Applications must be submitted exclusively by filling out the application form on our StudOn page here within the application timeframe (check it below and plan ahead). Please make sure to submit your application before the deadline, late applications will not be considered. Applications sent per email will not be accepted.

For students interested in starting their thesis in the summer semester the application deadline is typically February 05, with candidate selection taking place the following week.

For students interested in starting their thesis in the winter semester the application deadline is typically June 30, with candidate selection taking place until July 20.

Yes, we expect students to choose their topic independently. Topics should align with the chair’s research areas, and it is advisable to pick a subject in which you have already built some knowledge through prior coursework.

Yes, from the WiSe 2026-27 onwards we will students are required to have attended at least one course at our chair. If you have not yet done so, we encourage you to enroll in one of our courses before applying.

Selected students will be contacted by their supervisor via email, and will have up to two weeks to formally confirm their acceptance. Rejected applicants will also be notified by email. If you have not received any communication within three weeks after the application deadline, please wait until this period has passed before reaching out to us.

Applications are evaluated based on the following criteria:

Topic quality: Students who develop coherent, well-thought-out, and interesting topics will be given preference. We particularly recommend thinking about a possible research question and the methodology you intend to use.

Courses at the chair: Preference is given to students who have attended several courses at the chair. In any case, at least one course must have been attended.

Sustainability relevance: Applications with no recognizable reference to the chair’s research areas (e.g. business and human rights, sustainability governance, political ecology) will not be considered.

Language: For some topics, supervision and thesis writing is only possible in English. For others, the thesis can be written in German or English, depending on the topic and supervisor assignment. Please indicate in the application form whether you are flexible to write in English and/or German, so we can find the best match for your application.

The chair has a strong focus on qualitative methods and particularly encourages theses that incorporate empirical data collection, such as interviews, document analysis, or participant observation.

Bachelor’s students have nine weeks from the formal acceptance of their topic. Master’s students have six months from registration.

Yes, attendance at colloquium organized by the chair is required as part of the supervision agreement.

The registration form is available on StudOn. Only selected students will have access to this page. You must have it signed by the chair holder and then submit it to the Prüfungsamt (examination office). You will then receive written confirmation of your registration and your final submission deadline.

For further information, please read the thesis guidelines.

If your question was not answered in the FAQ or in the guidelines, you can email Júlia de Sousa e Berruezo. Please note that emails containing questions already addressed on our website, in the guidelines, or on StudOn will not be replied to.