Oral examination

The oral examination usually takes place four weeks after the final acceptance of the doctoral thesis. It consists of a 25-30 minute presentation, followed by a discussion.

Altogether the examination period does not last longer than two hours. Immediately after the doctoral examination, the examination commission evaluates and then notifies the candidate of the grade.

For the final grade, the grade for the doctoral thesis and the oral examination are weighted in the ratio of 2:1. 

In the oral examination, the candidate should demonstrate that the candidate:

• is in a position to present the results and theoretical and methodological foundations developed in the dissertation in an intelligible way
• to justify and scientifically discuss questions and objections
• can put the particular subject matter treated in the dissertation in the overall context of the respective subject taking into account the current state of research developments.