The primary aim of the Graduate Program is to strengthen the academic independence of the doctoral students, inasmuch as they are supported to gain recognition as independent researchers with their own research agenda. Therefore, one integral aspect of the program is the development of a close academic network with other scholars. This also implies that it may be helpful for the doctoral student to spend some time at another research institution.
The supervisory committee consists of the two assigned supervisors, and, if applicable, a post-doctoral researcher from a suitable external research organization (such as the Institute for Applied Economic Research). The GP promises close guidance by the supervisory committee, which is enforced by a supervision agreement concluded between the doctoral student and his or her supervisory committee. It includes regular meetings with the goal to set the cornerstones of the doctoral dissertation, discuss conceptual and methodological issues, monitor the progress of the thesis and provide the doctoral student with job market options.
Moreover, the doctoral student and his or her supervisory committee jointly define the courses the student shall take during the doctoral studies in order to earn the required credits.
