FAQ

How is the BiGSEM curriculum structured?

The three-year doctoral program comprises 180 ECTS, divided into 60 ECTS per year. ECTS are earned through successful completion of field courses, mini-courses, the BiGSEM Colloquium, research seminars, and the dissertation. Additional ECTS can be earned through electives, language courses, conference presentations, internships, and reading courses.

What profiles can be chosen, and can they be changed?

The profiles are Economics, Finance, Management, and Data Science. Changing between profiles is possible, provided the required courses for the new profile have been completed.

What happens if the necessary prerequisites for a profile are missing?

In a first meeting the profile coordinator together with the doctoral candidate checks whether the prerequisites for a profile are satisfied. If not, a list of course is determined to catch up with the requested prerequisites, i.e.  relevant courses from the Master's programs in Quantitative Economics, Mathematical Economics Business Administration and Economics or Data Sciences for the corresponding profile.

What are the attendance requirements?

Doctoral candidates must attend the BiGSEM Colloquium and research seminar. Attendance is mandatory, in case of absence, a brief notification must be sent to the BiGSEM coordination: bigsem-coordination@uni-bielefeld.de.

 

If I want to attend additional courses, whom to notify this?

If you are planning to attend any other classes, especially as Field Courses or Elective Credits, you should check beforehand with your profile coordinator.

How can I participate in conferences, workshops, or summer schools?

Participation is generally supported, but external funding should be sought first. If external funding is not obtained, BiGSEM can provide financial support. Applications should be sent to BiGSEM at least three weeks in advance about:

1. Where do you want to go? When? And for how long?
2. Are you giving a presentation?
3. Your estimate about financial expenses
4. Did you apply for external funding? Which institution?

 

Can I publish a working paper?

Yes, BiGSEM students can publish their work in the Working Paper Series of the Faculty of Business Administration and Economics. The supervisor's approval is required for publication.

Quality Assurance

What should the annual report include?

The annual report should summarize courses, seminars, conferences, workshops and progress on research projects. In addition the doctoral candidate gives an outline on research activities in the next academic year.

 It must be submitted one month before the next academic year begins to BiGSEM bigsem-coordination@uni-bielefeld.de. 

 

 

How can I obtain my transcript?

At the end of each semester, BiGSEM coordination sends a query to record all activities. These are then logged in the ekvv system, where students can generate their own transcripts.

Absence

What should I do if I am absent during the lecture period?

Doctoral students must be present during the lecture period. In case of absence due to important appointments or illness, BiGSEM coordination must be informed immediately.

What are the requirements for official research trips?

Official trips must be approved before departure. All financial support applications and travel accounting upon return must be processed through SAP.

What are the requirements for enrollment?

Doctoral students must be accepted as a doctoral candidate by the Faculty of Business Administration and Economics and be enrolled throughout the entire doctoral period. Various documents are required for enrollment, such as an application form, bachelor's and master's certificates, health insurance proof, and a CV.
Please contact the BiGSEM office.

Are there specific enrollment requirements for international students?

Certified degrees of those mentioned in §5 (1) der RPO/ Qualification evaluation to assess whether a foreign university degree corresponds to a university degree under German law (if necessary). Please contact the BiGSEM office.

How do I apply for a leave of absence?

When leaving the university for a semester or academic year, an official leave of absence must be applied for at the student office to avoid exmatriculation. Here you can find further information.

What are the formal steps of doctoral proceedings?

There are three formal steps of doctoral proceedings:

1) Application of acceptance as a doctoral candidate (initially valid for 2 years)

2) Application of prolongation of acceptance as a doctoral candidate (limited up to 4 years)

3) Opening of the Doctoral Proceedings 

For detailed information please contact the BiGSEM coordination.