• Overview
• Dates and events
• PhD studies
• International Graduate School of Biosciences (IGB)
• International Graduate School of Neuroscience (IGSN)
• RUB Research School

Doing a Ph.D. serves to prove the competence for independent and self-reliant scientific working. If successfully completed, it results in the granting of a doctorate degree (Dr. rer. nat. or Ph.D.).

Usually, Ph.D. candidates work on a specific research project for three to five years. All results are summed up in a written thesis (dissertation or doctoral thesis), which is publically defended afterwards (disputation or thesis defense).

The Ph.D. research project is scientifically supervised by two members of the International Graduate School of Biosciences (IGB). The research topic and the working place are provided by the Ph.D. thesis supervisor. Project funding can be provided by external funds, public funds, or doctoral scholarships.

For widening scientific expertise and for gaining additional key competences some supplementary modules are provided for Ph.D. students to complement their doctoral program.

A degree (Diploma or Master´s degree) graded with “very good” or “good” is a prerequisite for starting a Ph.D. program. Holders of a “very good” Bachelor´s degree are permitted to start a Ph.D. project directly after completing a one-year preparatory study program (Fast track- Ph.D. program).

The International Graduate School of Biosciences (IGB) is responsible for the Ph.D. study program and the graduation process.

Dates for the Defense of the Ph.D. Proposal

Dates for Ph.D. Thesis Submissions

Dates for Ph.D. Thesis Defenses (Disputations)

• Disputations September/October 2024

In 2004 the International Graduate School of Biosciences (IGB) was founded by the Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology. The IGB is highly dedicated to providing a well-structured, collaborative, interdisciplinary research program for Ph.D. students in the biosciences.

The research groups involved in the IGB span the Faculties of Biology and Biotechnology, Chemistry and Biochemistry and Medicine at the Ruhr-University Bochum, as well as a few other groups working in biosciences. The IGB is committed to providing a supportive research environment for currently about 200 Ph.D. students.

• Regulations of the IGB (in German)
• Members of the IGB (Status: 07.05.2024)
• Information sheet - Admission procedure for supervisors (in German)