We are delighted that you are interested in doing a doctoral degree at TU Bergakademie Freiberg.
What is a doctorate?
During your doctorate, you will conduct intensive research on a specific topic and write a dissertation. This written piece of academic work is the result of your research and should provide new insights into your field of study – demonstrating your ability to work independently and scientifically. At the end of your doctorate, you will defend your thesis in front of a scientific committee. Depending on the type of doctorate – structured or conventional – there may be further oral and written examinations.
First steps
Counselling and Frequently Asked Questions
We can help you with any questions you may have about your doctorate, the doctoral process and during crises.
Dr. or Ph.D. – What's the difference?
The doctorate and a Ph.D. are not to be used interchangeably. They are two different systems that differ in their structure and the process for obtaining them.
The academic title of Doctor is conferred after the candidate has written and defended an independent academic thesis (dissertation) on a subject of his or her choice. The doctorate is supervised by a professor. Depending on the faculty and academic discipline, the following doctoral degrees may be awarded: Dr. rer. nat., Dr.-Ing., Dr. rer. pol.
The time required to complete a doctorate varies. On average, a doctorate in Germany takes four to five years, depending on the type of doctorate (structured or conventional), the subject and specialisation, life circumstances and whether the doctorate is completed part-time or full-time.
A Ph.D. is an academic degree obtained through a specialised course of study. This involves attending specific lectures and seminars and taking exams. In addition, an independent scientific paper (dissertation) is written and defended before a scientific committee. This means that the path to a PhD is more structured and usually set over a period of time (usually three to five years).
Please note: As these are two different systems, the Dr. cannot be translated as a Ph.D.