First Steps towards a Doctorate

Source: https://www.uni-bonn.de/en/research-and-teaching/ecrs/considering-a-doctorate/first-steps Parent: https://www.uni-bonn.de/en/research-and-teaching/ecrs/considering-a-doctorate

At the beginning of the doctorate there are many questions: Do I want to do my doctorate individually or do I prefer a structured program? What are the prerequisites and requirements for a doctorate in my field? Which formal steps do I have to consider at the beginning and how do I enroll as a doctoral student? On this page you will find information and tips on all these questions - so that you can get off to a good start with your doctoral studies.

What Type of Doctorate Suits You?

The university offers you two options: you can pursue a classic individual doctorate with the support of a doctoral supervisor as experts in your field, or you can choose from our more than 30 structured doctoral programs. Structured doctoral programs combine excellent scientific framework conditions with individual supervision by experienced researchers in your field - supplemented by continuous exchange and regular meetings with your supervisors.

How to obtain your PhD in Germany

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The individual doctorate

As a full-spectrum university, the University of Bonn offers a wide range of subjects in which every professor can be considered as a possible supervisor for your doctoral thesis. Find out about the numerous research fields that are covered in the seven faculties of the university. Talk to one of our professors with your idea for your dissertation project.

Doctoral offices of the faculties1

Doing a doctorate in a structured doctoral program

Each of our structured doctoral programs offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary curriculum that encourages you to reach your full potential and prepare for a successful career. The programs include innovative, personal support with regular progress reviews as well as extensive opportunities to expand your research network and establish contacts in your research field.

Structured Doctoral Programs2

27.7%

International Doctoral Students

674

Doctoral Degrees in 2024

54%

Female Doctoral Students

Formal Steps towards Your Doctorate

01.

Confirmation of Supervision

Find a supervisor at the University of Bonn and obtain a signed confirmation of supervision from him or her. The faculties have their own templates ready for this. Contact your faculty's doctoral office.

02.

Registration at the Faculty

Contact the doctoral office of your faculty with the written confirmation of supervision. Additional documents may be required. Find out about this in advance. If the registration is successful, you will receive a letter of admission within four to eight weeks.

Digital doctoral application form

03.

Enrollment as Doctoral Student

As soon as you have received the letter of admission, you can enroll as a doctoral student. To do this, you must first register on the HISinOne portal and then complete the online pre-registration process. You can get more information about the documents you need from the Enrollment Office3.

Enrollment4

Doctoral Degree Programs and Doctoral Regulations

Each faculty determines its own doctoral regulations, the prerequisites and requirements for the doctorate. Below you will find a link to these regulations as well as the contact details of contact persons for questions about the doctoral degree regulations for each faculty and for registration in the doctoral office:

Faculty of Catholic Theology

Doctoral Degree

Doctor theologiae (Doctor of Theology)

Disciplines of the Doctorate

Biblical Theology | Historical Theology | Systematic Theology | Practical Theology

Language Requirements

Sufficient knowledge of Latin, Greek and Hebrew is required in order to understand the biblical and ecclesiastical texts. (Section 2 (3) of the doctoral degree regulations)

Curriculum

. In at least three of the four subject groups (Biblical, Historical, Systematic, Practical Theology), successful participation in five seminars, two of which are on the subject of the doctoral thesis, is required. (Section 2 (2) of the doctoral degree regulations)

Doctoral Degree Regulations

Doctoral degree regulations15 (in German)

Contact

Dr. Hanno Dockter\ \ promotion.ktf@uni-bonn.de\ +49 (0228) 73 7344 \ Rabinstr. 8\ 53111 Bonn\ \ Further information on doctoral studies at the Faculty of Catholic Theology can be found here16.

Faculty of Protestant Theology (Dr.)

Doctoral Degree

Doctor of Theology (Dr. theol.)

Disciplines of the Doctorate

Protestant Theology

Language Requirements

Certificates of previously completed language examinations (Latinum, Graecum, Hebraicum)

Curriculum

The structured doctoral studies consist of a three-semester orientation phase covering several theological disciplines and a three-semester specialization phase relating to the discipline of the doctorate. Sections 9 and 10 of these regulations govern this in more detail. The structured doctoral studies usually comprise 6 semesters with a total of 24 course units per week to be completed.

Doctoral Degree Regulations & Habilitation Regulations

Doctoral degree regulations17 (English version for reference only)
Doctoral degree regulations18, 1. Amendement19, 2. Amendement20 (in German)
Habilitation regulations21 (in German)

Contact

Ilona Schimmel\ promotion@ev-theol.uni-bonn.de \ Rabinstr. 8\ 53111 Bonn\ \ Further information on doctoral studies at the Faculty of Protestant Theology can be found here22.

