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Frequently asked Questions: PhD at Kassel University
FaQs provide a guide through PhD regulations of Kassel University with annotations. Justiciable is the German version only.
I. General requirements
I. 1. PhD degrees and scope
a) PhD regulation of Kassel University Paragraph 1
b) Annotations to Paragraph 1
I. 2. Jurisdiction and organisation
I. 3. Conditions for acceptance as a PhD student
I. 3.1 Graduate applicants with a master's degree
a) PhD regulation of Kassel University paragraph 3 subparagraph 1
b) Annotations to paragraph 3 subparagraph 1
I. 3.2 Graduate applicants who want to write a PhD thesis in a different subject
a) PhD regulations of Kassel University Paragraph 3 Subparagraph 2
b) Annotations to paragraph 3 subparagraph 2
I. 3.3 Applicants without full-graduation (less than 8 year graduate programs)
a) PhD regulation of Kassel University paragraph 3 subparagraph 3
b) Annotations to paragraph 3 subparagraph 3
I. 3.4 Applicants with master's degree in a different subject
a) PhD regulation of Kassel University paragraph 3 subparagraph 5
b) Annotations to paragraph 3 subparagraph 5
I. 3.5 Applicants with international master's degrees
a) PhD regulation of Kassel University paragraph 3 subparagraph 6
b) Annotations to paragraph 3 subparagraph 6
I. 3.6 Applicants without master's degree
a) PhD regulation of Kassel University paragraph 3 subparagraph. 7
b) Annotations to paragraph 3 subparagraph 7
I. 3.7 Foreign languages and numerus clausus
a) PhD regulations of Kassel University
b) Annotations
I. 4. Preliminary remarks on the doctoral program
I. 5. Doctoral programs
a) Regulations Paragraph 15
b) Annotations to Paragraph 15
c) Classification of doctoral study programs in accordance with paragraph 3, 6 and 15.
II. Conditions of acceptance and notes on application procedures as doctoral student
II 1. Application of Acceptance as doctoral student
II 1.1 Annotations to the application form
II 1.2 What has to be annexed to the application form
II 2. Application form II 3. Annotations for international applicants
III. Transitory regulations
IV. Advice in PhD matters V. Frequently asked Questions PhD V.1. How long does it take from application to acceptance as a doctoral student?
V 2. How much time do I have for the doctoral study program?
V 3. Can I change the subject of my doctoral research project, can I change my supervisor?
V 4. Is it necessary to matriculate as doctoral student?
V 5. Is it possible to apply as an external doctoral student?
V 6. Is there a age restriction for applicants?
V 7. Who can be my supervisor?
V 8. Does a numerus clausus exist?
V 9. What happens, if I do not pass a doctoral program?
V 10. Can I prepare a doctorate in an academic subject outside my major master's degree subject?
VI. Application for the final doctoral examination (handing in of thesis and defence)
VI 1. Regular application procedures
VI 2. Exceptional application procedures
VII. Questions about writing a doctoral thesis
VII 1. What requirements must a doctoral thesis meet?
VII 2. Is it possible to write a doctoral thesis in another language - not German?
VII 3. Can I use preliminary research results in my dissertation?
VII 4. Do I have to mention my sources and auxiliary means?
VII 5. What kind of declaration do I have to make?
VII 6. How many copies of the doctoral thesis do I have to hand in?
VII 7. Is there a standard form of style for a doctoral thesis?
VII 8. Do I have to publish my laboratory results and raw data?
VIII. Questions about the appraisal report of doctoral thesis's
VIII 1. Who can recommend a reviewer for a doctoral thesis?
VIII 2. How much time does a reviewer have for his or her report?
VIII 3. What comes next?
VIII 4. Who is part of a thesis defence committee?
VIII 5. What grades can I achieve and how is the total calculated?
IX. Questions about the defence
IX 1. Who establishes the date?
IX 2. What can be the content of a thesis defence?
IX 3. Can two doctorate students defend their theses' at the same time?
IX 4. How long is a thesis defence?
IX 5. Can family members join a thesis defence and do they have the right to pose questions?
IX 6. Do I receive a certificate?
IX 7. Can I repeat a thesis defence?
X. Publishing your doctoral thesis
X a) Regulation Paragraph 11 and 12
X b) Annotations
X c) Obligations to publications from the reviewers of my doctoral thesis XI. Further remarks
XI 1. Access to my records
XI 2. Withdrawl of the doctoral degree
XI 3. Information for international doctoral student
XI 4. Application forms
XI 5. How to file an objection
XI 6. Layout / Style Sheet
I. General requirements
a) PhD Regulations of Kassel University
Paragraph 1 (PhD degrees and scope)
(1) 1 The PhD degree may be conferred upon someone who submits an original and distinct contribution to knowledge in one of the disciplines studied at the University. 2 A distinct contribution to knowledge in one of the disciplines studied at the University comprises the submission and public defence of an original thesis.
(2) 1 Kassel University confreres through her faculties the following doctoral degrees
- Doctor of Philosophy (Dr. phil.),
- Doctor of Natural Sciences (Dr. rer. nat. ),
- Doctor of Economics and Social Sciences (Dr. rer. pol.),
- Doctor of Agricultural Sciences (Dr. agr.),
- Doctor of Laws (Dr. jur.)
