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