The doctoral degree (PhD) is the highest academic qualification that a university can award. Usually, it takes between three and six years to complete, although the duration may vary. In general, there are two main pathways to a doctorate.

Individual Doctorate

The individual doctorate is based on an independent research project conducted under the supervision of a professor. This is the traditional path taken by approximately three-quarters of all doctoral candidates in Germany. Various forms of funding are available. Pursuing a doctorate at the Institute for English Language and Literature requires a written confirmation of supervision.For further information, please refer to the links below.

Structured Doctoral Programs

These programs offer a study format comparable to that found in English-speaking countries. Doctoral candidates are supervised by a team of scholars and participate in seminars and colloquia that are specifically tailored to the needs of doctoral candidates. Such programs are usually advertised publicly and often come with a scholarship. Our institute is involved in the Friedrich Schlegel Graduate School of Literary Studies (see below).

Doctorate at the Institute for English Language and Literature

Doctorate at the Friedrich Schlegel Graduate School of Literary Studies

Doctorate in English Didactics

Further Resources

Self-assessment / Decision-making tool – Should I pursue a doctorate?

Identifying a PhD topic and academic supervisor

Postcast Dahlem School of Education - Season One: Starting a doctorate