Researchers will participate in a three-year study programme designed to support and supplement their work. The programme consists of interdisciplinary colloquia, doctoral skill building lectures and optional courses. A group field trip and an accompanying workshop are also offered within the period of doctoral studies.

The first semester serves as an orientation period during which participation in courses offered by the Institute for the History of Building and Art familiarises the doctoral candidates with their academic environment and the different disciplinary approaches. Additional arrangements are made together with the doctoral candidates to ensure that they have the opportunity to develop key qualifications and soft skills suited to their individual needs and competencies during the first semesters. The involvement of the doctoral students in the preparation of the interdisciplinary colloquia and excursions represents a significant contribution to their professional qualifications which should be further enhanced by the independent preparation of expert workshops (for their own research topic) and shorter excursions in the future.

Accordingly, the goal of all courses offered by the Research Training Group (RTG) is to simultaneously strengthen the scientific personality of the doctoral students and to serve to the aim of successfully completing the doctorate within the course of 3 years. Providing candidates with a balanced mix of individual opportunities and a compulsory study programme in an interdisciplinary and community building environment has proven to be effective.