I've just started my PhD.(field of interst analytical chemistry)My question is: if you had to proposed subject of your thesis or you got it from your supervisor? I have to choose it by myself and it is a little difficult...Now I have an impression that everything is made...or maybe it's a sign that I am not able to do the PhD?

I would suggest, although may be wrong, that certainly in the sciences there are more pre-designated thesis titles rather than titles proposed by the student. In the arts/humanities, I am not so sure, although I am pretty certain that student proposals are more common in the arts/humanities.

my thesis title is forever changing ...

As far as Im aware Ronja, your supervisor will give you an idea on the area that they specialise (obviously this does not apply to everyone) and you come up with an idea based around this topic. What you need to remember is that thing you worried about makes the whole process exciting. Dont worry, attack it and see where you come out. You will find that with reading you can define the area more and more until you are looking at a very specific topic.

All the best

Dear Ronja,

see your point, I am struggling with the same issue. Although my supervisor made a suggestion I am not sure whether that is feasable yet find it difficult to set a specific research question myself.

I do not think that you would not be capable to do a phd based on that, it seems that a lot of people struggle with the same problem.

Thank you very much for your answers. Today I'm going to my supervisor and we will see what happen...
By the way it was my first forum activity ;) and I'm happy that I found this site!!!