Doctoral Studies - what does it mean?

The doctorate represents the initial qualification period for academics: By means of an innovative and autonomous scientific engagement with a specific research topic, young scholars compose their doctoral dissertation. This PhD period also often includes stays abroad, an active participation in workshops as well as first experiences and training in publishing papers in academic journals.

The doctorate ends with an oral examination (disputation or “Rigorosum”) in which the students have to defend and prove the doctoral thesis. Doctoral studies are completed by the publication of the doctoral thesis.

As soon as the doctoral certificate is awarded students are allowed to bear the title of a doctor. The University of Bamberg awards the titles of Dr. phil. (Doctor of Philosophy), Dr. rer. pol (Doctor rerum politicarum) and Dr. rer. nat (Doctor rerum naturalium).