Faculty of Protestant Theology (Ph.D)

Doctoral Degree

Philosophiae Doctor (Ph.D.)

Disciplines of the Doctorate

Language Requirements

The doctoral thesis can be written in German, English, or French. Upon agreement, other languages are also possible.

Curriculum

Obligatory contents are:\ \

Active participation (including study achievements) in courses, such as academic societies, advanced seminars, colloquia, with a total wokload of 540 hours and at least 12 course units per week.
Attendance at a minimum of two international conferences, symposiums, or similar events related to the chosen focus area - for at least on of these events, a self contained contribution (talk, presentation) with a minimum length of twenty minutes is required.
If applicable, additional contents within an aptitude study program (Section 4 (2) of the doctoral degree regulations).

Doctoral Degree Regulations & Habilitation Regulations

Doctoral degree regulations18 (English version for reference only)
Doctoral degree regulations23 (in German)
Habilitation regulations21 (in German)

Contact

Ilona Schimmel\ promotion@ev-theol.uni-bonn.de \ Rabinstr. 8\ 53111 Bonn\ \ Further information on doctoral studies at the Faculty of Protestant Theology can be found here22.

Faculty of Arts

Doctoral Degree

Doctor of Philosophy ("Doctor philosophiae")

Disciplines of the Doctorate

Admission and Language Requirements

A qualified degree following a relevant university studiesexists if at least the grade “good” (at least 2.5) was achieved both in the overall grade and in the written paper. The doctoral board decides on deviations in justified exceptional cases. \ \ For German language skills, the DSH certificate is accepted, while for proof of English language skills, the TOEFL test and IELTS test are accepted. Some disciplines require evidence of knowledge equivalent to a Latinum or Graecum.

Curriculum

The qualification phase generally lasts for two years within a supervisory relationship and begins with admission according to section 7.
During the qualification phase, the doctoral thesis is produced. The qualification phase is research-oriented. Doctoral students should acquire a thorough understanding of academic problems, in-depth subject knowledge, as well as skills for interdisciplinary work. To this end, doctoral students should, if possible:\ a) carry out research activities in an employment relationship at the University of Bonn or with a cooperating institution, or \ b) participate in a structured doctoral program, graduate college, or research training group (structured doctoral studies) at the University of Bonn or a cooperating institution.
However, the qualification phase can also be completed without carrying out research activities according to a) or without participating in a structured doctoral program according to b).
The regulations for structured doctoral programs apply as outlined in the respective program regulations. At least two research-related events and/or doctoral colloquia (usually amounting to four course units per week) are mandatory for all doctoral students during the qualification phase. These can be events from the discipline of the doctorate or interdisciplinary colloquia. Optional, target group-specific further training offers can be attended. Active participation in compulsory events must be proven by a certificate of attendance upon submission of the dissertation (cf. section 6 of the doctoral degree regulations).

Doctoral Degree & Habilitation Regulations

Reading version of the doctoral degree regulations24 (in German)
Doctoral degree regulations25, 1. Amendment26, 2. Amendment27, 3. Amendment28 (in German)
Habilitation regulations29 (in German)

Contact

Dipl.-Psych. Anke Piel und Sophie Lentz\ \ promphil@uni-bonn.de\ +49 (0228) 73 7268 \ Rabinstr. 8\ 53111 Bonn\ \ Further information on doctoral studies at the Faculty of Art can be found here30.

Faculty of Law and Economics (Law)

Doctoral Degree

Doctor of Law (Dr. iuris)

Disciplines of the Doctorate

Subject in the field of law

Language Requirements

The doctoral thesis is to be written in German. Deviations are permitted in exceptional cases and must be approved by the doctoral board. In this case, a German summary is to be enclosed with the foreignlanguage doctoral thesis. Section 2 para. 8 clauses 3 and 4 apply correspondingly. (Section 7 of the doctoral degree regulations)

Curriculum

Admission to the doctoral studies can be granted at the same time as admission to the doctorate on request. The doctoral studies accompany the doctoral thesis and prepare for the doctoral examination. They impart in-depth academic expert knowledge and the ability to plan and conduct research independently, present and defend the acquired knowledge in front of an expert audience, and arrange it in a form ready for publication. (Section 5 of the doctoral degree regulations)

Doctoral Degree & Habilitation Regulations

Doctoral degree regulations31 (English version for refernce only)
Doctoral degree regulations32, 1. Amendment33, 2. Amendment34 (in German)
Habilitation regulations35 (only in German)

Contact

Monika Sommer\ \ dekanat@rsf.uni-bonn.de\ +49 (0228) 73 9101 \ Adenauerallee 24-42 \ 53113 Bonn\ \ Further information on doctoral studies at the Faculty of Law and Economics can be found here36.