- Doctor in Engineering (Dr.-Ing.)
Annotations to these regulations can be found in the faculties' PhD regulations.
(3) The faculty of the academic field that is the main focus of the PhD thesis is in charge of the doctoral student.
(4) 1 It is possible to join a cooperative doctoral program between two faculties at one or more universities within the boundaries of the German Grundgesetz. Bi-national cooperative doctoral programs are set up between Kassel University and a foreign university. 2 Annotations are made in paragraph 14 and in the PhD regulations of the faculties.
b) Annotations:
Ad paragraph (1)
The PhD degree is conferred for distant contribution to knowledge in one of the disciplines studied at Kassel University. Candidates must hold a Master degree or another graduate degree. Supplementary faculty regulations determine which specific diploma is required for each PhD program.
Department 1: Pedagogical Sciences, Humanities
Dr. phil. in the following disciplines: Pedagogical Sciences Philosophy Protestant Theology / Religious Education Catholic Theology / Religious Education Psychoanalytical Psychology Science of Music Dr. rer. pol for the disciplines: Professional Education and Education in Economics (in cooperation with dept. 7)
Department 2 : Languages and Literatures Dr. phil. in the disciplines: American language science and literature, English language science and literature, Romance languages and literature, German language and literature
Department 4 : Social Sciences Dr. phil. in the disciplines: Social work / Education of Social work Supervision, Social therapy and psychotherapy Dr. rer. pol. in the disciplines: Social policy / Public management, Gerontology
Department 5 Societal Sciences Dr. phil. in the disciplines History, Sports, Dr. rer. pol. in the disciplines: Political sciences, Sociology, Social Sciences Geography,
Department 6 : Architecture, Town Planning, Landscape Planning Dr. rer. pol. in the disciplines: Architecture, Town Planning, Landscape Planning (main focus on Economics and Social Sciences) Dr.-Ing. in the disciplines: Architecture, Town Planning, Landscape Planning Dr. rer. nat in the disciplines: Water ecology / Water development, Ecological Sciences of Vegetation
Department 7 : Economics Dr. phil. in the disciplines: Psychology, Work Studies, Vocational Education and Work Studies Dr. rer. pol. in the disciplines: Economics, Pedagogical Economics, Law (Economics), Economics and Engineering with main focus on Economics Vocational Education and Education of Economists (in cooperation with dept. 1) Dr. jur. in the disciplines: Law
Department 11 : Ecological Agricultural Sciences Dr. agr. in the disciplines Agricultural Sciences, Ecological Agriculture
Department 14 : Civil Engineering Dr.-Ing. in the disciplines:: Civil engineering, Civil engineering and Economics, Techniques of Environmental Sciences
Department 15 : Mechanical Engineering, Dr.-Ing. in the disciplines: Mechanical Engineering Mechatronics, Economics and Engineering (main focus on Engineering), Vocational Science (main focus on Engineering) Dr. rer. nat. in the disciplines: Economics and Engineering (main focus on Economics and Social Sciences), Social Sciences, Vocational Sciences, Work Studies, Project management and Quality Assurance, Psychology of Work and Organisational Psychology
Department 16 : Electrical Engineering / Computer Engineering Dr.-Ing.in the disciplines: Electiral Engineering, Mechatronics (main focus on Electronical Engineering), Economics (main focus on Electronical Engineering), Computer Engineering (main focus on Engineering), Dr. rer. nat. in the disciplines:: Information technology, Environmental Systems Engineering, Micro Systems Engineering
Department 17 : Mathematics Dr. rer. nat. in the disciplines: Mathematics, Information technology and sciences, Didactics of Mathematics (Dr. phil. also possible) Department 18 : Natural Sciences Dr. rer. nat.in the disciplines: Biology, Chemistry, Science of Nano Structures, Physics Dr. phil.in the discipliners: Education in Biology, Education in Chemistry, Education in Physics
Department 20 : School of Arts Dr. phil. in the disciplines: History of Arts, Sciences of Arts, Education of Arts, Sciences in Design
If applicants pursue a degree not normally conferred by their faculty, cooperation with other faculties ispossible. See special PhD regulations of the faculties.
I.2. Jurisdiction and Organisation
1. Academic responsibility The academic responsibility for a doctoral project lies with the faculty of the main focus of the doctoral thesis. See special regulations for cooperative, bi-national and international doctoral programs.
2. Administrative support The administrative procedures of the doctoral program are organized by the PhD committee of the faculty.
PhD committees have a head office in the central administration building of Kassel University:
PhD Office Kassel University
Mönchebergstr. 19,
D-34125 Kassel
Letters: D- 34109 Kassel
Visitors: Mönchebergstr. 19,
Ground Floor, Office 0540 and 0550
Fax: + 49 561 804 2199
Email: promot.at.uni-kassel.de
Head of Office: Alexander Kampe
Tel. + 49 561 804 2168
(proxy: Marion Schomburg)
Tel. + 49 561 804 2212
Assistant: Jutta Salzmann
Tel. + 49 561 804 2170
I.3. Conditions for acceptance of a PhD student
I.3.1 Graduate applicants with a master's degree
a) Regulations Paragraph 3 (Rules of application)
(1) Candidates admitted to the examination leading to a PhD degree must hold (a) a degree in the main subject of the doctoral thesis from a university or an equal institution of higher education with a minimal study program of 4 years. The degree can be a master degree, Magister, German Diplom or equivalent. Or, (b) a degree in a consecutive study program of a university or a university of applied sciences (bachelor, master, German Diplom I, German Diplom II) in the main subject of the doctoral thesis. Or, (c) a degree in a study program at a university or a university of applied sciences that is preparatory for the chosen PhD program and subject.
b) Annotations:
Ad 1 (a) Here is meant all degrees in single subject study programs at universities, technical Universities, pedagogical universities, state-recognised institutes of higher education that have the right to confer doctoral degrees and lie within the boundaries of the German Grundgesetz. Not valid are degrees from universities of applied sciences, even when the study program was 4 years long. The same rule applies to University study program shorter than 4 years.
