Doctoral Studies at Leibniz University Hannover

The central element of a doctoral degree is the demonstration of independent academic research in a specialised subject area. A doctoral degree is coupled with the expectation that the doctoral candidate will make an independent contribution to the advancement of academic findings in a subject area. It is this scientific focus that fundamentally distinguishes a doctorate from examinations completed during or at the end of a degree programme.

This academic achievement and the required advancement of academic findings is generally demonstrated via independent research work over several years, the writing of a doctoral thesis and an oral thesis defence (Disputation). The faculty to which the doctoral thesis was submitted subsequently confers the academic degree of doctor. This is supplemented by letters indicating the particular subject area – e.g. Dr.-Ing., Dr. rer.nat., Dr. phil.

The prerequisite for admission to doctoral studies at a German university is an academic degree, which generally means a master's degree or a state examination. Diplom and Magister degrees also entitle their holders to undertake doctoral studies. Under certain conditions, this may also be possible with a bachelor's degree. The specific requirements are outlined in the relevant doctoral regulations.

At the beginning of a doctoral degree, three fundamental matters need to be taken care of:

• The search for a supervisor – i.e. a professor prepared to supervise the doctoral thesis
• The selection and narrowing down of a topic for the doctoral project
• The arrangement of funding for the doctoral studies period

Usually, these questions are all addressed parallel to one another. For example, the topic is set in consultation with the supervisor, and the type of funding is often also dependent on open positions at the institute. The process of addressing these questions ultimately results in the joint development of a supervision agreement for the doctoral project.

The next formal step in the process is acceptance or admission as a doctoral candidate in the faculty. The faculties award the doctorates. The prerequisites and processes are stipulated in the relevant doctoral regulations. The contact people for matters related to the processes are the doctoral studies offices (Promotionsbüro) located in the dean's offices.

For general questions regarding doctoral studies, please contact LUH's Graduate Academy.

There are various ways to finance a doctoral degree. This should be organised before the doctorate is started and should be secured for a period of at least three years.

• Doctoral candidates may complete their doctorate within the scope of a position as a member of research staff. You can generally find a listing of open positions on the job portal or the institute/work group website. The type of position and the accompanying responsibilities (in research, teaching or administration) may vary.
• Various grants are also available for doctoral candidates.
• Furthermore, a doctorate may be obtained in the context of part-time studies or self-funded doctoral research in close cooperation with the supervising members of staff.

International doctoral candidates should observe the residency-related regulations (visa and residence permit) specific to their chosen source of funding which apply to them and any family members who accompany them. If you have questions about this, the Welcome Centre provides advising services (researchLUH@zuv.uni-hannover.de).

In Germany, the traditional route towards obtaining a doctoral degree is an individual doctorate. There is also the option of a so-called structured doctoral degree as part of graduate schools, research training groups, etc. Individual doctorates also increasingly include structured elements such as supervision agreements.

Admission to complete a doctoral degree takes place through the relevant faculty. Potential applicants should contact the relevant doctoral studies office. Parallel to the admission/acceptance process, you will need to apply to the Leibniz University Hannover Admissions Office to enrol as a doctoral student. Legally required data will be collected as part of this process (Law on student data statistics [HStatG]).

There are numerous career prospects for postdoctoral researchers – both within and outside of academia.