This module enables doctoral candidates to quickly gain traction with the principles of academic work and to structure and refine their research topic. It provides hands-on guidance by the dissertation supervisor and introduces the discipline-specific research methods required for completing the research proposal. It is divided into two phases.
Phase 1: Academic Work and Research Design (in English)
In this first phase, students are introduced to the fundamentals of academic work and supported in developing research designs, proposals and applications as essential skills for their scientific practice. This phase may also be completed together with students from the MSc Architecture programme.
Phase 2: Applied Academic Work – Drafting a Research Concept (in the dissertation language)
In this second phase, students apply the knowledge gained in phase 1 by drafting their own research concept with particular focus on discipline-specific research questions, literature review, methodology and objectives. The plan must be submitted for formal review and presented to the supervisor for content evaluation.

The module combines concise inputs with practice-oriented work. It introduces the foundations of academic work and research design through guided exercises and reading-based discussion (in English). Building on this, students develop their own individual research concept (in their dissertation language) by applying these foundations to their specific research question within their discipline, with peer feedback provided at key stages. Formats and emphases may vary by cohort and instructor.

After completing the module, students will be able to
• position their project within the Liechtenstein School of Architecture’s research landscape and their discipline, articulating key topics and the state of research;
• define their research focus and criteria for credible evidence and apply them consistently;
• design a coherent research strategy by formulating precise research questions, selecting and justifying methods, and addressing ethics, data management and research integrity;
• produce clear academic writing – structuring arguments, synthesising literature and citing correctly – to draft a publishable paper or proposal;
• present and defend their work effectively and collaborate within a peer-learning community through constructive feedback and reflection.