Doctoral plan
All doctoral students draw up a doctoral plan in the first year of their doctorate or within 12 months of the date of entry. It covers the following topics:
- Research proposal
(summary, introduction and current status of research in the field, progress to date and objectives, any results already achieved, detailed work plan, timetable, references) - Teaching commitments
- Other duties (e.g. operation or maintenance of equipment, etc.)
- If applicable: Extended doctoral studies (ECTS, incl. individual study plan)
The research proposal described in the doctoral study plan forms the basis for the aptitude colloquium, which all doctoral students must complete before the end of the first year.
The doctoral programme plan must be submitted to the aptitude committee for information prior to the aptitude colloquium.
The doctoral plan is a declaration of intent between you and the doctoral candidate, which, if fulfilled, offers the best conditions for the successful completion of the doctorate. It does not have the character of a legally binding agreement.
It should be designed as a living instrument to ensure that research at ETH remains explorative, innovative and result-open. Research projects can change due to new findings and changing priorities.
Significant changes should be documented in the annual status conversation.
Support your doctoral students in planning their research project. At the beginning of the doctorate, it can be challenging for doctoral students to independently structure a clearly defined research topic.
The doctoral plan can be a guiding light for a successful doctorate.
Furthermore, the doctoral plan is used to practise writing scientific texts. It is worth giving doctoral students feedback on content and linguistic structure.