The path to a doctorate
Furtwangen University accompanies its students throughout their academic journey, offering both bachelor's and master's programmes and the option of taking a doctorate in cooperation with our partner universities.
Numerous HFU graduates have continued their academic careers with a doctorate after completing their master's degree and are now professors. As a University of Applied Sciences, HFU offers various equivalent paths to gaining a doctorate, either through the BW Doctoral Centre or in cooperation with a university.
HFU is one of the strongest research universities for applied sciences in Baden-Württemberg. Numerous professors work in and outside of 14 quality-assured research institutes on a wide range of projects, most of which are funded by third parties. More than 90 doctoral projects are currently underway across all HFU faculties. These are generally integrated into superordinate research projects and are therefore topically well interlinked and competently supervised. The focus is on the fields of health and medical technology, production technology and microsystems technology. The university supports doctorate-seeking students through its interdisciplinary “Graduate Institute” (membership upon application).
For a long time, doctoral studies in Baden-Württemberg were only possible in conjunction with a university. However a new path will be opening up for universities of applied sciences (HAW) such as Furtwangen University − and their graduates. In future, an association of universities of applied sciences will be able to actually award doctorates themselves.
The Baden-Württemberg Doctoral Association
Furtwangen University is one of 24 member universities of the newly founded Doctoral Association of Universities of Applied Sciences Baden-Württemberg. The association was founded with the publication of the administrative agreement of the doctoral association in the Baden-Württemberg Joint Official Gazette. The universities of applied sciences have joined forces in order to fulfill the requirements of the further development clause of the State Higher Education Act (§ 76 para. 2), according to which a suitable association of universities of applied sciences can be granted an independent right to award doctorates by the Ministry of Science.
External link opens in a new window:Administrative agreement of May 24, 2022, published in GABl. no. 6 of June 29, 2022
External link opens in a new window:The procedural statutes of the Doctoral Association BW dated 14.07.2022
External link opens in a new window:The Announcement Statutes of the Doctoral Association BW dated 14.07.2022
Interdisciplinary Graduate Institute
The interdisciplinary Graduate Institute is the central point of contact and coordination for all doctoral projects being undertaken at HFU and is open to students interested in pursuing a doctorate, doctoral candidates and supervising professors.
In addition, the Graduate Institute supports and advises the university in further developing the quality standards for the selection and supervision of doctoral candidates in order to make the path to the doctorate title as successful as possible for everyone.
Participation in the programme
How do I become a member?
Through membership of the interdisciplinary Graduate Institute, HFU aims to support as many doctoral candidates who are supervised by a professor at HFU as possible. Admission to the programme is based on an application for membership by the doctoral candidate.
The academic committee decides on exceptions.
What doctorate options do I have?
At HFU, there are several routes to a doctorate − either via the Doctoral Centre of the Baden-Württemberg Doctoral Association or in cooperation with a university in Germany or abroad. It always starts with an interest in a subject area and the search for suitable academic supervision. Regardless of the type of doctorate you choose, the Graduate Institute is there to advise you. If you are unsure which path is right for you, simply contact us!
Doctorate at the Doctoral Centre
The Doctoral Association of Universities of Applied Sciences Baden-Württemberg offers doctoral candidates the opportunity to complete a doctorate directly at a University of Applied Sciences in Baden-Württemberg − without having to go through a university.
The organisation into five subject-focused research units ensures that you conduct your research in a suitable environment and benefit from competent, experienced supervision.
Many professors at our university are also involved in the Doctoral Association − and can carry out doctoral procedures in the Doctoral Centre as first assessors and supervisors with great professional expertise and practical experience. The doctoral degree is awarded by the Doctoral Association together with the supervising university.
Cooperative doctorate
In a cooperative doctorate, you work together with a university. Supervision is provided jointly by a professor at HFU
Your key contact
I'm happy to provide advice about doing a doctorate!