Faculty of Law and Economics (Economics)

Doctoral Degree

Doctor of Economics (Dr. rer. pol.)

Disciplines of the Doctorate

The topic of the doctoral thesis is to be selected from a field within economics represented at the Faculty. (Section 8 (1) of the doctoral degree regulations)

Language Requirements

The doctoral thesis should be written in German or English. The work should be submitted in a condition that is ready for printing. (Section 8 (3) of the doctoral degree regulations)

Curriculum

(1) The doctoral studies consist of in-depth studies and research studies. The events in the doctoral studies are conducted in German or English; the necessary knowledge of English is a requirement.\ \ (2) The in-depth studies generally take one year. The curriculum for the in-depth studies is determined by the doctoral board. It comprises lectures, seminars, and workshops. As part of the in-depth studies, the student is to provide four course assessments from lectures and seminars, and a certificate of attendance and presentation achievements from a workshop. Equivalent study achievements from economic doctoral programs or master’s programs at other universities can be credited to the indepth studies by the doctoral board on request.\ \ (3) The research studies generally take two years. They accompany the production of the doctoral thesis and involve participation in research colloquia and workshops. During the research studies, each student must present his/her doctoral dissertation project in a research colloquium or workshop in the doctoral program. The presentation achievement is to be certified. \ \ (Section 7 of the doctoral degree regulations)

Doctoral Degree & Habilitation Regulations

Doctoral degree regulations33 (English version for reference only)
Doctoral degree regulations37 (in German)
Habilitation regulations35 (in German)

Contact

Monika Sommer\ \ dekanat@rsf.uni-bonn.de \ +49 (0228) 73 9101 \ Adenauerallee 24-42 \ 53113 Bonn\ \ Further information on doctoral studies at the Faculty of Law and Economics can be found here36.

Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences

Doctoral Degree

Doctor of Natural Sciences (Doctor rerum naturalium, abbreviated: Dr. rer. nat.)

Disciplines of the Doctorate

Language Requirements

For admission to doctoral studies, students must have the German or English language skills that are required for the doctoral studies. (Section 8 (6) of the doctoral degree regulations)

Curriculum

Doctoral studies begin upon admission in accordance with section 8. They include the doctoral dissertation project and preparation of the doctoral thesis.
Modular doctoral programs can be established in the faculty. They are approved by the Faculty Council.
If a modular doctoral program requires courses to be taken during the doctorate or proof of skills and expertise, proof of these qualifications must be provided when applying for the doctoral examination procedure to be opened (see section 10).
For doctoral students that are members of a graduate school listed in Annex 2, the regulations of that graduate school apply to the complementary studies provided for there. Notwithstanding this, the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences at the University of Bonn confers doctoral degrees exclusively on the basis of these Doctoral Degree Regulations.

(Section 7 (1-4) of the doctoral degree regulations)

Doctoral Degree & Habilitation Regulations

Regulations amending and newly announcing the Doctoral degree regulations 202338 (in German)
Doctoral degree regulations 202239 (English version for reference only)
Doctoral degree regulations 201140 (English version for reference only)
Doctoral degree regulations 202239 (in German)
Doctoral degree regulations 201141 (in German)
Habilitation regulations42 (in German)

Contact

Karina Limbach, Claudia Schmidt und Jorg Wenniges\ \ promotion.mnf@uni-bonn.de\ +49 (0228) 73 2232 \ Wegelerstr. 10, room 0.012 and 0.013\ 53115 Bonn\ \ Further information on doctoral studies at the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences can be found here43.

Faculty of Agricultural, Nutritional and Engineering Sciences

Doctoral Degree

Doctor of Agricultural Sciences (Doctor agronomiae; Dr. agr.), Doctor of Food and Nutrition Sciences (Doctor trophologiae; Dr. troph.), Doctor of Engineering (Dr.-Ing.), and Doctor of Economics (Doctor rerum oeconomicarum; Dr. rer. oec) \ \ Upon selection of the Food Chemistry degree program, the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences awards the academic degree of Doctor of Natural Sciences (Doctor rerum naturalium, Dr. rer. nat.) to graduates from the Food Chemistry course, who have written their doctoral thesis with a professor in the field of Food Chemistry in agreement with a lecturer from the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences. In this case, the doctoral degree regulations of the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences apply.

