Step by step to the big goal

A rumor still circulates throughout the country that it’s supposedly impossible to write a doctoral dissertation after earning a bachelor’s degree from a university of applied sciences. “That’s not true, ” says Monique Ritter. She is currently pursuing her doctorate at Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences.

How does that work? On Wednesday, June 7, 2023, Monique Ritter, MA and doctoral candidate, and Prof. Dr. Rudolf Schmitt will provide answers during a Q&A session as part of the “dies academicus” event on the topic “Ph.D. Studies After a University of Applied Sciences Degree.”

The event aims to inform those interested in pursuing a doctorate after completing a master’s degree, as well as to guide students in Bachelor degree programmes in planning for their future. From 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., they can ask their questions in Building GI, Room 1.05.

“Prof. Schmitt and I would like to explicitly reach out to women across the university who are interested in this topic and to encourage and motivate people who identify as queer, BPoC, or migrants to participate in the Q&A session,” adds Monique Ritter.

Anyone who’s curious and would like to ask specific questions should familiarize themselves with the online encyclopedia article on doctoral studies in Social Work before the event. This article forms the basis for the Q&A session.

Despite its title, it applies not only to Social Work. Students from all degree programmes within the faculty are welcome, and graduates from other faculties and universities are also warmly invited!

“Even though our background is in the Social Sciences, that shouldn’t stop anyone from asking general questions about the doctoral process and getting a first taste of what it’s like to pursue a doctorate,” Monique Ritter is convinced.

What was her motto at the start of her doctoral journey? “I put my foot in the air, and it carried me.” The doctoral candidate follows this saying by Hilde Domin.