Ad 1 (b) Here is meant degrees in consecutive study programs at universities and universities of applied sciences. After a first professional-oriented degree (bachelor, German Diplom FH or German Diplom 1), applicants must hold a second academic degree (research oriented master's or German Diplom II. Not valid master degrees in non-consecutive study programs. See paragraph 3 subparagraph 4 for this.
Ad 1 (c) Here is meant degrees in doctoral study programs as first degrees and degrees in study programs which prepare for doctoral studies and entrance examinations for doctoral students Note: The standard period of study may not be the actual individual period of study.
Matriculation: Doctoral students can matriculate with the faculty of the main subject of their thesis if their application for acceptance as a doctoral student was successful. The Application form (Matriculation) has to be handed-in at the PhD Office together with a copy of the letter of acceptance as a doctoral student:
I.3.2 Graduate applicants who want to write a PhD thesis in a different subject
a) Regulations: Paragraph 3 (Conditions of Admission)
(2) 1 If the chosen subject of the doctoral thesis is not within the boundaries of the academic discipline in which the second degree is completed, an extra examination has to be taken. 2 The level of this extra examination is equivalent to a master's degree examination in a long-term study program. 3 The extra examination is organised in accordance with the examination rules of the long-term study-program. 4 The extra examination can be replaced if the first university degree is accompanied by extra academic qualifications in the subject and/or discipline of the envisaged doctoral project. 5 This decision is made by a PhD committee of the department.
b) Annotations:
The main guideline is that doctoral degrees can only be conferred in the discipline of academic study in which a degree is held.
In order to encourage interdisciplinary research, applicants with a degree in a subject close to the chosen doctoral research subject can be submitted with obligations. The minimal requirement is a successfully completed program of 3-3,5 years in the discipline of the doctoral research field.
Obligations for applicants are structured on the PhD regulations of the specific discipline. These requirements can be waived, if previous degrees and additional scientific or academic qualifications justify the prospect of a successfully completed doctoral program.
Applicants willing to apply for a doctorate study program in their minor subject fields have to pass an examination equivalent to a final examination in a major subject final exam. Applicants not meeting one of the above mentioned conditions cannot be accepted as doctoral students.
Not normally acceptable as doctoral students are - for example:
- Applicants with a master degree in sociology for a doctoral study program in engineering (Dr.-Ing.)
- Applicants with a degree in arts applying for a doctoral program in agricultural sciences (Dr. Agr.)
- Applicants with a degree in Economics applying for a doctoral program in political sciences or law (Dr. rer. nat. ; Dr. jur.)
Each application will be handled individually.
Matriculation: Applicants have to matriculate in the discipline of the envisaged doctoral degree. Doctoral students can matriculate with the faculty of the main subject of their thesis after successful application for acceptance as a doctoral student. The application form (matriculation) has to be handed-in at the PhD Office together with a copy of the letter of acceptance as a doctoral student:
I.3.3 Applicants without full-graduation (less than 8 year graduate study programs)
a) Regulations Paragraph 3 (Conditions of Acceptance)
(3) Applications with a degree from a university of applied sciences and qualified applicants with successfully completed short study programs (minimum of 3 years, German Diplom or German Diplom I, German Erstes Staatsexamen for Teaching at primary or German Erstes Staatsexamen for Teaching at secondary schools) can be accepted as doctoral students after an entrance examination successfully completed.
Conditions for acceptance for the entrance examination are
1. degree in the discipline of the doctoral research project from a university of applied sciences or university within the boundaries of the German Grundgesetz.
2. attestation of qualification in the form of a grade of "good" (2.0) or better in the study program and a grade of "good" (2.0) in the special subject of the doctoral research project.
3. passing of the entrance examination for doctoral students. The entrance examination is based upon the regulations for final examinations in Diplom-, Diplom II-, Magister oder Master Exam Regulations,or exam regulations for teaching at German secondary schools.
b) Annotations:
Conditions for acceptance are a degree with a final total grade in the first degree of "good" (2.0) or better and a grade of "good" (2.0) or better in the special subject of the doctoral research project.
Applicants have to apply for matriculation as doctoral students of Kassel University. The application form must be accompanied by a short expose of the doctoral project. This is necessary in order to decide which faculty should coordinate the project. It is also necessary in order to decide on any supplementary obligations for the doctoral student. The applicant will receive a letter of acceptance together with a list of all obligations.
Applicants with degrees in Educational Sciences and Teaching qualifications for primary and secondary school can only pursue a doctoral program in Educational Sciences or in their main subject (if the final exam grad was "good" (2.0) or better).
