification courses
- Self and Time Management
- Career Development
- PhD Navigator
- Mental Health
- Awareness for Gender and Diversity
- Communication & Social Media
- Journal & Social Club
RTG 2530 is also encouraging doctoral researchers to actively participate in conferences and to gain teaching experience.
Typical examples of courses and credit points within RTG 2530
In general, one credit point corresponds to 30 hours of work. In order to acknowledge both, the time you attend a course and the time you need for preparation or follow-up, we estimate half a day of preparation or follow-up time for each single day you spend in a course.
| Course Type | Hours | Credit Points (CP) |
| Scientific or soft skill courses | ||
| 2 days | 15h | 0.75 CP |
| Teaching experience | ||
| 1 SWS | 20h + preparation time | 1.5 CP |
| Active conference participation (oral / poster) | ||
| 2-3 days | < 30 h | 0.5 CP |
| > 3 days | > 30 h | 1.0 CP |