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Doctoral Studies and Habilitation

Doctoral Studies

Particularly qualified graduates can pursue a doctorate at the department after completing a relevant scientific degree. A doctorate in the subjects we offer usually takes three years. In order to be accepted as a doctoral candidate at our department, the following formal requirements usually have to be met (or a qualification from a foreign university recognized as equivalent with the following):

  • the successful completion of a university degree with a standard period of study of at least eight semesters (Diplom, Magister, Staatsexamen, eight-semester Bachelor's degree) in a subject area required for the dissertation or
  • a Master's degree (120 credit points) of an university in a subject area required for the dissertation or
  • a completed university degree in conjunction with an aptitude test for applicants who have
    • have completed a course of study at a university of applied sciences in a subject area other than that of the department awarding the doctorate,
    • have obtained a Master's degree at a university of applied sciences, or
    • have completed a Bachelor's degree with a standard period of study of at least six semesters (fast track).

There is no entrance examination or compulsory PhD program, as is common in other countries. Further details on the admission requirements are regulated by the PhD regulations (Promotionsordnung, German document).

To be formally accepted as a doctoral candidate, you must submit the Application for admission as a doctoral candidate, together with all documents listed in the application and the supervisor’s declaration of consent, to the Chair of the Doctoral Committee of the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science via the Examinations Office.

In addition to the application to the department, you must submit a request for admission as a doctoral candidate in the Marvin administration system before beginning your doctoral studies.

The PhD Formalities in a Nutshell guide provides an overview of the formal steps involved in your PhD journey, including when to complete each step and how much time to allow for the required procedures.

When scheduling your thesis defense, please note in particular that the invitation must be sent at least one week in advance, and this period can only begin after the two- to three-week display period (Auslagefrist) has ended (see § 12 of the PhD Regulations). More specifically, once the display period (Auslagefrist) has ended, the examination committee finalizes its assessment of the dissertation and, if applicable, accepts it. Only then can the invitation to the thesis defense be issued, with at least one week’s notice.

Habilitation

The habilitation is a proof of qualification for independent scientific research and teaching. Admission to habilitation must be applied for from the dean. Further details are provided in the valid habilitation regulations (only available in German: Habilitationsordnung).

 

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