Promotion

Initial Phase

In the initial phase, you will prepare all the formal steps for your doctorate at the Department of Mechanical Engineering. You will find out about the legal framework, look for a suitable supervisor, and submit your application for acceptance as a doctoral candidate.

Requirements for a doctorate

Anyone wishing to pursue a doctorate at TU Darmstadt must have completed a scientific university degree with a professional qualification. Depending on the degree, the academic title Dr.-Ing., Dr. rer. nat., or Dr. phil. can be awarded by the Department of Mechanical Engineering.

In addition, double or multiple doctorates with German or international universities are possible. The standard duration of a doctorate is three to five years.

The legal framework for your doctoral studies consists of two documents:

Before you can be accepted as a doctoral candidate, you need to obtain confirmation of supervision from one of the professors in the department. An overview of all subject areas and their main areas of research will help you find your way around.

Overview of subject areas

Work opportunity at the department/subject area (optional): A doctoral project is not necessarily tied to employment at TU Darmstadt and can also be carried out externally.

Acceptance as a doctoral candidate marks the beginning of the doctoral relationship. Acceptance takes place in two steps:

  1. Online registration or enrollment in TUCaN
    Registration is mandatory, enrollment is optional. To TUCaN registration
    Applicants with foreign degrees must have their qualifications assessed by Department VIII A “International Admissions.” Additional documents must be submitted for this purpose (see point 3 on the TU's central website).
  2. Submission of the application for admission
    Submit the completed application form and all required documents in paper form to the Doctoral Office. You can find out exactly what is required in the information sheet (opens in new tab) and application for admission as a doctoral candidate (opens in new tab).