Paragraph 3, subparagraph 2 is not applicable to this group of students.
Students with a bachelor's degree normally have to complete a master's degree before applying for a doctoral study program.
Matriculation:
Doctoral students have to matriculate in the discipline of their research project at Kassel University. Preliminary acceptance is granted for one year. Prolongation of the preliminary acceptance is possible for a period of another year if needed. During this time, required supplementary obligations have to be fulfilled. If this is not the case, the preliminary acceptance as a doctoral students will be withdrawn. Applicants have to hand in a copy of the preliminary acceptance as a doctoral student at the PhD office.
I.3.4 Applicants with a master's degree in a different subject
a) Regulations Paragraph 3 (Conditions of Acceptance)
(4) Applicants holding a master degree in a different subject have to pass an extra examination in accordance with paragraph 3, subparagraph 2 in the discipline of their envisaged doctoral research project. The extra examinations has to have 30 credits and a final examination.
b) Annotations: Applicants holding a master degree in different subject have to pass extra examinations in accordance with the faculty PhD regulations and the regulations for final examinations in a major subject of their discipline.
Matriculation
Doctoral students have to matriculate in the discipline of their research project at Kassel University when they are accepted as doctoral students with additional obligations. The letter of acceptance has to be handed in with the application at the PhD Office.
I.3.5 Applicants with international master's degrees
a) Regulations: Paragraph 3 (Condition of Acceptance)
(5) Academic examinations at foreign universities are accepted at Kassel University if they are of an equivalent quality. "Equivalent quality" is recognized in Germany by the HRK - The Association of Universities and other Higher Education Institutions in Germany and the KMK - Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs of the Länder in the Federal Republic. A federal bureau for international educational systems exits, that supports these decisions with further information. In accordance with paragraph 2, small deficiencies in the equivalent quality of the final academic examination and the study program can be supplemented by special obligations. Greater deficiencies in the equivalent quality of the final academic examination and the study program are handled through paragraph 3, subparagraph 3.
b) Annotations:
The formal equivalence of quality in academic study programs is bound by the rules and regulations according to content of previous education. The formal equivalent of quality in academic study programs is checked against a German one-subject study program of minimum 4 years or a two-subject study program for bachelor's or master's degree. If a subject is not a primary subject in the German system, an equivalence of quality cannot be recognized. In the latter case, further obligations according to paragraph 3 subparagraph 3 have to be fulfilled.
Examples for formally equivalent degrees in international educational systems:
Educational System and Degree formally leading to an acceptance in a doctoral study program in Germany:
Anglo-American system or equivalent
First academic degree in postgraduate study programs with a scientific master's thesis, Minimum of two years. Master of.... degree.
French System or equivalent
First academic degree in a postgraduate study programme with a thesis (memoire), one to two years study program. Degree: Diplome d´Etudes Approfondies (D.E.A.), Magistere, Diplôme d´Ingenieur, Diplôme en ESC, HEC, EAP und ESSEC
South Eastern European system or equivalent
Degree after a four to five years study program: diplomirani, Teacher = professor , Master = magistar znanosti or nauka in a consecutive two years study program
Asian system
Master's degree (shoushi) after an undergraduate study program and a entrance examination for doctoral students
Northern European system
Candidatus, Magister, Diplomi, Lizentiat Eastern Europe Diplom and entrance examiniaton for doctoral students (Kandidatenaspirantur)
Türkish system
Yüksek Lisans
Matriculation
Doctoral students have to matriculate in the discipline of their research project at Kassel University when they are accepted as doctoral students with additional obligations. The letter of acceptance have to be handed in with the application in the PhD Office. If the quality of the degrees is not equivalent in quality, extra obligations- according to paragraph 3, subparagraph 3 have to be met. Applicants have to matriculate at the PhD Office.
I.3.6 Applicants without master's degrees
a) Regulations Paragraph 3 (Conditions of Acceptance)
(6) 1 In exceptional cases, the PhD committee can accept applicants as doctoral student not holding a Master degree or equivalent. 2 Exceptional cases can be long-term academic work with teaching and research obligations in a non-university scientific organisation. 3 Further regulations for these cases can be found in the PhD regulations of the faculties.
b) Annotations: Applicants can be accepted in exceptional cases by the PhD committee of the faculty as a doctoral student. Acceptance is given by the Dean of the faculty if an applicant has extensive teaching and working experience at a research institution. If the candidate is accepted with additional obligations, he or she is matriculation as A 6 doctoral student.
Long-term teaching and working experiences are, for example: a) minimum three years period of teaching at a university with lecturer status. b) a minimum two years period in a responsible position in a research project in a recognised research institute or university.
I.3.7 Foreign languages and numerus clausus
a) Regulations Paragraph 3 (Conditions of Acceptance)
(7) Applicants may require specific language skills and / or a minimal grade in their final exams. Further explanations are found in the PhD regulations of the faculties.
b) Annotations:
PhD regulations of the faculties may comprise special language skills and / or a minimal grade in the final examinations of a specific subject.
I.4. Preliminary remarks on the doctoral program
The German educational system has no regular third cycle (post-graduate doctoral study) phase to date. In Paragraph 15 certain regulations are made in order to provide doctoral students with a supplementary study program for their doctorate and adjoining disciplines.
