What is an individual doctorate?

An individual doctorate means that those interested in a doctorate approach a professor independently and ask him or her to supervise the dissertation. If the university lecturer takes on the supervision, the doctoral researcher can apply for “admission to doctoral studies” in the chosen subject at the department to which the subject is assigned (the subject “Chemistry” to the department “Biology, Chemistry, Pharmacy”, the subject “Theater Studies” to the department “Philosophy and Humanities”, the subject “Ethnology” to the department “Political and Social Sciences”, etc.).

Choice of subject for an individual doctorate

The individual doctorate generally allows great freedom in the choice of subject and in the pursuit of individual goals. The basis for a successful doctoral phase is the special relationship of trust between doctoral researcher and supervisor and the close connection to the doctoral subject and the other doctoral researchers. Research colloquia, which are regularly offered by professors, are the best way to create opportunities for exchange with others and to present and discuss your own ideas, theses and work progress.

Who can supervise an individual doctorate?

In principle, an individual doctorate can be completed in all subjects represented by a professorship at Freie Universität Berlin; with its broad range of subjects, which also includes many so-called minor subjects, Freie Universität offers the best conditions for this.

Admission to doctoral research

In addition to the written confirmation of supervision by the professor, further documents are required for the application for admission. You can find out exactly which documents are required from the examination or doctoral office of the relevant department. However, you must always submit proof of your most recent university degree. The examinations office will then check whether you meet the formal requirements for admission to the doctorate and may impose conditions for final admission.