a. General requirements
As a rule, a degree in the doctoral subject with distinction, i.e. “3" (Satisfactory) or better, is needed, which requires a minimum period of study of eight semesters. The following degrees fall under this provision: State Examination, Magister, Diplom, accredited master's programmes.
Degrees in related subjects may also be recognised as meeting the requirements. The Doctoral Committee decides on the similarity and equivalence of other degrees. If necessary, a supplementary examination must be taken after acceptance as a doctoral candidate.
b. Recognition of foreign degrees
The Doctoral Committee decides on the similarity and equivalence of foreign degrees in consultation with the Global Office. In this case, an application for the evaluation of the university degree must be submitted. Please also send the checklist and a Curriculum Vitae to the Dean's office.
Link: Evaluation of a university degree
c. Proof of language proficiency
University graduates who obtained their degree abroad, whose native language is not German and who wish to write their thesis in German must present a certificate from a DSH examination (German language examination for university entrance) or confirmation from the Global Office that the DSH examination is waived due to the existence of equivalent proof of language proficiency, exceptions are decision of the Doctoral Committee.
d. Requirements for graduates of Universities of Applied Sciences
Highly qualified graduates of universities of applied sciences can apply for acceptance as a doctoral candidate pursuant to Section 3 (2) and (5) if the following conditions are met:
As a further requirement, supplementary studies in the doctoral subject lasting two semesters in the master's programme/graduate studies are necessary. In this context, two qualified modules, i.e. graded at least “Good" (1.7 - 2.3), of the master's programme or relevant teacher education programme must be completed.
The Doctoral Committee maintains a list of the corresponding module abbreviations, which is updated as per resolution.
© Uwe Dettmar, Goethe Universität Frankfurt
Once you are clear about your research field, you should first obtain an overview of the current state of research. Literature research and reading are therefore your first priority. Through this, you can already identify research gaps, which you can use to develop a first research question.
With these initial considerations and a first research question, you can write an initial draft. You can then present this to potential supervisors and discuss it with them. You should enquire in advance with whom your project would be in good hands.
The professors at the faculty are potential supervisors, but also external lecturers (see Section 4 (3) Doctoral Regulations for further details). You can find an overview of professors and other staff members on the institutes’ websites:
Link: Institute of Sociology
Link: Institute of Political Science
It is best to go during office hours with your idea/draft.
© Tobias Koch, Goethe Universität Frankfurt
Once you have found a supervisor, you should write your exposé in consultation with them. You can find below a list of criteria that a good exposé should meet. Please note: a good exposé is the basis for your work.
Formal requirements for the exposé
Quality criteria for exposés
Research problem
Current state of research
Research question
Theoretical framework
Method
Formal aspects
If you have any queries about your exposé, please contact your supervisor.
© Uwe Dettmar, Goethe Universität Frankfurt
Before registering your doctoral project, you should conclude a Supervision Agreement with your supervisor. For this purpose, you should discuss with your supervisor the doctoral process as well as your mutual expectations and obligations.
© Lars Gruber, Goethe Universität Frankfurt
Please register at the Goethe Campus and apply there for a doctorate. You will receive an Acceptance Letter after the Committee's meeting. You'll find the manual here.
Your application must include the following documents:
Closing dates
Applications can be submitted to the Dean's Office (Room: PEG 2.G 152) by 15 January, 15 March, 15 June or 15 September of each year. The postal and email addresses can be found in the contact details at the end of this document.
Announcement of the decision
As a rule, the Doctoral Committee convenes four weeks after the submission closing date. It may:
Usually the applicant receives the decision on acceptance within two weeks after the committee meeting.
© Uwe Dettmar, Goethe Universität Frankfurt
The Submission Dates for all applications are 15.01., 15.03., 15.06. and 15.09. each year. You will receive the decision approximately six weeks later.
Simone Milla
Room: 2.G152
Tel: (069) 798-36568
Email: promotionen.fb03@soz.uni-frankfurt.de
Dean's Office Department of Social Sciences
PEG Building
Theodor-W.-Adorno-Platz 6
60323 Frankfurt am Main
Open consultation hours:
Mondays and Wednesdays 10:00-12:00 or with individual appointment
GRADE, the Goethe Graduate Adacemy for Early Career Researchers, offers you a comprehensive qualification program and various other support opportunities for your research, career and personal development.
Further information / registration: https://tinygu.de/grade