Doctoral Studies at Leibniz University Hannover
A doctorate demonstrates advanced academic skills, which are usually attained by completing a written doctoral thesis in combination with an oral examination. This results in the awarding of a doctoral degree. The degree is awarded in a specific academic field, in the form of a doctoral certificate. Doctoral graduates are capable of undertaking academic work and independent research. In Germany, faculties and universities, as well as equivalent higher education institutions (in some federal states), are entitled to award doctorates.
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Initial steps towards obtaining a doctorate
The procedure is governed by the doctoral regulations of the relevant faculty.
The general process for commencing a doctorate requires independently searching for a professor who is prepared to supervise the doctoral thesis. The subject is determined in agreement with the supervising professor.
If you have general questions regarding doctoral studies, please contact the Graduate Academy at Leibniz University Hannover.
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Forms of doctoral studies
In Germany, the traditional route to obtaining a doctoral degree is an independent doctorate. In recent years, there have been efforts to promote structured programmes such as doctoral studies undertaken within the scope of graduate schools or research training groups.
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Admission and enrolment
You are admitted (or: “accepted as a doctoral candidate”) by your faculty and then enrolled by the Admissions Office for the duration of your doctoral project. Please note that there are differences in the process of enrolment depending on whether you have ever studied or worked at LUH.
In general, your first contact is with the relevant faculty. Your first step is therefore to ask for information about applying as a doctoral candidate from the faculty responsible for you. The doctoral office staff are happy to assist you. Their contact details are available on the faculty websites.
Once you have been admitted (or accepted) as a doctoral candidate, please present your information and documents to the Admissions Office to enrol as a doctoral candidate at LUH. Please observe the following information:
If you have never studied at LUH before, please register in advance using this link: Registration: Application portal
If you are currently studying at LUH or your enrolment terminated at most six months ago, please use our campus management portal and your IDM login data to log in: Campus management system
If you no longer have your login data (LUH-ID), please email the information desk staff at Student Advisory Services at infothek@zuv.uni-hannover.de and include a signed scan of your identity card. Your password will be reset, and you will receive new login data.
Former LUH students whose enrolment terminated more than one year ago receive their former enrolment number once they have registered in our campus management portal. Please register and activate your account. Then email us at promotion.i-amt@zuv.uni-hannover.de and include a scan of your identity card and your previous enrolment number.
If you are currently employed at LUH and have IDM login data (LUH_ID), please use your official email to contact us at promotion.i-amt@zuv.uni-hannover.de and include your LUH-ID. If you were also a student at LUH, please indicate your enrolment number as well.
Please note: Even if you have already presented your documents to the doctoral studies office and have been admitted by the faculty, it is still necessary for you to apply via the campus management portal and to upload your documents. Thank you for your understanding!
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Financial aspects and funding
- Doctoral candidates may complete their doctorate within the scope of a position as a member of research staff. Vacancies can be found in the job portal.
- In addition, there are various grants available for doctoral candidates.
- Furthermore, a doctorate may be obtained in the context of part-time studies or self-funded doctoral research in close cooperation with the supervising members of staff. International doctoral candidates should check the regulations specified in their residence permit. Contact person for international doctoral candidates
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Career prospects for postdoctoral researchers
There are numerous career prospects for postdoctoral researchers - both within and outside of academia.
