Registering as a doctoral candidate

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:

• University of applied sciences degree in Social Work or Social Welfare
• Overall grade of the university of applied sciences degree of at least “Very Good" (1)
• Declaration of consent from the first supervisor of the thesis

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.

• In Sociology, these are the modules “Sociological Theory, History of Sociology and Philosophy of Science" and “Research Practice 1".
• In Political Science, these are the modules “Paradigms and Methods of Political Science" and "Research Practice".
• In the doctoral subject Didactics of Social Sciences, doctoral candidates must either attend “Principles of Subject Didactics" or “Advanced Subject Didactics". 

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

• No more than 15 pages (including bibliography, preliminary structure, time plan, etc.)
• 1.5 line spacing
• Font size 10-12 pt

Quality criteria for exposés

Research problem

• Is the research problem clearly defined?
• Are the academic and social relevance of the research problem clear?

Current state of research

• Has the current state of research been collected systematically?
• Is the current state of research clearly structured?
• Has the doctoral candidate succeeded in identifying gaps in previous literature – and points of reference for their own study?

Research question

• Is the research question clearly formulated?
• Does the research question connects convincingly to the current state of research?

Theoretical framework

• Has the theoretical approach or the choice of theoretical approaches been well founded?
• Are the terms and concepts clearly defined?

Method

• Is the approach appropriate in terms of the research question?
• Has the choice of methods been well founded (in relation to the research question and theory)?
• Is the research design practicable (within the given time frame)?

Formal aspects

• Does the design comply with common standards for references and bibliography?
• Is the design linguistically flawless?

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