Writing support services for doctoral candidates in German and English
Source: https://www.graduateacademy.uni-heidelberg.de/beratung/sprachberatung_en.html Parent: https://www.graduateacademy.uni-heidelberg.de/beratung/index_en.html
University > Institutions > Graduate Academy > Advising and Support >
Writing support services for doctoral candidates in German and English
General information \ Consultation process \ Academic Writing Group Program \ Office hours \ Our trainers \
General information
For many doctoral candidates, working with a long, research-based text is the most challenging aspect of a doctoral degree process. To support them effectively and promote their future success, the Graduate Academy offers a range of writing-related services on an individual (i.e. one to one) or group (i.e. workshops and/or upcoming writing groups) for those writing in English or German.
The program is tailored to both German and non-native German speakers who are writing their dissertations in German, usually in the humanities or social sciences. The program is funded by the STIBET program, within the DAAD. - #### Academic Writing Support: Individual Consultation and Tutoring
The program is tailored to doctoral candidates at Heidelberg University from all disciplines who are writing in English. Because the English academic writing style differs significantly from the German, this service aims to help non-native English speakers produce texts that meet the linguistic and stylistic conventions distinct to Anglophone academic writing.
The purpose of both offers is to improve the writing and language competencies of doctoral candidates during different stages of their doctoral training. For an individual consultation, doctoral candidates may submit their own text passages, which are then revised and commented on by experienced German or English native speakers / scholars. Candidates then may attend a follow-up meeting, where the writing consultant would be willing to discuss the candidate’s errors and provide suggestions for improvement.
The feedback provided by the writing consultants is limited to linguistic issues only, i.e.
- grammar,
- spelling,
- punctuation,
- and conventions of the respective language.
The consultation aims to identify typical errors which can be avoided in the later stages of writing.
The following aspects of the text will not be discussed:
- content
- structure
- empirical rigor
Please be aware that the completed text passages (be they dissertation chapters or articles) should not be seen as final corrections.
Consultation process
If you are interested in using one of the services, please contact our language advisors:
- Wissenschaftliches Schreiben auf Deutsch:\ ga-sprachberatung@uni-heidelberg.de
- Academic writing in English:\ ga-writing@uni-heidelberg.de
When contacting one of our language advisors, please provide him/her with:
- The topic of your dissertation
- Your subject of study, supervisor, and department
- Progress/stage of your dissertation
- Your native language and nationality
We will then arrange a preliminary talk with you. Please bring a digital copy of your text (MS Word compatible format) to the meeting.
During this meeting we will:
- clarify your specific needs,
- discuss technical terminology or any other concerns that you have,
- define a time-frame for the feedback.
Please note:
- The submitted text passage/s may not exceed 10 pages or 3.000 words.
- Only two different passages from a single text (i.e. up to two sections from a dissertation) may be submitted.
- Your text will be archived at the end of the semester and will be deleted from the Graduate Academy’s server after one year.
Academic Writing Group Program for Doctoral Candidates
Information event
To launch the program, the Graduate Academy’s writing support team will be hosting an information session at the Käthe Leichter Forum (INF 370) on February 4th at 10:30 am.
Meetings will take place on Wednesdays from 9:30–12:30 at the Käthe Leichter Forum (INF 370).
- Focused writing group I (in person): 09:30-12:30. Trainer: Sergio Mukherjee. Register here
Recognizing the importance of physical and mental well-being for effective academic and dissertation writing, we have teamed up with the university’s health management office (Univital) to offer guided “Brain Booster” sessions as part of our academic writing group (AWG) program.
As always, our program will continue to provide participants with a physical working space, experts on call, and a community of like-minded peers to support doctoral researchers in their academic and dissertation writing process.
What is a Brain Booster session?
Recent studies show that taking regular short breaks helps the brain "reset" and prevents mental fatigue. This is especially important during the sustained cognitive load involved in writing a dissertation.
A brain booster session is a 15–20-minute break under the guidance of a specialized trainer. During each session, writing group members will be able to explore different activities of exercise and relaxation, both mental and physical. These activities are specifically aimed at reducing cognitive overload, countering physical fatigue, restoring mental focus, and improving complex decision-making. With this addition to our regular writing group program, we hope to broaden participants’ range of strategies for stimulating the body and mind in the interest of productivity and well being.
What is a writing group and how does the program work?
A writing group is a community of 6-8 doctoral candidates who meet on a regular basis to work towards composing an academic text. Participants work on their own projects but do so within a peer-based environment and with the support of a team of tutors. The latter will assist each group over the course of at least 4 sessions after which participants are eligible to extend their participation for up to 3 Months.
Core objectives include:
- provide doctoral candidates with structured support in a facilitated peer-based setting.
- guide candidates through strategies and focused exercises on selected topics related to academic writing.
- share and discuss work in-progress.
- produce ongoing writing towards specific goals and deadlines.
- develop a “community” of academic writers in the interest of support, collegiality, and solidarity.
A spacious working space with power connections, wireless access, and basic office supplies will be made available for participants during each session.
How long are the writing group sessions? Where and how frequently do they take place?
Our writing group meets weekly (currently on Wednesday mornings) for 3-hour focused writing sessions. All meetings take place at the Käthe Leichter Forum (INF 370).
‘Hop on, hop off' policy
Each writing group cycle has a specific duration but participants may “hop on” or “hop off” at any time, provided they commit to a minimum of four consecutive sessions.\ (Please note that this initial commitment and the willingness to engage with others in collaborative efforts is crucial for the success of the program!)
Who can participate?
The focused writing groups are open to PhD candidates from all faculties regardless of the stage of their research. However, the Graduate Academy’s writing support team will facilitate the formation of specific groups based on common goals, interests, and similar levels of advancement.
How much does it cost?
Absolutely nothing! Our program is free of charge. We can only allow for a limited number of participants though, so make sure to sign up today!
How can I find out more about the program?
To launch the program, the Graduate Academy’s writing support team will be hosting an information session at the Käthe Leichter Forum (INF 370) on February 4th at 10:30 am The event will introduce PhD candidates to the program’s details, the tutors and the working space at the Graduate Academy. Participants will also have the opportunity to register in advance for the upcoming writing group cycle. Our first session is scheduled to start on February 11th at 9:30 am.
Office hours
NEW!! Open office hours
We are again offering individual writing support services at the Graduate Academy during our bi-weekly “open office” hours. As with our writing workshops, the service is free to use for all registered doctoral candidates of Heidelberg University (as well as Medicine students at the University of Mannheim).
Please register in advance for a session of ca. 30 minutes via email (ga-writing@uni-heidelberg.de). In order to make optimal use of this service, please contact S. Mukherjee at ga-writing@uni-heidelberg.de, in advance with a list of themes which you would like to discuss. Alternatively you may also submit your own text passages as described in the general information section below.
For further questions, please contact S. Mukherjee at ga-writing@uni-heidelberg.de.
Our trainers
Writing consultations are currently offered by the following native speakers:
German:
N.N.
English:
S. Mukherjee
S. Mukherjee is a former Alexander von Humboldt Fellow with +10 years of experience in mentoring advanced students in the ‘art and craft’ of academic writing. Mukherjee holds degrees from Cornell University and the University of Pennsylvania, where he conducted his doctoral work in political economy. He is the recipient of the Penn Lauder CIBER Research Grant, U.S. Department of Education’s Center for International Education and Research, the Judith Rodin Fellowship for distinguished work in the social sciences, and Penn’s School of Arts and Sciences Award for Distinguished Teaching.
Web Administrator: Eric Herbst
Latest Revision: 2026-01-21