I.5. Doctoral programs
a) Regulations: Paragraph 15 (Doctoral programs)
(1) Faculties should provide additional lectures and seminars enhancing the doctoral study program with 15 to 30 credits.
(2) The additional lectures of the doctoral study program can be certificated by registration of the doctoral student. The certificate is handed out by the faculties and shall comprise:
1. expanded knowledge in the subject area of the doctoral research project up to 60 credits, and / or
2. research-oriented further education of up to 60 credits, and / or 3. teacher training skills up to 60 credits, and 4. doctoral thesis and defence up to 180 credits A total of 300 credits can be certified. Doctoral student who have to meet additional obligations for being accepted as a doctoral student (according to paragraph I.
3 and paragraph I.4) cannot have their additional examinations certified as doctoral studies.
(3) For additional lectures and seminars in the major subject of the doctoral research project (paragraph 15. subparagraph 2.2), regulations for primary subjects apply. Research oriented further education comprises research training colloqiums or graduate colloquiums. Further regulations can be made by faculties.
(4) It is possible to have extra examinations or qualifications certified as further doctoral education according to paragraph 15 2.1 and 15.2.2.
b) Annotations:
Faculties of Kassel University should provide additional lectures and seminars for doctoral students. There are additional doctoral regulations in the departements. These are a) Diplomprüfungsordnungen, b) Master- or Diplom II – regulations, c) Magisterprüfungsordnungen in primary subjects d) further regulations for primary subjects. Apart from these additional doctoral programs mentioned in Paragraph 15, further introductory or supplementary programs for doctoral students exist (see paragraph I.3.3; paragraph I.6.2 and I.3.2.4-7). These two sets of different doctoral programs should not be confused.
c) In order not to confuse these different kinds of doctoral programs, here are further explanations:
1. Additional doctoral programs
The additional doctoral program is aimed for applicants according to paragraph 3, subparagraph 1a and 1b. These applicants have been accepted and matriculated as doctoral students without further obligations. The additional doctoral program is certified for additional efforts of the doctoral student.
2. Preparatory doctoral programs
Applicants with a diploma from a Fachhochschule (university of applied sciences) or a diploma in a short-study program of a university or a German Diplom I, 1. Staatsprüfung for Grund-, Haupt- und Realschulen can follow a preparatory doctoral program when they have a supporting letter of acceptance from a supervisor who is member of Kassel University. Applicants have two semesters to pursue introductory courses. If the entrance examination is not passed successfully, the application has ended. Reapplication is not possible.
3. Supplementary doctoral programs
Applicants for supplementary doctoral programs according to paragraph 3 subparagraph 2 (4 - 6) are accepted as doctoral students with obligations
a) because of a change in subject or department, or
b) if they pursued a master's in a different subject, or
c) if they present a master's from non-German university, or
d) in the particular case of paragraph 6, or
e) if specific foreign language knowledge must be acquired.
Theses applicants have to hand in at the PhD office their letter of acceptance as doctoral student to a supervisor of Kassel University or their letter of acceptance as a doctoral students with additional obligations in order to matriculate at Kassel University.
II. Conditions of acceptance and notes on application procedures for doctoral students
II.1. Applicants for acceptance as doctoral student
Applications for acceptance for doctoral student status at Kassel University must have successfully completed a four year study program at a university, a technical university, a pedagogical university or a private university with the right to award doctoral degrees and within the boundaries of the Federal Republic of Germany. After having cleared the research subject with your supervisor, the doctoral students should apply for being accepted as a doctoral student in the PhD Office.
II.1.1 Explanation of the letter of application for doctoral students
Name = Your family name. Please write your birth name as well. Ex.: Meyer, born Schmitt.
Land = Federal State and Land
Land of Birth : Federal State or Land of birth
Begin of study program = date of matriculation
End of study program = date on your diploma
Name of University = full name of the university where you received your previous degree.
II.1.2 What has to be annexed to the application form?
a. The working title of the PhD research project and a synopsis with:
- review of the research field
- aim of the research project - working schedule.
- The synopsis should encompass information on the methodology and timeframe in which the results will be presented.
b. Certificate of completion of a previous degree or letter of acceptance with obligations
c. C.V. and a publications list, if applicable.
d. A photocopy of identity card or passport.
II.2. Application form
Applicants without a full university diploma are normally applicants with a) a diploma from a university of applied sciences, b) a Diplom I of a university or a Gesamthochschule c) 1. Staatsexamen für Grund-, Haupt- und Realschulen or equivalent. These applicants hand in a short synopsis of their research project in order to organize a supervisor and supplementary obligations.
Be aware: Students with a bachelor's degree cannot be accepted as doctoral students at Kassel University. Students have attend a full master's degree program.
II.3. Annotations for international applicants
International applicants can matriculate as doctoral students if they can present a letter of acceptance as a doctoral student by a supervisor. If an international applicant has to fulfill further obligations before entering as a doctoral student, he or she can still matriculate.
Please note: : You can apply for acceptance as a doctoral student of Kassel University if the subject of the doctoral research project is accepted by a supervisor of Kassel University, and if a letter of acceptance is issued and a preliminary residency permit is issued by the German consulate of your home country, and you have matriculated at Kassel university. We strongly advise a certain capacity in the German language in order to master daily life in Kassel: shopping, driving through town, etc. International applicants have to pass the exam German as a Foreign Language - DaF - organized by the international student center.
