FAQ
Do I have to participate in the doctoral program?
No. Participation is voluntary. However, you must take the oral examination in the form of a viva voce if you do not complete the doctoral studies program in its entirety.
What is the benefit of the doctoral studies for me?
You can choose from various modules that help you to work scientifically (method modules), to develop as a personality (modules on key competencies) and to present your research results (conference module). You will also receive an additional certificate with your doctoral degree, which confirms that you have successfully completed the doctoral program and lists the courses you have taken.
Can I also take individual modules of the doctoral program instead of completing the entire program?
You can also take individual modules. However, you will not receive a certificate of successful completion of the entire program, and you must take the oral examination in the form of a viva.
When do I have to take a disputation, when a viva?
If you complete the full doctoral program, the oral examination will be in the form of a disputation. If you do not complete the full doctoral program, the oral examination will be in the form of a viva.
When do I have to decide whether to complete the doctoral program?
Not yet, when you are accepted as a doctoral candidate (§ 4 of the doctoral regulations). After that, you simply take the desired modules, whose participation you only have to prove when you submit the doctoral application (§ 5 of the doctoral regulations).
How do I prove that I have participated in the doctoral studies?
The lecturers hand out certificates, which you submit collectively when you apply for your doctorate.
Can I have modules recognized that I took before starting my doctoral studies?
This is possible if they are modules for doctoral students (i.e. not master courses) that were taken AFTER the completion of the previous master's program and there is a certain temporal proximity to the doctoral studies. For all modules, please use our "Proof of Module" or "Proof of Conference" forms in the Doctoral Studies Download menu item. Please note that for the form "Nachweis Module" you have to obtain the signature of the lecturer afterwards. For the form "Nachweis Module" the signature of the first supervisor of your PhD is sufficient.