Admission to the PhD Programme

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If you have any questions, please email graduiertenzentrum@mdw.ac.at.


First steps
Preparation of a project outline

  • First applicants submit a project outline (i.e., a short introduction to the dissertation project), providing potential supervisors with basic background information on the proposed project.

    • For the official application, a more detailed, scientifically written dissertation concept, based on this outline, will be prepared.  

  • The project outline should include the topic, the research question, its relation to the respective scientific research field, and why the research is needed, as well as the relevant methodological and theoretical considerations.

Selection of a suitable supervisor 

  • The topic of the dissertation project must relate to the subject of the scientific venia docendi of the supervisor.

  •  You are welcome to contact the appropriate supervisor directly to discuss the option of a PhD programme at mdw.

Verification of admission requirements

  • Admission to the PhD programme requires the completion of a scientific or artistic diploma, a master's degree or a teaching degree, provided that the subject is related to a scientific subject represented at the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna. (For further options see Curriculum 25W.)

Obtaining evidence of the required language skills

  • Evidence of the required knowledge of German and English must be provided in accordance with the language competence ordinance of the Rectorate.

  • If you are writing your thesis in English, you are required to demonstrate German level B2 and English level C1. If you are writing in German, you are required to demonstrate German level C1 and English level B2.

  • In justified cases, specific evidence in the form of hearings and publications can also be considered


Application

Admission applications can be submitted throughout the year. However, given the general admission deadlines, it is recommended that admission applications for the winter semester are submitted by the end of June and those for admission in the summer semester by the end of January.

The form for application for admission to the PhD programme can be found on our page forms. The application must be submitted to Christine Steiner in person at the Studies Center or by email to doktorat@mdw.ac.at.

The following documents must be submitted together with the application:    

  • Application form    

  • Diploma or Master's degree certificate (copy)    

  • Certificate of conferral of the academic degree (copy) 

  • Dissertation concept (with the signature of the supervisor)                 

    • This should include the topic, the research question, its relation to the respective scientific research field, and why the research is needed, as well as the relevant methodological and theoretical considerations. Explanations should be given in light of current research literature.        

    • Length: approx. 5-7 pages  

    • Please note that even the dissertation concept must follow the rules of good scientific practice.

  • Letter of motivation              

    • This contains a description of your motivation for addressing this research question.

  • Literature list (with signature of the supervisor)            

    •  Literature on the chosen research topic (1-2 pages)

  • Certificate of German and English language skills (Language skills requirements)

  • Dissertation agreement           

    • Although in the curriculum, the dissertation agreement between the supervisor and the student needs to be concluded by the beginning of the research phase at the latest, it is strongly recommended that it be concluded during the application process since the agreement contains binding commitments concerning the implementation of the dissertation and the supervision of the work process.

 

Once the concept has been positively assessed and approved by the Dean's Office and the Rector, the Studies Center will issue the notification of admission.

  • In exceptional cases, the Dean of Research Programmes may request an interview. This meeting is attended by the Rector, the Dean, the supervisor and the applicant. The appointment will be arranged by the Dean of Research Programmes.

After receipt of the positive notification of admission, the registration for the study programme takes place in person during the respective admission period at the Studies Center.

FAQ and more information can be found here.