III. Transitory regulations
- under revision -
IV. Advice in PhD matters
In general, advice in given by your supervisor and other members of your faculty members. Formalities can be inquired at the PhD Office. Problematic cases can be discussed with the PhD committees of the faculties.
Information about financial support is given in the Research Liaison Office of Kassel University.
V. Frequently asked questions PhD
V.1. How long does it take from application to acceptance as a doctoral student?
When you hand in your application for acceptance as a doctoral student, the data is entered into a database and the faculty is asked to give comments (paragraph 4 PhD regulations). You will then receive acknowledgement of receipt. When the PhD committee has accepted the candidate, an official notification letter is posted. Please note, admission periods vary according to how often the PhD committee adjoins. In some cases, this can unfortunately take several months. It is advisable to hand in the application before 15th April or 15th October for the ongoing term, so that a decision can be scheduled within the current semester. Applications outside these dates are also possible.
V.2. How much time do I have for my doctoral program?
Doctoral students have a maximum of 5 years for writing a doctoral thesis. International applicants for doctoral studies also have to act in accordance within the total period of their residency permit.
V.3. Can I change the subject of my doctoral research project, can I change my supervisor?
It is possible to change the subject of a doctoral research project. Doctoral students have to consider it worthwhile or necessary. If a change of the subject or a change of supervisor is necessary, a new application as doctoral student has to be handed in at the PhD Office. It is only fair to inform your ex-supervisor about your plans.
V.4. Is it necessary to matriculate as doctoral student?
Matriculation as a doctoral student is only necessary after being accepted as a doctoral student. If an preliminary acceptance is issued. a matriculation is not prescribed by regulations.
V.5. Is it possible to apply as an external doctoral student?
PhD regulations of Kassel University do not exclude persons with a non-university occupation. People with research questions coming from industrial or economical backgrounds enlarge our fields of research and open them up to broader views.
V.6. Is there an age restriction for applicants?
There is no age-restriction for applicants. Anyone meeting the requirements can be a doctoral student at Kassel University.
V.7. Who can be my supervisor?
According to paragraph 4, subparagraph 4.1 of the PhD regulations of Kassel University a supervisor has to be a professor at Kassel University. This is also the case according to paragraph 7, subparagraph 2.1 Second supervisors (paragraph 7,2) that review the doctoral thesis can be:
a) Professors of Kassel University,
b) Professors researching in their main profession at another university or a research institute,
c) post-doc researchers or instructors (with "Habilitation"),
d) Researches who holding a PhD degree and are teaching or researching in their main profession at a university or a research institute,
e) Junior professors holding a PhD, f) Honorary professors holding a PhD,
g) professors with emeritus status.
V.8. Does a numerus clausus exist?
Faculties can restrict the grade of doctoral students in form of a minimum grade. If they do not restrict the grades of doctoral students, a grade of "good" in the primary subject of the doctoral research project is required. In law, a grade of "satisfactory" is required.
V.9. What happens, if I do not pass a doctoral program?
If the doctoral thesis is not accepted, a doctoral student cannot apply for the final defense. Thereby, the doctoral study program ends. However, the doctoral student can apply with his thesis in another discipline. In this case, an application for a final defense is possible.
V.10. Can I prepare a doctorate in an academic subject outside my major master's degree subjects?
See paragraph I.3.2 with annotations
VI. Application for the final doctoral examination
Application for the final doctoral examination is done by handing in the doctoral thesis at the PhD Office.
VI.1. Regular application procedures
The applicant has to hand in the doctoral thesis together with supporting documents if the acceptance as a doctoral students was issued with obligations. The applicant has to name the first reviewer, who normally will be his or her supervisor of the thesis. The doctoral thesis has to be handed in (paragraph 5, subparagraph 7) in four hard-back or lumbecked copies and a fifth version as a doc-file or a PDF-file on a CD-ROM or similar data storage device at the:
PhD Office
Mönchebergstr. 19,
D-34109 Kassel
or D-34125 (parcels only)
In specified cases the doctoral thesis can be handed in electronically Version in five copies on CD-ROMs (paragraph 5, subparagraph 7 (3)). A specified case is, for example, a research work using audiovisual or simulation techniques that cannot be described in texts. The supervisor has to agree to the format of the doctoral thesis.
VI.2. Application in exceptional cases
A doctoral thesis can be handed in directly and without prior applications. In this exceptional case, a short application process will be followed. For this short procedure, it is necessary to be sure of not needing any further obligations and of having a supervisor. If a doctoral thesis is handed in and the applicant has no professor at Kassel University as supervisor, the jury is not obliged to follow the candidate's suggestion for the first reviewer.
VII. Questions about writing a doctoral thesis
VII.1. What requirements must a doctoral thesis meet?
A doctoral thesis has to meet scientific or academic requirements and has to be a significant contribution to scientific knowledge. A doctoral thesis is an individual and independent research project. If this research was done in a research group, the contribution of the individual has to be recognizable.
VII.2. Is it possible to write a doctoral thesis in a foreign language?
A doctoral thesis should be written in German. However, in accordance with the PhD committee, a foreign language can be accepted. In case of a non-German thesis, an extensive summary in German (around 20 to 40 pages) is required.