Disciplines of the Doctorate

Agricultural Sciences | Food and Nutrition Sciences | Geodesy | Geoinformation | Economics

Language Requirements

Admission to the doctoral studies requires the language skills in German or English that are necessary for participating in the doctoral studies.

Curriculum

If the previous studies in accordance with para. 5 No. 1. to 3. or 6. were completed with less than “Good” or the previous studies fall under para. 5 No. 4. or 5., additional supplementary studies, usually of four semesters, which prepare for the doctoral dissertation project and serve as evidence of suitability as defined by para. 4, are required as part of the doctoral studies; in particular, an academic work is to be written in these cases if the previous studies were completed without a written paper. The nature, scope, and period of these study achievements that are yet to be completed are specified by the Faculty council; it also decides on the form and content of the evidence.

Doctoral Degree & Habilitation Regulations

Regulations amending and newly announcing the Doctoral degree regulations 2025 (in German)44
Doctoral degree regulations 202145 (English version for reference only)
Doctoral degree regulations46, 1. Amendement47, 2. Amendement48, 3. Amendement49 (in German)
Habilitation regulations 50(in German)

Contact

Henning Selig\ \ promotionsbuero@lwf.uni-bonn.de\ +49 (0228) 73 2867 \ Meckenheimer Allee 174\ 53115 Bonn\ \ Further information on doctoral studies at the Faculty of Agricultural, Nutritional and Engineering Sciences can be found here51.

Faculty of Medicine (Dr.)

Doctoral Degree

Doctor medicinae (Dr. med.) and Doctor medicinae dentariae (Dr. med. dent.)

Desciplines of the Doctorate

Medicine | Dental Medicine

Language Requirements

The doctoral thesis is to be prepared in writing in German or English.

Curriculum

The doctoral examination procedure begins with the qualification phase. The qualification phase is generally two semesters in length and begins with admission in accordance with section 5. The doctoral board decides whether to recognize up to one year of topic-related research activity.
The doctoral thesis is prepared during the qualification phase. The qualification phase is research-oriented. Doctoral students should acquire a well-founded understanding of academic problems, in-depth expert knowledge and the ability to undertake interdisciplinary work. To do this, they should\
Undertake a research activity at an institute or clinic in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Bonn or an institution that cooperates with the University of Bonn and\
Participate in a doctoral program or research training group, including doctoral research training groups, at the University of Bonn or an institution that cooperates with the University of Bonn.\
However, the qualification phase can also be conducted outside an institute or clinic in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Bonn and without participating in structured doctoral studies in accordance with section 4, para. 1, sentence 2. The decision regarding this is made by the doctoral board.
For all doctoral students who are not participating in a doctoral program or research training group, including doctoral research training groups, the attendance of at least one research-related course, which usually corresponds to one course unit per week, is mandatory during the qualification phase. Successful participation in the course is to be demonstrated by a certificate of attendance when applying for the opening of the examination phase in accordance with section 7, para. 1.
Doctoral students who have completed a university degree and are not full-time at the University of Bonn or University Hospital Bonn must enroll for two semesters of doctoral studies in accordance with § 67, para. 5 of the Higher Education Act (Hochschulgesetz, HG). The doctoral board decides on exceptions.

(Section 4 (1-4) of the doctoral degree regulations)

Doctoral Degree Regulations & Habilitation Regulations

Doctoral degree regulations 202552 (in German)
Doctoral degree regulations 202153 (English version for reference only)
Doctoral degree regulations 201754 (English version for reference only)
Doctoral degree regulations 202155 (in German)
Doctoral degree regulations 201756 (in German)
Habilitation regulations57 (in German)

Contact

Janine Bernabei (Doctoral students A-N)\ promotionsbuero.medfak@ukbonn.de\ +49 (0228) 287-19203 \ Venusberg-Campus 1, Haus 33, 1. OG\ 53127 Bonn\ \ Martina Suhre (Doctoral students O-Z)\ promotionsbuero@ukbonn.de58\ +49 (0228) 287-19204 \ Venusberg-Campus 1, Haus 33, 1. OG\ 53127 Bonn\ \ Further information on the Dr. med. & Dr. med. dent. doctoral program at the Faculty of Medicine can be found here59.

