Writing for doctoral candidates

Writing is central to a successful doctorate. Doctoral researchers produce a wide range of texts — from dissertations and journal articles to research proposals and abstracts. Writing requires clarity and precision, sharpens thinking, and is therefore an integral part of the academic research process. At the same time, it is rarely straightforward: revisions, uncertainty, or writer’s block are common, and the path from an initial idea to a finished text can be demanding.

To make it easier to get started, this page offers a curated overview of writing and support opportunities for doctoral researchers. It brings together formats provided by the Graduate School as well as offers from units at the University of Zurich (UZH), ETH Zurich, and other institutions.

The Academic Communication Center (ACC) supports students and researchers in developing their academic and professional communication skills in several languages. The ACC focuses on scientific and subject-specific communication – from writing and presentation skills to specialized language courses in English, German, French, Italian and Spanish for different fields. Our support services include coaching, tailor-made courses, and an online Writing Center. UZH Language Center

Receive personalized guidance from the Graduate Campus Writing Lab. Gain strategies to advance your writing process while enjoying your work. You might book a 30-minute individual consultation at: WritingLab. 

Our writing courses teach effective techniques to make writing smoother and more productive. Whether you are starting your dissertation, refining your final draft, or preparing a journal article, these courses offer expert guidance.

We have booked rooms for distraction-free writing sessions exclusively for doctoral candidates. At the beginning of each session, participants share their goals, then write in a focused environment, and finish with a brief reflection.

Writing marathons focus on making intensive progress and achieving quick advances in the writing project. Suitable goals are set and strategies for achieving them are discussed. Writing marathons usually take place in June/July and August/September.

Apply for subsidies for copy editing, proofreading, and translation of non-native language texts essential to your academic work. Details at: Copyediting. 

The Graduate School supports writing retreats. Details at: Support for writing retreats.