VII.3. Is it possible to use previous research results for a dissertation?
Published research results can be used in a doctoral thesis. Parts of a doctoral thesis can be published, but these parts have to be cited correctly in footnotes. The author of a doctoral thesis has to hand in a statement on her or his previously published work.
VII.4. Do I have to mention my sources and auxiliary instruments of research?
Yes. Your have to list all your sources, instruments of research and other auxiliary material. All text that is verbatim or implicitly taken from another source (text, book, etc.) has to be quoted, the source has to be mentioned.
VII.5. What kind of declaration do I have to make?
The doctoral thesis has to include the following statement:
"I hereby declare, that the doctoral thesis handed-in is written autonomously without illicit means or instruments other than the ones mentioned in the text. Text that is verbatim or implicitly taken from other published or unpublished sources is made visibly. No part of this thesis previously submitted." Date, Place, Signature
Please note: If this statement is missing or incomplete, or not signed, the doctoral thesis will be handed back.
VII.6. How many copies of my doctoral thesis do I have to hand in?
The doctoral thesis has to be handed as a hard copy in quadruplicate and as a text-file on a data-storage-device at the PhD office.
VII.7. Do doctoral theses have a typical layout?
PhD regulations give no strict definition for layout. It is advisable to use the following model of a title page. Title of doctoral thesis. Subtitle of doctoral thesis Dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in - subject - Department: Kassel University by: - name of author - Kassel / Witzenhausen (month and year of closing date)
VII.8. Do I have to publish my laboraroty results and raw data?
Paragraph 5, Subparagraph 4 of the PhD regulations says now in its annotations: „Part of a doctoral thesis is the data on significant experiments, laboratory tests or other procedures that were used to gain new scientific or academic results.“ This description does not encompass raw data. VIII. Questions on the thesis review
VIII. Questions about the appraisal report of doctoral thesis's
VIII.1. Who can recommend a reviewer for a doctoral thesis?
The doctoral student has the right to choose the first reviewer of his or her thesis. In most cases, this person will be the supervisor of the doctoral student. The PhD committee will normally follow the doctoral student's suggestion. If the doctoral student proposes an external reviewer, the PhD committee is free to accept or to negate the proposal and chooses the first and the second reviewer in cooperation with the department.
VIII.2. How much time does a reviewer have for his or her report?
Reviewers should write their statement of professional opinion within three months. In exceptional cases, this period can be prolonged. Exceptions cases can be research sabbaticals, emeritus status, illness, academic leave of absence, delegation of a professor, or when a thesis is handed-in during term-breaks.
VIII.3. What comes next?
When the reviewers agree to accept the thesis, the PhD committee informs the doctoral student. Afterwards, the thesis is on public display in the faculty office for 14 days during term or for 30 days during term breaks. Professors may ask for an extension of another 14 days. If a doctoral student wishes to comment on the reviewers opinion with his or her own statement, another period of public display is arranged. At this time, the PhD committee organizes the members of the thesis defense committee.
VIII.4. Who is part of a thesis defense committee?
The thesis defense committee is composed of four members, te two reviewers of the thesis and two professors of Kassel University. The last two professors can belong to a different department but should come from a department that bestows the same degree and should have an affiliation to the subject. In cooperative PhD programs, other individuals can be named to enlarge the thesis defense committee.
VIII.5. What grades can I achieve?
The reviewers of doctoral thesis use according to paragraph 10 the following grades:
- summa cum laude (~ extraordinary)
- magna cum laude (~ excellent)
- cum laude (~ very good)
- rite (~ acceptable)
- non rite (~not acceptable)
The grading scheme also comprises the remarks.
The thesis defense is graded in the above mentioned scheme.
(- For further details on the grading scheme, see the German version of this text. -)
IX. Questions about the thesis defense
IX.1. Who establishes the date?
The defence takes place six weeks after the reviews are received by the PhD committee. The dean of the department sets a date.
IX.2. What can be content of a thesis defense?
The reviewers professional opinion about the thesis should be part of the thesis defense. Topics and state of research in affiliated research fields can also be part of a defence.
IX.3. Can two doctoral students defend their thesis at the same date?
Doctoral students can defend their common thesis in a group, if they wish to do so.
IX.4. How long is a thesis defense?
The thesis defense normally takes 90 minutes and should not be more than 120 minutes. If doctoral students defend their common thesis as a group, each student has to have sufficient time in the defense, at least 60 minutes.
IX.5. Can family members join a thesis defense and do they have the right to pose questions?
Family members cannot be present at a thesis defense. The defence takes place in the academic public of a university. All present have to be members of Kassel University. Public members can be excluded. In exceptional cases, the chairman of the thesis defense committee can enlarge the right to debate for others.
IX.6. Do I receive a certificate?
After a successful thesis defense, the PhD thesis defense committee declares the grade of the dissertation and sets the final grade of the degree. The doctoral student is immediately informed about his or her grade in a certificate. This certificate can be written in German, German/English, German/French, German/Italian, German/Spanish. This certificate does not entitle the holder to bear a title. (see paragraph 11: publication of thesis)
IX.7. Can I repeat a thesis defense?
If a candidate fails the thesis defense, he or she can repeat the thesis defense during the following twelve months. He or she will be informed by the PhD committee. PhD regulations do not allow repetitions for improving results.
