Curriculum  

The DLGS offers an academic programme designed to provide the knowledge and skills essential for completing a PhD in spatial sustainability science. The curriculum includes both mandatory and elective courses, tailored to meet the specific requirements at various stages of a cumulative or monographic dissertation. Additionally, fellows have access to a wide range of offerings in the qualification program of the TUD Graduate Academy. Language classes in German are also supported.

DLGS courses typically consist of two components: a lecture on key concepts and an interactive session featuring hands-on activities and the application of newly acquired knowledge. They are taught by IOER senior scientists or other specialists in related fields and are designed as compact offerings—similar to block seminars—delivered in a single session ranging from two hours to two days. The curriculum is organised into four categories: core, subject-specific, methodological, and skill development.

TUD Graduate Academy courses vary in duration, format, and instructors’ backgrounds. To participate, fellows must be officially enroled as members. 

1. Core courses

Core courses are considered crucial for developing a solid foundation of knowledge and skills necessary to pursue a PhD in the field of spatial sustainability sciences. To ensure that candidates are well-prepared for their research, these courses are mandatory and must be completed in the early states of their graduate studies.

2. Subject-specific courses

Subject-specific courses provide candidates with an in-depth understanding of the theoretical and conceptual frameworks that underpin the various subfields within spatial sustainability sciences. The course list comprises both mandatory and elective courses. The latter can be chosen depending on the specific research focus of the PhD candidates. The mandatory courses provide a comprehensive overview, ensuring that all candidates have a solid understanding of various subject areas.

3. Methodological courses

Methodological courses are related to the research design and methods that PhD candidates would implement in their dissertations. In addition to a mandatory course on systematic literature, the curriculum includes also elective courses based on the candidates' specific research needs and interests. Additional courses may be organised on-demand to ensure relevance and flexibility.

4. Skill development

Skill development courses aim to equip PhD candidates with relevant skills for a career in academia and beyond. The course list includes both mandatory and elective courses, covering various topics such as writing and publishing, presentation skills, and project management, amongst others. In addition, based on individual needs, PhD candidates can choose from numerous skill-focused courses at the TUD Graduate Academy.

Additional Academic Opportunities  

To foster inter- and transdisciplinary competencies, joint co-creation labs are organised to enhance fellows' ability to think creatively, engage productively with other disciplines and non-science stakeholders, and develop skills in knowledge co-production and co-design. Additionally, the DLGS programme offers a variety of regular events in which candidates are welcome to participate. These include the Young Scientists Seminar, which encourages exchange between doctoral candidates and postdocs at IOER, PhD days at IOER and within the broader Leibniz Research Network R (Spatial Knowledge for Society and Environment), the Dresden Nexus Conference, and various other scientific events at IOER, TUD and beyond. Furthermore, the DLGS community hosts informal gatherings and social events that support networking and collaboration amongst young researchers.