Faculty of Medicine (PhD and MD/PhD)

Doctoral Degree

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and Medical Doctor/Doctor of Philosophy (MD/PhD)

Disciplines of the Doctorate

Language Requirements

The doctoral thesis is to be prepared in writing, in English or German.

Curriculum

The doctoral examination procedure begins with the qualification phase. The qualification phase is generally three years in length under a supervision agreement and begins with admission in accordance with sction 5. Candidates with state examinations in medicine or dentistry can receive credit for one year of research activity during their studies if the candidate took a semester leave for this purpose. Recognition must be requested when applying for admission (section 5). The doctoral board decides whether recognition is granted.
The doctoral thesis is produced during the qualification phase. The qualification phase is research-oriented. Doctoral students should acquire a well-founded understanding of academic problems, in-depth expert knowledge and the ability to undertake interdisciplinary work. To do this, they should\
undertake a research activity in an employment relationship at the University of Bonn or an institution that cooperates with the University of Bonn; and\
participate in a doctoral program or research training group, including doctoral research train-ing groups, at the University of Bonn or an institution that cooperates with the University of Bonn.\ The qualification phase can, however, also be conducted without undertaking a research activity in accordance with point 1 or participating in structured doctoral studies in accordance with point 2. The decision regarding this is made by the doctoral board.
For all doctoral students who are not participating in a doctoral program or research training group, including doctoral research training groups, participation in at least two research-related courses, which usually corresponds to two course units per week, is mandatory during the qualification phase. Regular participation in the courses is to be demonstrated by a certificate of attendance when applying for the opening of the examination phase (section 7).
Doctoral students must enroll for doctoral studies in accordance with § 67, para. 5 HG.

(Section 4 (1-4) of the doctoral degree regulations)

Doctoral Degree Regulations & Habilitation Regulations

Reading version of doctoral degree regulations (PhD)60 (English version for reference only)
Reading version of doctoral degree regulations (MD/PhD)61 (English version for reference only)
Doctoral Degree Regulation (PhD)62, 1. Amendement63, 2. Amendement64, 3. Amendement65 (in German)
Doctoral Degree Regulations (MD/PhD)66, 1. Amendement67 (in German)
Habilitations Regulation57 (in German)

Contact

Sarah Funk\ \ phd.promotionsbuero@ukbonn.de\ +49 (0228) 287-10146\ Venusberg-Campus 1, Haus 33, 1.OG\ 53127 Bonn\ \ Further information on the doctoral program at the Faculty of Medicine can be found here68.

PhD Statistics

Information on the registration of doctoral students and the current questionnaire.

PhD Statistics69

Support during Your Doctoral Studies

Learn more about the comprehensive support offers during your doctorate. Find out more about the Doctorate plus qualification program, our funding lines and individual advice and coaching offers for doctoral candidates.

Argelander Program70

From all over the world to Bonn

The International Office will support you on the way to a successful doctorate even before your arrival. Find out about visas, health insurance and finding accommodation.

International Doctoral Students71

Contact

Sandra Papel

s.papel@uni-bonn.de

+49 228 73-9527

I am happy to advise international doctoral students on planning!

Dr. Robert Radu

radu@verwaltung.uni-bonn.de

+49 228 73-60222

Do you have general questions about the doctorate? Feel free to make an appointment for a consultation.

Additional Contacts70

Also see

Life in Bonn

There is life outside the lecture hall and laboratory— and what a life! The City of Bonn and the Rhineland region has much to offer; the University also makes its own contribution to this mix.

Read more72

Orientation

Get to know our numerous orientation and support offerings.

Read more73\

Events and Opportunities

Find out what's new and see upcoming events.

Read more74

First Steps towards a Doctorate

What Type of Doctorate Suits You?

The individual doctorate

Doing a doctorate in a structured doctoral program

Formal Steps towards Your Doctorate

Confirmation of Supervision

Registration at the Faculty

Enrollment as Doctoral Student

Doctoral Degree Programs and Doctoral Regulations

Faculty of Catholic Theology

Faculty of Protestant Theology (Dr.)

Faculty of Protestant Theology (Ph.D)

Faculty of Arts

Faculty of Law and Economics (Law)

Faculty of Law and Economics (Economics)

Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences

Faculty of Agricultural, Nutritional and Engineering Sciences

Faculty of Medicine (Dr.)

Faculty of Medicine (PhD and MD/PhD)

PhD Statistics

Support during Your Doctoral Studies

From all over the world to Bonn

Contact

Also see

Life in Bonn

Orientation

Events and Opportunities

Links