PhD programs are not only about writing a dissertation, but also gaining practical experience
Independent research or teamwork?
As Deutsche Welle notes, there are two formats of PhD programs in Germany: traditional, in other words, individual, and structured. The traditional format of graduate school involves writing a dissertation with the support of a supervisor.
Despite the fact that the student regularly consults with the professor, he or she mainly works alone. This gives more freedom, but at the same time requires strict discipline and a high degree of independence. The duration of such a program depends on whether the student is employed and under what conditions, as well as on their personal pace of work. As a rule, writing a dissertation takes from three to five years.
Structured programs (Graduiertenschule) have much in common with PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) programs in English-speaking countries. Throughout the entire period of study, several supervisors work with a group of students at once.
In addition to conducting research, students attend lectures and seminars, including interdisciplinary ones – for example, on presentation skills. The duration of a structured program is fixed: from three to five years, but thanks to the constant support of supervisors, students often complete their defense faster than their colleagues working independently.
Despite this, the traditional path remains the most popular: only about a quarter of PhD students in Germany choose structured programs.
PhD program at a university
In Germany, more than 150 universities offer PhD positions – universities have almost a monopoly on graduate studies. Candidate degrees are now also awarded by some universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschule), but again in cooperation with universities. According to the results of a study by the German Rectors' Conference (HRK), between 2015 and 2017, the number of graduates from universities of applied sciences who defended dissertations increased by more than 26% compared to 2012-2014.
At a university, a graduate student often receives a part-time research assistant position. Despite this, many have to work full-time to successfully complete the project. Writing a dissertation at a university may involve additional teaching and administrative duties, but their scope varies depending on the program and institution.
One popular option is working at a university on a third-party funded project. In this case, participation in administrative and teaching activities is almost not required, and the research assistant can focus on research. In this case, collaboration with other research institutes and companies is also likely.
Alternative to university
Writing a dissertation does not always mean working at a university. In Germany, a student has two alternative paths: graduate school at a research institution or at an industrial enterprise.
The four main research organizations in Germany are the Fraunhofer Society, the Helmholtz Association, the Max Planck Society, and the Leibniz Association. These and other non-university centers offer good conditions for conducting research: scholarships or work contracts, and sometimes a graduate student can work and receive a scholarship simultaneously.
PhD students who decide to work on their project at an enterprise also need a supervisor – a professor from a university. It is better to start searching before submitting an application, but many companies have long-term collaborations with educational institutions and can help the student choose a supervisor. Writing a dissertation in the business sector often involves a temporary part-time contract.
Dissertation: where to start?
First of all, a future PhD student must decide for themselves what research topic interests them and whether they know experts in their field with whom they would like to work. It is important to find a supervisor and an institute that are directly related to the chosen topic: this way the student can count on the support of an expert and the necessary technical equipment of laboratories.
You can start searching online – both for a job or program for graduate students, and for a supervisor. In addition, it is useful to inquire at your own university: perhaps some of the lecturers and other staff have connections with foreign educational institutions or institutes.
To apply for a PhD position, a student needs to present their project for the degree with a clear and detailed description of the research subject and a plan for accomplishing the task, and provide information about their education and grades. The topic of the master's thesis is of great importance, as it demonstrates the area of specialization.
The applicant will likely need to prove proficiency in a foreign language – not necessarily German. About 10 percent of foreign students come to Germany specifically to study in graduate school. Therefore, many structured programs are aimed at foreigners and are taught in English. In addition, working groups often communicate in English.