Evangelische Theologie
Fachbereich 06

Prerequisites according to §3

1. The prerequisite for doctoral study is, generally, the successful completion of final exams within the subject-area of doctoral study at an academic institution with a mark of at least “3” (satisfactory), and which falls under the jurisdiction of the Constitution (state exams, Magister exams, Diplom exams, or an accredited master’s program) and which requires a minimum of eight semesters of study.
2. Highly qualified graduates of a university of applied sciences with a degree in the same or related course of study may be admitted to the doctoral programme. Additional requirements are regulated by the guidelines for supplementary studies stipulated by the Faculty of Protestant Theology (see information concerning Supplementary Studies).
3. As a general rule, the applicant shall, prior to the completion of course of doctoral study, have been matriculated at the Johann Wolfgang Goethe University for at least two semesters. The Doctoral Studies Board will make decisions concerning cases in which there exist convincing grounds for an exception.
4. Further prerequisites, such as language proficiency, can be found by consulting the regulations for supplementary studies stipulated by the Faculty of Protestant Theology (Homepage).
5. The Doctoral Studies Board will make decisions concerning the similarity and equivalence of degrees earned through other courses of study. If necessary, the Central Office for Foreign Educational Institutions (International Office) is to be consulted.

Admission as Doctoral Candidate §4

1. Prior to submitting the application, the applicant will seek to define the topic of the dissertation and to find an advisor for the project—through the mediation of the Doctoral Studies Board, if necessary. Those eligible for consideration as advisors are: professors, professors in retirement, honorary professors of the Faculty of Protestant Theology, another person in the faculty, or a practicing academic in the same field who is employed elsewhere. The advisor is responsible for advising on the scholarship of the project.
2. The applicant will submit an application for acceptance as a doctoral candidate to the head of the Doctoral Studies Board. The corresponding formula may be found on the homepage.
3. The following documents—originals only—must be submitted along with the application:
   • Proof of sufficiently meeting the prerequisites for doctoral study according to §3.
   • A description of the research project (Exposé) or a structural sketch of the planned dissertation; the latter may be drafted on the basis of an original provided by the advisor, if necessary.
   • Arrangement of the Advising Relationship. A corresponding formula may be found on the homepage.
4. Upon acceptance, the applicant receives the status of a doctoral candidate; each doctoral candidate should already be matriculated at the university.

Information regarding Supplementary Studies

1. The First State Exam for primary and secondary education (Grundschulen, Haupt-/Realschulen, and Förderschulen)—and comparable degrees in education—as well as highly qualified graduates of a university of applied sciences—and comparable degrees—will qualify as sufficient prerequisites for acceptance as a doctoral candidate (Dr. phil.), provided that the necessary examination received at least a mark of 3.0 (§3 Regulations for Doctoral Study, Dr. phil.).
2. Persons with the aforementioned qualifications must complete a supplementary course of study lasting at least two semesters and must also pass a supplementary exam.
3. Completion of the supplementary course of study will (see §3.2 of the Regulations for Doctoral Study [Promotionsordnung], Dr. phil.), as a general rule, be proven through two qualified semester certificates. In accordance with the current academic legal regulations, this means, as a general rule, proof of academic achievements totalling 60 CPs (corresponds to two semesters according to the Bologna Process guidelines). The following, as a general rule, are included in that total:
   • 14 CP for two marked term papers (generally one completed within the area of specialization of doctoral study and one in a discipline determined by the Doctoral Study Board).
   • 40 CP for supplementary language courses and language examinations.
   • 6 CP for participation in three other courses in various theological disciplines.
4. The one-hour supplementary examination must be conducted, as a general rule (§3.2, Regulations for Doctoral Study, Dr. phil.), in the specialization of one’s doctoral study in the presence of members of the Doctoral Studies Board who have themselves completed doctoral study, in addition to the doctoral advisor and, if necessary, further examiners. The Doctoral Studies Board will determine the date of the examination as well as the neighbouring disciplines relevant for the proposed course of doctoral study which are to be covered in the supplementary examination, in accordance with doctoral study regulations. The Board will, in addition, determine the corresponding examiners from all disciplines covered by the exam. A certificate of completion of the supplementary examination will be provided.

The completion of supplementary studies will be completed in the examinations office/dean’s office of the Faculty of Protestant Theology by providing proof of completion of the aforementioned requirements.