Since the amendment of the “Ordnung zum Promotionsstudium ‘Literary Studies – Literaturwissenschaftliche Studien’” in March 2020, it is mandatory for PhD candidates to obtain one credit point in the field of “Good Academic Practice” (Gute wissenschaftliche Praxis (GWP)). Research Integrity belongs to the field of “Practice Perspectives/Transferable Skills.”

Since the amendment of the doctoral regulations at the Department of Philosophy and Humanities on 20 September 2023, all doctoral candidates in the department must also attend a course in the field of GWP (“Good Academic Practice”) in the first year after admission.

You can choose either one of the alternating suitable courses [German] at Dahlem Research School (DRS) or Humboldt Graduate School (HGS).

There is also the option to participate in an online course. The Berlin University Alliance offers the English-language e-learning module “Good Research Practice for Doctoral Researchers,” which can be credited with 1 CP. Alternatively, you can take the course “Goord Research Practice” [English or German] offered by the DRS in cooperation with GRADE, the Graduate Academy of Goethe University Frankfurt. This course can be credited with 0.5 CPs.

Online Course Tools

E-learning module by the Berlin University Alliance [in English]

Research integrity is paramount, but – especially for doctoral candidates – it can raise many questions: Who owns my data? How do I avoid plagiarism? How can I negotiate authorship? The new e-learning course “Good Research Practice for Doctoral Researchers” helps you navigate this complex field with confidence. Across six interactive chapters, you will learn to recognize research misconduct, manage data responsibly, handle conflicts, and reflect on your own practice in the context of academic responsibility. The course is in English and can be completed flexibly and at your own pace.

Upon successful completion of the modules, you will receive a certificate. More information on course content and registration is available on the Berlin University Alliance website.

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Online Course by the Graduate Academy of Goethe University Frankfurt [in English or German]

How should research results be documented? What is the right way to cite? How does one handle image sources? The online course “Good Research Practice in Doctoral Studies” by the Graduate Academy of Goethe University Frankfurt addresses these questions. In five modules, you will receive comprehensive information on the topic and test your acquired knowledge. You can pause the course at any time, return to your progress, or repeat modules.

Please contact your Graduate School's office to receive access to the course in the form of a license key. Please note that the name used for registration will automatically appear on the certificate upon successful completion; therefore, please do not use an alias or similar. Flash is required to use the online tool (see fact sheet [German]).