Structure: How does it work?

Please note that we offer a specific doctoral program for candidates wishing to pursue a PhD. (Please go here if you are interested in our Masters‘ programs.)

The doctoral program consists of preparatory phase and a dissertation phase. In the dissertation phase you work on your thesis under the supervision of one of the faculty members of the Graduate School (currently 75+). The preparatory phase prepares you for the dissertation research phase and helps you to find an advisor; its length depends on your individual qualifications and lies in the range from zero to max. four semesters.

The preparatory phase ends with a qualifying exam. Successful completion of the qualifying exam allows you to enter the dissertation phase.

3 ( — max. 4) semesters are typical for students coming in with a Bachelor’s degree. (Strong German FH degrees will also be considered.)

1 — 2 semesters are typical for students coming in with an advanced degree.

0 — 1 semester before taking the qualifying exam is typical for a student coming with a German Masters degree or the equivalent who has already been accepted by an advisor.

(If you are still looking for your research area and an advisor, the preparatory phase is just right for you, too.)

Further details

After your successful application, you first undergo (depending on your previous degree) a three-semester preparatory phase which consists of research-oriented, broad coursework adjusted to personal interests and complementary academic needs. We provide individual office space in our newly furbished common room especially for candidates in the preparatory phase. You have ample opportunity to acquaint yourself with the many computer science research groups in Saarbrücken and to find a research group and an advisor matching your interests.

After passing a qualifying exam, you enter the research and dissertation phase which you spend as a member of a research group. During the entire program a comprehensive selection of so-called soft skills seminars and courses are offered.
Depending on your entry qualification, you can be exempted from parts of or even the entire preparatory phase. Also, courses taken in the preparatory phase can be used towards a Masters degree, if this is desired and the formal requirements are fulfilled.

The dissertation phase typically takes 3 years or so of research. It is also accompanied by soft skills seminars and courses. Regular progress reviews are carried out to help keep you (and your advisor) on track.

Preparatory Phase

Many of our students are admitted to the preparatory phase first. During this time they are familiarized with the work style and research-oriented coursework at the Graduate School. Though adjusted to their individual interests the topics of the courses are rather broad. You will have ample opportunity to acquaint yourself with the many computer science research groups to choose a group and advisor matching your interests. Students in the preparatory phase receive a stipend of at least 800 EUR per month during this phase. Additional support is available from teaching or research assistantships.

Dissertation Phase

After fulfilling the requirements of the preparatory phase and passing the qualifying exam, you enter the research and dissertation phase which you spend as a member of a research group. In justified cases you can be exempted from parts or the entire preparatory phase. Students in the dissertation phase are almost always funded by their research group, either with a scholarship of about 1.400 EUR per month or a full-time research/teaching position (which is somewhat more generous).

Degree

After you successfully handed in your dissertation and defended your thesis you will graduate with a doctorate (Dr. rer. nat. or Dr. Ing.) in Computer Science from Saarland University.