The PhD regulations: the document that really counts.
What a provider says is non-binding. What’s on the department’s website is a summary. What’s in the doctoral regulations is what counts.
The PhD regulations govern admission, acceptance, supervision, deadlines, examination formats, assessment and publication. They form part of the university’s statutes and are therefore binding. Always check the current version, including any amendments, and take note of any transitional provisions.
The key provisions
Reading in this order is the quickest way to find the information relevant to your plans:
What is often overlooked
In the event of a new version, transitional law determines whether the old or new rules apply. This may postpone deadlines and conditions.
Anyone working with company data must know which withholding period is permitted. A permanent withholding period precludes the financial statements from being finalised.
Usually from the date of acceptance, not from the initial concept. This determines your actual scope for manoeuvre.
Many regulations require a declaration of any assistance used, and increasingly also of any tools employed.
How to make practical use of the regulations
Turn the regulations into a checklist: What documents do I need for acceptance, by when, in what format, and who decides? This list will later eliminate the need for any further enquiries and prevent procedural errors that can cost weeks.
Also make a note of the points you need to clarify with your supervisor: second opinions, publication format, and how to deal with prior publications. The regulations only provide a general framework for much of this; the rest is determined by the institution’s practices.
How we work with this
We read through the regulations of your target faculty before you apply and break them down into concrete steps: what evidence is required, what deadlines apply, what conditions must be met, and in what order. This prevents detours that are almost impossible to rectify later on.
If a set of regulations rules out your plan, we’ll let you know early on. It’s better to rule out three faculties than to apply to one that does not accept external candidates as a matter of principle.
Frequently asked questions.
Where can I find the doctoral regulations?+
On the faculty’s website, usually in the university’s official bulletin. Make sure you have the latest version and are aware of any amendments.
Are doctoral regulations the same everywhere?+
No. They differ between universities and between faculties within the same university.
What is the difference between a thesis defence and a rigorous examination?+
In a ‘Disputation’, you defend your own thesis; a ‘Rigorosum’ additionally tests your specialist knowledge. The relevant provisions are set out in the regulations.
Do I have to publish my doctoral thesis?+
As a general rule, yes. The format and deadline are governed by the regulations; digital publication is usually permitted and the most cost-effective option.
Can the regulations be amended whilst I am working on my PhD?+
Yes. In that case, transitional provisions will determine which version applies to you.
What should be included in the declaration of originality?+
The information required by your regulations, usually regarding any assistance and sources used. Please check the exact wording specified by your faculty.
Free initial consultation, with no obligation.
15 minutes online: We’ll discuss your current situation, a possible topic and the best way forward.
Please fill in your contact details in the form. We’ll call you back and sort out everything else directly during the call.