Formal requirements
The requirements for doing a doctorate in the Faculty of Humanities are set forth in the Doctoral Degree Regulations for the Faculty of Humanities dated 7 July 2010 (PDF in English) as amended on 12 April 2017 and 20 November 2019 (PDF on fast-track option). You can read an unofficial version, including amendments, on our website: unofficial version here
Formal requirements
- university degree with a grade of “good” or higher in the doctoral subject from a degree program relevant for the dissertation project (see Section 3 PromO GW); exceptions must be decided by the doctoral committee
- supervisory commitment and suitable dissertation topic (see "First Steps")
- successful application to pursue doctoral studies (see "Admission and Enrollment")
Language requirements
- German language proficiency: If you plan to do your dissertation in German but your native language is not German, you must pass the DSH language test.
- Foreign language proficiency: If you plan to do your dissertation in English, you must prove that you have skills equivalent to B1 in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). If the doctoral degree procedure is to be completed in another language pursuant to Section 7 subsection 2 and Section 11 subsection 1, the doctoral committee will establish appropriate guidelines and requirements for proof of language proficiency.
- Language requirements for certain doctoral subject areas: In a few subject areas, admission to doctoral studies requires proof of certain language skills; these are listed in Appendix 1 of the doctoral degree regulations. You must submit proof of these at the latest when you submit your dissertation.