If you register for the coaching programme, you may attend up to four coaching sessions. We expect registered participants to attend at least three sessions. Places are limited so, please make sure that you are available for at least three sessions.

Writing a dissertation is a hugely transformative process. Not only do doctoral candidates enter the world of academic discourse, but they also transition from being students to becoming professional researchers, from evaluees to evaluators, from those who receive grades to those who give them. And yet, the PhD-phase is still a place of “in-between”, of being neither this nor that – in addition to conducting the biggest research project in their academic career so far (and having to write about it!). 

This coaching series addresses this period of transition and transformation and the challenges that come with it, both in regard to writing and to other issues. Supported by an experienced writing teacher and coach the group will discuss the writing process (cumulative and monography and similarities and differences between both), time management, the dissertation process and its challenges and profit from the experience of every single group member. Feedback will be given on shorter texts upon request, using the group as a resource to provide motivation and peer-to-peer support. The approach is process-oriented, the topics of each four-hour session will be adapted to the group’s needs.

If you register for the coaching programme, you may attend up to four coaching sessions. We expect registered participants to attend at least three sessions. Places are limited so, please make sure that you are available for at least three sessions.

Session 1: Starting and understanding the process

8 October 2025, 16:00–19:00

Possible topics include:

• Writing as a process that can be managed
• Writing a PhD as a phase of transition and transformation with many challenges
• Integrating your writing project into your (working) life
• Academic work and health

Session 2: Structuring and managing the process

19 November 2025, 16:00–19:00

Possible topics include:

• Writing strategies and time management
• Text structure
• Procrastination
• How to deal with disruptions
• How to deal with multiple, sometimes conflicting roles

Session 3: Failing and adapting the process

3 December 2025, 16:00–19:00

Possible topics include:

• Failure and feedback
• How to “fail better”
• How to make plans for who you are, not for who you want to be

Session 4: Textfeedback

21 January 2026, 16:00–19:00

Possible topics include:

• How to give and receive constructive feedback
• How to work with supervisor feedback
• How to work with peer review feedback
• Receiving feedback on my text (actual writing project)

Coach: Eva Kuntschner, writing teacher, writing counsellor and coach (ÖVS)

Target group: The coaching is open to members of the Vienna Doctoral School of Social Sciences or members of the Vienna Doctoral School Cognition, Behaviour and Neuroscience who have already given their public presentation at the Faculty and are currently in the process of writing their thesis.

Working language: The working language is English, texts for feedback should also be in English.

More information