Doctoral Studies

Students may pursue doctoral studies in all of the subjects taught at Heidelberg University. At the end of the doctoral process, the doctoral degree is awarded in recognition of an independent academic achievement. There are different degrees, according to the subject:

• Dr. theol. (Protestant Theology)
• Dr. jur. (Law)
• Dr. med. (Human Medicine)
• Dr. med. dent. (Dentistry)
• Dr. sc. hum. (scientiarum humanarum = Natural Sciences in Medicine)
• Dr. phil. (Philosophy, Humanities)
• Dr. rer. pol. (Economics)
• Dr. rer. nat. (Natural Sciences)

The doctoral examination usually consists of a doctoral thesis („Dissertation“) and an oral examination ("Rigorosum"; "Disputation"). The prior successful completion of a university degree is required for admission to a doctoral programme. The details are determined by the doctoral degree regulations of the respective faculties.

Dr. h.c. (honoris causa)
This doctoral degree can be awarded in recognition of outstanding scientific achievements, without a doctoral examination.