In the thesis you are required to show the ability to conduct an original investigation, to test ideas (whether your own or those of others) and to demonstrate a broad knowledge understanding of your discipline and of appropriate cognate subjects. You should also demonstrate knowledge of the research techniques appropriate to your discipline and show that it has been successfully applied. Your thesis should make a distinct contribution to knowledge and provide evidence of originality by the discovery of new facts or the exercise of critical power.

You are also required to show appropriate ability in the organisation and presentation of materials in your thesis, which should be satisfactory as regards clarity of expression and literary form, and most importantly have the added benefit to be dynamically applied. It should be in the English or German language, and should be suitable for publication, either as submitted or suitably abridged. Against this background, the focus of the doctoral thesis at IBR is centred on ‘original applied research’ undertaken in the ‘creation of new learning’ adding to the ‘existing body of knowledge’.

You have had at least 3 years of working experience after having received the master’s degree. Exceptions may occasionally be made based on extensive related experience prior to receiving the master’s degree. Such exceptions are normally considered because of three years full-time experience prior to the master’s degree as equivalent to one year of post master’s full-time experience.