What forms of doctorates are there?
Can I choose between an individual doctorate and a structured Phd?
Depending on the subject area, you have the choice between an individual doctorate or a structured doctorate. Structured PhDs are offered, for example, in a Phd studies programme or as part of a Research Training Group, a Collaborative Research Centres (SFB) or a graduate school. The environment and procedure can therefore be very different. As Phd studies are a very individualised process, you will benefit greatly if you find out about your options and the respective conditions at an early stage. The coordinators of the respective doctoral programmes are the right persons to contact.
What does a structured Phd offer?
If you opt for a structured Phd, you will have the opportunity to develop subject-specific qualifications, expand theoretical and methodological skills and discuss research results in colloquia, seminars, workshops, etc. The personnel development programme (PEP) on transferable skills is available to you regardless of whether you opt for an individual doctorate or a structured Phd.
What does an individual doctorate offer?
In the course of an individual doctorate, you will write your doctoral thesis without participating in a programme of seminars and workshops in your academic environment. In the case of an individual doctorate, it is typically individual events - especially colloquia or conferences - through which you are integrated into your scientific community. The personnel development programme (PEP) on transferable skills is available to you regardless of whether you opt for an individual doctorate or a structured Phd.
How does a structured Phd relate to the funding of the doctorate?
Whether a structured doctorate is associated with funding for Phd studies depends on the institutional context. Membership of a Collaborative Research Centres (SFB) or a Research Training Group - with the possible exception of "associate" members - is typically intended for those who hold a position there. Doctoral study programmes, on the other hand, offer structures and a professional framework without funding for your doctoral phase.