Finishing Your Doctorate
You are almost there: You have entered the final phase of your doctorate. From the defence to publication, there is a lot to organise. Here you will find information on the process as well as a step-by-step guide for completing your doctorate.
1. Submitting Your Dissertation
Deadlines
Before you submit your dissertation, find out about the formalities and deadlines to be observed in the doctoral regulations and at the graduate center of your faculty.
If you have a set deadline, e. g. because your scholarship expires or you are changing jobs, you must allow for correction and display periods, for example. Usually, your examiners have three months to read your dissertation. However, this period can be extended under certain conditions. The display period is approx. 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the doctoral regulations.
Submission
The process of submission and the requirements differ between the faculties, so please check your faculty's regulations in the "Promotionsordnung." Usually, you have to submit several printed copies of your dissertation, as well as proof that you have met the admission requirements (f. ex. a copy of your Master's degree. If you need to obtain documents from abroad or have them translated, make sure to plan enough time for this!).
Evaluation
After your have submitted your dissertation, it is sent to the primary and secondary reviewers for evaluation. Simultaneously, a commission for the defence is appointed. The members of the commission receive the written dissertation as well as the reviewers' evaluation reports.
Display
Before you can defend your dissertation, it must be publicly displayed in the faculty for inspection by all faculty members. The doctoral regulations regulate how long the dissertation must be displayed.
2. Organising the Defence
When you have submitted your dissertation, you should start thinking about your defence. In addition to preparing thematically (see below), this includes choosing the members of the examination committee and, if necessary, preparation such as reserving a suitable room, finding the necessary technology, buying water for the examiners, and preparing a small gathering after the defence. It is advisable to attend one or two defencesbefore your own in order to familiarise yourself with the process and the nature of the questions.
Choosing the Commission Members
The members of the commission for your defence is usually chosen by the doctoral committee ("Promotionsausschuss"). Depending on the doctoral regulations ("Promotionsordnung"), it is also possible for you to propose one or more members yourself. The commission usually consists of 4 to 6 people (1 chairperson, at least 2 reviewers, 1-3 other people). For the exact number and required academic degrees of the commsision members please refer to the Promotionsordnung of your faculty.
Together with the members of the commission decide on a date for your defence (during the lecture period), a suitable room and, if necessary, someone to take minutes for your defence.
Gathering & Drinks
Iit is customary to have a small gathering with the members of the commission and, if applicablee, selected guests after the defence. Choose a suitable room, get dishes/glasses and organsie drinks. Try to outsource most of the organisational work on the day of your defence to other people (partners, friends, colleagues).
3. The Defence
Structure of the Defence
The defence usually lasts 60 to 90 minutes. It begins with a 20-minute presentation by the doctoral candidate on the dissertation. The examination committee will then ask questions. The defence is open to all university members. For details on the exact procedure, please consult the doctoral regulations ("Promotionsordnung") of your faculty.
Preparing Thematically
To prepare for your defence, revisit the theses of your dissertation, its strengths and, above all