Resources and Sustainability

Content and Goals of the Doctoral Program

The doctoral program of the Department of Resources and Sustainability aims to prepare doctoral candidates for a professional career both within and beyond academia. Through its diverse qualification opportunities, it provides a foundation for reflecting on their own research work.

Particular emphasis is placed on the interface between technological possibilities and ecological, economic, and social requirements as well as their compatibility. The cross-sectional dimension of sustainability contributes to integrating technology assessment into the doctoral process.

The program is systematically structured around four research areas, to which the department’s researchers are assigned:

• Energy Systems
• Materials and Interfaces
• Supply Security and Resilience
• Circular Value Creation

Through program-integrated events and progress discussions, doctoral candidates receive valuable impulses and tailored guidance. They are provided with advice, support, and networking opportunities for the methodological preparation, independent elaboration, and presentation of their research results. In addition, the program enables them to establish contacts relevant to their future careers, both within and outside the academic community.

Target Groups and Admission Requirements

The doctoral program is primarily aimed at graduates holding a degree in the natural sciences, engineering, social sciences, or economics who wish to pursue research projects related to the topics and questions addressed within the program.

To be admitted as a doctoral candidate in the Department and to participate in the doctoral program, at least the following requirements must be met:

• a degree that entitles to pursue a doctorate according to § 67 (4) of the Higher Education Act,
• a convincing doctoral project that fits the program (see also Template for Writing your Short Exposé)
• supervision by a professorial member of the department and proposals for a complete supervision team (see also Confirmation of Supervision)

Admission as a doctoral candidate is decided by the doctoral examining committee.

Structure of the Program

The components of the doctoral program offered by the Department of Resources and Sustainability are designed within a three-year framework. The program is divided into mandatory and elective components.

Information on the Sample Timeline

The Sample Timeline provided serves as a recommendation; the listed courses may be attended at different times. Mandatory each year, however, are the progress report, a meeting between the doctoral candidate and the supervision team, and the update of the schedule and work plan defined in the supervision agreement.

Events Offered within the Doctoral Program

Doctoral Colloquium 2025

September 11, 2025 | Bielefeld University of Applied Sciences
Further information will be announced.

Additional events related to the program will be published here as they are scheduled.

Documents for Enrollment and Admission