Doctoral studies and Ph. D. programmes
Dr phil. (Faculty of Management, Economics and Society)
Earning a Dr. phil. at UW/H
Graduates of degree programmes in philosophy, political science, sociology and social sciences can pursue a doctorate (Dr. phil.) if they are interested in an academic career.
How can I do a doctorate?
Is there a topic from your studies or appointment that is suitable for intensive study? Please visit the website of the Faculty of Management, Economics and Society to find out who could be a suitable supervisor for your doctoral studies.
A doctoral supervision agreement is drawn up under the guidance of the supervisor. This contains an exposé describing the planned research project (including objectives, anticipated methodology, expected results and timetable).
Upload the doctoral supervision agreement together with a CV, certificates relevant to the application and a maximum ten-page synopsis:
Instructions für opplication campus management system (UWE)
Send all documents in parallel to the secretariat of the doctoral office to the attention of Ms Mehringer at nicola.mehringer@uni-wh.de.
The doctoral committee will check the submitted documents.
If all requirements are met, you will be accepted as a doctoral studentin the system (UWE). It is now possible to enrol at Witten/Herdecke University.
The dissertation summarises the research project and the results in writing.
The dissertation can take two forms: Either research results are prepared as a monographic work or, alternatively, there is the option of submitting the work as a cumulative dissertation. This means that several scientific articles written by the doctoral candidate and published in journals that have undergone peer review are brought together.
The dissertation is submitted to the doctoral committee. A review is carried out by the supervising professor and a second reviewer. This is the basis for the grading.
If the dissertation is successfully accepted, the thesis is defended in an oral examination. This consists of a lecture on the main results of the dissertation followed by a discussion of the content. It is then decided whether the defence has been passed or failed.
After successfully passing the dissertation defence, the dissertation must still be published. The doctoral certificate is then issued.
After successfully passing the defence, the dissertation must be published in accordance with the requirements. The doctoral certificate is then issued.
Information sheet for submitting a dissertation
Congratulations - you've done it!
Downloads
Submission of work - CD-Rom service
As a rule, the thesis must also be submitted in electronic form. Electronic versions are submitted on 11 CD-ROMs. As the design of the CD-ROM is also subject to specific guidelines, Witten/Herdecke University offers a CD-ROM service.
We take care of
- the conversion of the file into PDF format,
- the production of the CD-ROM cover (front and back) according to the specifications of Witten/Herdecke University Library and
- the production of the CD label according to the specifications of the Witten/Herdecke University Library.
The fee for this service is 120 € (each additional CD 5 €).
If you would like to use the university's CD-ROM service or submit the data yourself, please download the Word form, fill it out, and send it - together with proof of payment and the dissertation or habilitation (format: PDF), by e-mail to diss.online@uni-wh.de.
The fee should be transferred to: Stadtsparkasse Witten, IBAN: DE55 4525 0035 0000 0109 00, BIC: WELADED1WTN, payment reference: KST. 19145, Dissertations on CD-ROM.
FAQ – Doctoral studies at our faculty
1. As an external candidate, can I undertake doctoral studies at the faculty, and when can I start my doctoral studies?
Yes, of course you can pursue doctoral studies as an external doctoral student at our faculty. In principle, you are free to decide when to begin your doctoral studies.
The first important step is to find a suitable supervisor for your proposed research project. Once you have done so, you can then submit the necessary documents to initiate the application process or the doctoral programme.
2. Which doctoral degree is generally more suitable for my research project – the Dr. rer. pol. or the Dr. phil.?
Which doctoral degree best suits your academic profile and your planned research project depends, in particular, on the specific topic and the academic focus of your PhD thesis. This should be discussed and agreed with your prospective supervisor as part of the process of establishing a supervisory relationship.
3. Can academic achievements I have already attained during my diploma and Master’s programmes be recognised as 45 CP towards the PhD programme?
In principle, it is possible to have existing academic qualifications from a Diplom or Master’s degree recognised, or to have them exempted under the applicable exemption provisions.
Whether and to what extent recognition is possible is decided by the doctoral committee as part of a verification of equivalence.
4. Can the doctoral studies be undertaken whilst working and predominantly via digital or online means?
Yes. The events are organised in such a way that they can also be attended by external and working PhD students. They take place either in blocks or in a hybrid format at suitable off-peak times.
The specific requirements for face-to-face sessions and further organisational details are set out in the relevant PhD programme and the applicable regulations.
5. Is there a minimum duration of six semesters, or can the PhD thesis be submitted earlier?
There is no formal minimum duration of six semesters. It is generally possible to submit the PhD thesis earlier and subsequently hold the defence, provided that all academic and formal requirements have been met by that point.
6. Where can I find further information and the necessary documents?
Further information on the doctoral studies programmes, face-to-face and online events, costs and the necessary downloads – such as the doctoral degree regulations – can be found on our website: Promotion WiGe – Witten/Herdecke University
Chair of the doctoral committee of the Faculty of Management, Economics and Society
Univ.-Prof. Dr.
Thomas Clauß
Chair Holder
Faculty of Management, Economics and Society (Department of Management and Entrepreneurship) | WIFU Endowed Chair for Corporate Entrepreneurship and Digitalisation in Family Businesses
Alfred-Herrhausen-Straße 50
58455 WittenRoom number: 1.054.2
Nicola Mehringer
Administration
Faculty of Management, Economics and Society | Graduation Office Management, Economics and Society
Alfred-Herrhausen-Straße 48
58455 WittenRoom number: 1.048