Studying for a Doctorate at the KU – an Overview

Successful completion of doctoral studies is the first step towards a career as a scientific researcher, but it also proves that you have the necessary expertise to work in science-related fields, as well as in business and society. The following pages provide an overview of everything you need to know about working towards a doctoral degree at the KU and the people who will support you along the way. 

Stages of a Doctoral Degree

Stages of a Doctoral Degree

Formal Requirements of a Doctoral Degree (PhD)

Graduation

The German term for being awarded a doctoral degree by a university is a Promotion. Gaining a doctoral degree demonstrates that you can independently conduct scientific research at the highest academic level.

The most important admission requirement to study for a doctorate is a successfully completed postgraduate university degree. The degrees generally recognized in Germany are: Magister, Diplom, Master’s degree and Erste Staatsprüfung (First State Examination).

In addition, each faculty has its own specific doctorate admission requirements detailed in the respective faculty’s doctoral regulations.

In certain circumstances, postgraduate students with a degree from another country may also be admitted to study for a doctorate at the KU. In such cases, the Academic Careers Team will be able to answer any unclarified questions and investigate the initial steps towards recognition of your degree.

Regulations for Doctoral Studies

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The general doctoral regulations contain the legal principles of the procedure for awarding doctoral degrees at the Catholic University of Eichstätt-Ingolstadt and apply to the entire process of gaining a doctoral degree.

The faculty doctoral regulations elaborate on the specific requirements of the individual faculties. In addition to these regulations, another key document is the Code of Good Scientific Practice, which sets out basic rules for scientific research integrity and highlights procedures in the event of scientific misconduct.

We would advise you to be familiar with these documents at every stage of your doctoral degree. The most up-to-date versions of the various regulations are available on the pages of the Department of Legal Affairs (Department V). It is important that you always refer exclusively to the regulations on the following page:

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If you have any questions, please contact the Academic Careers Team. 

Graduate Academy

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The KU created a Graduate Academy in 2013 as an information and services center for students, particularly PhD students. The Graduate Academy can be found under Academic Careers - Young Researchers. 

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