Below, Mr. Siegert answers frequently asked questions regarding the issue of writing a thesis.

01. When should I start?

Writing a bachelor's or master's thesis is a substantial undertaking that benefits from early preparation.
I recommend beginning to think about the topic and contacting a potential supervisor at least three to six months before you are required to start. If you are reading this and feel you may already be behind — do not worry. There are often workable solutions, but the earlier we speak, the more options we have. Please feel free to get in touch as soon as possible so we can assess what is feasible in your particular situation. For further information, see the Formalia page.

02. How many theses does Mr. Siegert supervise simultaneously?

This varies and is assessed each semester based on my other academic commitments and their demands at the time. I do not set a fixed maximum in advance. My personal recommendation is simply to contact me directly — by phone or e-mail — to ask whether I am currently accepting new candidates. For further information, see the Formalia page.

03. You do not yet have a topic in mind, but wish to write under Mr. Siegert's supervision?

This is not a problem. I maintain a list of suggested thesis topics — adaptable to individual interests — for both bachelor's and master's students. Please make an appointment and we can discuss which topic best suits your background and area of interest. For further information, see the Topics page.

04. You have your own topic suggestion?

Students who come with their own ideas are always welcome. Writing about a topic that genuinely interests you is one of the strongest predictors of a successful thesis. Please make an appointment so we can discuss your ideas and assess their suitability together. For further information, see the Formalia page.

05. You are hesitant, uncertain, or anxious about starting?

Please do not wait. That is precisely what supervisors are for — not only to guide you through the writing process itself, but also to help you take the first steps with confidence. Some accounts of thesis writing may have been greatly exaggerated. Please get in touch via the Contact page.

06. You are unsure whether you are permitted to choose Mr. Siegert as your examiner or supervisor?

I am currently an officially recognised examiner at the following institutions:

• Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of Göttingen (since April 2022)

• Faculty of Forest Sciences and Forest Ecology, University of Göttingen (since February 2023)

07. You cannot choose Mr. Siegert as your primary examiner or supervisor?

This type of difficulty is often straightforward to resolve. In many cases, having a secondary examiner from your own faculty is sufficient. Please make an appointment so we can discuss your situation — it frequently requires no more than a phone call or a small amount of paperwork.

08. You wish to choose Mr. Siegert as your secondary examiner?

Please do not hesitate to contact me. Depending on the circumstances, I am open to serving in that capacity.

09. You wish to choose Mr. Siegert as a third or background supervisor?

This is an unusual arrangement, but please feel free to contact me. Depending on the topic, I may be open to this as well.

10. Further questions?

Please do not hesitate to get in touch — by phone or e-mail.

Tip: When writing by e-mail, please use the subject line keyword "Supervision / [your topic]"
— this helps me to respond more promptly.

Thanks.