X. Publishing your doctoral thesis
X. a) PhD regulations of Kassel University
Paragraph 11
Publication of a doctoral thesis
(1) 1 Doctoral students have to publish their dissertation after the thesis defense and in accordance with obligations made bythe members of the PhD thesis defense committee. 2The publication has to mention that it is a dissertation of Kassel University. 3 The publication has to encompass: Dissertation of Kassel University, Department, Name of the author, date of the thesis defense. 4 The manuscript of the publication has to be handed to the dean of the department. 5 The dean reviews if the obligations are met and gives the imprimatur. 6 If the manuscript differs from the submitted thesis, the reviewers have to be asked to hand in a written consent. 7The same procedure applies if the dissertation is published in another language. 8 The doctoral student should hand in an abstract of his or her dissertation - reviewed by his or her supervisor - of maximum of one page or 5000 characters in German and in English. The data format should be arranged with Kassel University library or the PhD office.
(2) 1 Dissertations have to be made public. Therefore, the author has to submit his or her dissertations in the following way:
a) if published at the university library of Kassel university: 80 copies in the Humanities and Social Sciences, 40 copies in the natural sciences and engineering in hardcopy (DIN A 5 format), or
b) if published in a scientific journal: six off prints and six hardcopies
c) if published by a publishing house six hardcopies as offprint and a declaration that a minimum of 150 copies are on the market. The back of the title page should mention Kassel or Witzenhausen.
d) Online publications at editors other than Kassel University library: six hardcopies and the citable URL of the place of publication. Make sure that the URL is reachable for at least four years.
e) Online publications with Kassel University Online-Server: six hardcopies and the citable URL on a portable data-storing devise.
The data format should be arranged with Kassel University library or the PhD office. 2 In this case, (a) all copyrights go to Kassel University library including the right to distribute further copies and online publication rights. 3 When a thesis is published on the book market (c and d) and a subsidy for printing costs is granted, the publisher has to hand in an appropriate number of copies to Kassel university library. 4 Appropriate is a number of 20 copies. (3) The departmental PhD regulations my comprise a regulation on printing cost subsidiary.
Paragraph 12
Conferring of the doctoral degree
X.a) PhD regulations:
(1) 1 A dissertation should be published according to paragraph 11 within twelve months after the defense. 2 In exceptional cases and with explanation to the PhD committee, an extension can be granted. 3 The application for extension should also be approved by the thesis reviewers.
(2) 1 When the depository copies and the abstracts are handed in at the PhD Office, a doctoral diploma is conferred by the dean of the department. 2 In exceptional cases the presentation of a contract with a publisher is sufficient.
(3) 1 The doctoral diploma is dated on the day of the thesis defense. 2 The doctoral diploma is signed by the president of Kassel University and the dean of the responsible department and sealed with Kassel University seal. 2 In case of a cooperative doctoral theses, the doctoral diploma is signed by the presidents of both universities or by the president of Kassel University and the deans of the responsible departments, and sealed with both University seals. 3 Only after the delivery of the diploma, the doctoral student is allowed to carry the PhD title.
X.b) Annotations: According to paragraph 11 of the PhD regulations of Kassel University a dissertation of Kassel University has be bear this information when published. As long as the doctoral theses remains unpublished, the doctorate diploma cannot be conferred.
Please note: The letter of acceptance as a doctoral student can be withdrawn if a doctoral thesis is not published within twelve months after the thesis defense. Please inform the PhD office about an extension, if needed.
X.c) How to deal with the obligations by thesis reviewers.
Obligations are regulations that have to be fulfilled by the author of the doctoral thesis. The revised manuscript has to handed to the dean of the responsible department. The dean than declares the imprimatur.
XI. Miscellaneous
XI.1. Am I granted access to my records?
Doctoral candidates can have access to their records after the closure of the procedure. An application has be handed in within four weeks after the doctoral diploma is granted at the PhD Office.
XI.2. Withdrawl of doctoral degree
Procedures are canceled if a doctoral student did not write his or her dissertation in accordance with the codes of good academic conduct. The faculty council of the responsible department will then invalidate the doctoral degree.
XI.3. Information for international doctoral students
XI.3.1 Who can travel to Germany in order to write a doctoral dissertation?
The Federal Republic of Germany supports applications from international doctoral students.
XI.3.2 For green card, residence permit etc.
Please contact the international office.
XI.5. How to file an objection
Objections to decisions of the PhD thesis defense committee an official objection is filed according to the rules of German public law. Ask the PhD office for first steps.
XI.6. Layout / Style Sheet
Although the PhD regulations of Kassel University have no paragraph specifically explaining how to layout a doctoral thesis, the following criteria are useful:
a) Hardcopies: DIN A 4 - paper size, hardcover or lumbecked, by no spiral binding or other techniques. Font size 11 or 12 pt for regular standard text.
b) data storage device
The data storage devive should name the candidate, the title of the dissertation and the matriculation number of the doctoral student. Please save the file in .doc and in PDF-file formats.
c) publication of the thesis
Please contact Kassel university library. If you have questions concerning the administrative procedures for doctoral students at Kassel University, please contact the PhD office:
PhD Office
Mönchebergstr. 19
Ground floor office 0540 and 0550
D- 34125 Kassel
Email: promot.at.uni-kassel.de
Tel. +49 561804 2168
