Dr.-Ing. part-time: from project work to research.
In engineering, access is key: to an experimental setup, to measurement data, to a real-world system. Those already in the workforce often have this access, and that is precisely the head start they have.
The Dr.-Ing. requires an independent academic contribution, usually with an experimental or simulation-based core. For working professionals, the proximity to real-world systems and data is the greatest advantage. Key considerations include confidentiality, reproducibility and the distinction between development work and research.
What makes for a viable topic
A viable topic arises where a technical solution has not yet been understood, generalised or rigorously evaluated. The question must extend beyond the specific product; otherwise, it remains development work with a good report.
Check at an early stage what may be published. A topic that is subject to complete confidentiality cannot be pursued as a dissertation, as the obligation to publish is part of the process. Temporary publication embargoes are usually possible, but permanent ones are not.
Common fields: methods and processes, reliability and ageing, control and automation, materials, energy and building systems, digitalisation of technical processes.
What the methodology requires
Experiment, simulation or both. Reproducibility and a clear description of the set-up are crucial. Anyone working with company data needs a presentation that is comprehensible even without internal knowledge.
Clarify access to test benches, computing time or measurement technology in a binding manner before the timetable is finalised. Promised capacity that competes with day-to-day operations is not actual capacity.
Document the measurement setup, boundary conditions and uncertainties from the outset. It is almost impossible to reconstruct this retrospectively, and without an analysis of uncertainties, the findings are weak.
Access and Prerequisites
The faculty’s doctoral regulations are binding. Institutions regularly assess the following criteria for this subject:
The typical hurdles
No agreement without the possibility of publication. Embargo periods are negotiable, but complete bans are not.
Access to equipment competes with delivery dates. Firm commitments take precedence over letters of intent.
A working solution does not in itself constitute a scientific contribution. It requires generalisation and classification within the state of the art and research.
If you wish to protect your invention, you must file a patent application before publication. The order in which these steps are taken determines whether the invention is eligible for protection.
What the qualification means in the workplace
In project management, expert reports, standardisation bodies and tendering processes, a recognised Dr.-Ing. qualification delivers measurable benefits. In technical leadership roles, it signals a depth of expertise that goes beyond mere project experience.
For one’s own work, the methodological benefits are particularly significant: systematic experimental design, rigorous consideration of uncertainty, and the separation of observation from interpretation.
How we support you
We refine the research question, check it against the current state of research, scrutinise the methodology for feasibility, analyse the doctoral regulations of your target faculty and arrange contact with a supervisor. We align the timetable with your actual schedule.
You will write the thesis yourself. The university alone decides on admission, examination and the award of the degree. All institutions we work with are listed in anabin with H+ status.
Frequently asked questions.
Can I do a PhD based on a project from my company?+
Yes, provided the research question extends beyond the scope of the project and the results may be published.
What is the difference between Dr.-Ing. and PhD?+
The designation follows the tradition of the awarding university. Both denote the same level of qualification.
Do I need a test bench?+
Only if your design requires it. Simulation-based and data-driven work are equally recognised.
Is a publication embargo possible?+
Often yes, to a limited extent. The rules are set out in the doctoral regulations. An indefinite suspension precludes the award of the degree.
Does professional experience count towards admission?+
It does not replace a degree, but it is a strong argument in favour of the topic and its feasibility.
Can I pursue a PhD with a Master’s degree from a University of Applied Sciences?+
Yes. This is usually achieved through a collaborative PhD programme with a university, sometimes subject to certain conditions.
How do I deal with patents?+
File a patent application before publication. Discuss the sequence of events at an early stage with your company and your supervisor.
Related topics.
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