Before officially starting your thesis, you will prepare an exposé to familiarize yourself with the topic and define it clearly. The exposé should present the problem statement, objectives, and planned approach as concisely and precisely as possible. The exposé typically goes through several rounds of review. During this process, you will meet regularly with your supervisor to discuss the current version and your progress in familiarizing yourself with the topic. Parts of the exposé are usually incorporated into the introduction of the final bachelor's or master's thesis, with appropriate revisions to reflect the concepts and results ultimately developed. An exposé is typically 3–4 pages long.

Once your exposé is complete, you will participate regularly in our graduate research seminar. At this point, you can usually register your thesis, and the official working period begins. Our seminar takes place weekly throughout the year in a group setting. You will discuss the current status and progress of your thesis, as well as any problems that may have arisen, with other participants and your supervisors.

After the initial familiarization phase and the development of initial concepts, you will present your topic in an interim presentation during the graduate research seminar. The presentation has no fixed duration, but should not exceed 45 minutes. In your presentation, you will introduce your topic and the relevant background, outline the current state of your work, and describe the next steps. The aim is to help other participants understand your topic, while also allowing you to deepen your own understanding and structure the progress you have made so far. The presentation is followed by a short discussion and feedback session. After submitting your thesis, you will give a final presentation.