PhD studies
The following points provide an overview of the different phases of the PhD studies.
This page covers topics that will come up during your doctoral studies. If you come across any questions that are not (or insufficiently) covered in this text, please let us know.
During your studies, you need to complete modules with the extent of 24 to 30 credits (ECTS), depending on the PhD programme.
The minimum scope for the recognition of courses is one ECTS credit. For courses without further information on credits, one credit is equivalent to 30 hours of work.
Please note that undergraduate courses cannot be recognised towards your degree. In justified cases, Master's courses can, provided that these modules have not already been recognised as part of the previous Master’s programme. You will receive the full number of credit points; however, no more than 50% of the modules required for the PhD programme may be completed through courses at this level. If the course cannot be clearly assigned to either Bachelor’s or Master’s level, you will have to attach additional information. Please submit a syllabus and indicate the credit load as well as the assessment type(s).
1. Modules of the Directory of Modules
The GFA module catalogues list the programme-specific modules. Dates and times are available in eCampus or can be obtained directly from the respective instructors. Please ask your instructors about the modalities for exam registration. The Doctoral Certificate Programme in Agricultural Economics is an exception. Please visit the programme’s website for information on dates and registration policy for modules.2. Modules, courses, workshops of external hosts
Moreover, you are free to attend modules/courses offered by other faculties, universities or research institutions. Please get in touch with the person in charge to clarify if courses are recognisable for your PhD programme in advance.The minimum scope for the recognition of courses is one ECTS credit. For courses without further information on credits, one credit is equivalent to 30 hours of work.
Please note that undergraduate courses cannot be recognised towards your degree. In justified cases, Master's courses can, provided that these modules have not already been recognised as part of the previous Master’s programme. You will receive the full number of credit points; however, no more than 50% of the modules required for the PhD programme may be completed through courses at this level. If the course cannot be clearly assigned to either Bachelor’s or Master’s level, you will have to attach additional information. Please submit a syllabus and indicate the credit load as well as the assessment type(s).
Special provisions at the Faculty of Forest Sciences and Forest Ecology
For conferences and symposia (does not apply for the doctoral colloquium), 3 credits may be awarded for each of your own oral or poster presentations. It is therefore possible to have several presentations or posters at different conferences recognised. The same applies to the recognition of thesis supervision (Bachelor/Master).
Apart from attending modules, you can also, e.g., participate in workshops or attend symposiums. The GFA has a range of possible options: courses offered by GFA. Some of the workshops are organised jointly with the other graduate schools in Göttingen. The Qualifications portal for doctoral students gives you a comprehensive overview. GFA workshops can be credited towards your degree. If you plan to take courses offered by one of the other graduate schools, you should see the respective academic advisor in advance.
The GFA newsletter is another possibility to stay informed about workshops and courses. You can sign up for the newsletter with your application or by e-mail to gfa@uni-goettingen.de.
The GFA newsletter is another possibility to stay informed about workshops and courses. You can sign up for the newsletter with your application or by e-mail to gfa@uni-goettingen.de.
How to apply for the recognition of courses?
To have the following courses recognised, please send your module certificates directly to the examination office, stating your name and student number.- Courses from the PAG module catalogue
- Courses at Master’s or PhD level completed at the Georg-August-University
- Courses from the programmes offered by Göttingen’s graduate schools
Applications for the recognition of courses from external providers (universities, research institutes, etc.) can be submitted via the Platform for International Student Mobility (PIM). You can log in using your student ID. Guidance is available on the wiki.
Within the RTG 2654 applications for the recognition of courses can be made informally by email. Please contact Dr Melanie Grosse for this purpose.
When should you apply for the recognition of courses?
Applications for recognition can be submitted on an ongoing basis. Changes can also be made at any time.Note: Please do not wait until the last minute. If you are still missing credits, it will be impossible to provide them in the short term and you will have to postpone the submission of your dissertation.
How to apply for the recognition of courses?
Study programme Forest Sciences and Forest EcologyPlease fill in the application form for each course. Please attach to each application a proof of the course work completed - either certificates, attestations, poster copies, lecture programmes, FlexNow proofs, etc. If there is no certificate or comparable proof (e.g. doctoral colloquium, teaching activities), please let the person(s), who is/are responsible for the course or performance record, sign on the application form.
It is preferred that you submit the applications in paper form to Jutta Hohlstamm from the Dean of Studies Office. You can use the letterbox in Büsgenweg 4.
Once approved by the Graduate Committee, your courses will be stored in your file at the GFA. You will only be contacted if discrepancies arise or if the recognition request is denied. For your documentation, we recommend keeping personal records or copies of all submitted materials.
Study Programme Wood Biology and Wood Technology
Please get in touch with Prof Dr Carsten Mai to receive a credits list. You enter your coursework on this list yourself and return it by email, together with the relevant confirmation or certificates.
When should you apply for the recognition of courses?
It is advisable to submit applications by semester or year.Note: Please do not wait until the last minute. If you are still missing credits, it will be impossible to provide them in the short term and you will have to postpone the submission of your dissertation.
In the course of your degree, you will have to submit several progress reports to your thesis committee. You have to submit at least one report per year. The graduate committee has defined the frame and form of the report. The guideline can be found here. Please keep in mind that the progress reports should prepare you for the examination and improve your work as well as your personal network within your field of research.
Other sections of the Doctoral Degree Guideline: