PhD programmes

How and where do I apply? 

BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg currently offers four English language PhD programmes:

In order to pursue structured doctoral studies in a PhD programme at BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg, you need to have a university professor to take on the role of doctoral supervisor. A list of possible supervisors will be narrowed down for you as the application procedure progresses.

What documents do I need to include in my application?

Application procedures for structured doctoral studies vary between PhD programmes at the BTU. Please be aware of this fact and follow the application procedure outlined on the respective websites of the PhD programme. The following list of documents provides a general idea of which documents may need to be handed in. Additional documents may be required by the respective PhD programme regulations.

  • Filled-out application form
  • A color passport photograph
  • Curriculum Vitae
  • A PhD dissertation proposal
  • Certified copy of your original higher education entrance qualification (e.g. high school diploma or German Abitur certificate)
  • Certified copies of certificates and transcripts of records from prior university degrees

Additionally for applicants with foreign university degrees:
If the original certificate or transcript of record is not in English or German, then you will need to also submit a certified translation to German or English from a sworn translator.

  • Summary of your master’s thesis (or similar academic thesis, e.g. a Diplom thesis)
  • Two letters of recommendation by university professors, former employers or project partners
  • Proof of English language skills, e.g. the TOEFL with a minimum of 79 points on the internet-based version or an equivalent proof of language skills; no proof of language skills is necessary for applicants from countries where English is the first official language (list of exemptions)
  • A written declaration stating whether one has already in the past submitted a doctoral dissertation for review by a doctoral committee and if one has, then information on which university, which Faculty, the topic of the dissertation and the decision of the doctoral committee on awarding the doctor title

Contact

Environmental and
Resource Management

Prof. Dr. Dr.h.c. (NMU, UA) Michael Schmidt
environment-phd(at)b-tu.de 

Heritage Studies
Prof. Dr. Dr.h.c. (NMU, UA) Michael Schmidt
heritagestudies-phd(at)b-tu.de 

Cognitive and Dependable Systems
Prof. Dr. habil. Douglas Cunningham
T +49 (0) 355 69-3816
cognitivesystems-phd(at)b-tu.de

Power Engineering
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Harald Schwarz
T +49 (0) 355-694132
powerengineering-phd(at)b-tu.de 

What happens next after I hand in my application?

1. Applicants with German citizenship and EU citizens holding German university degrees

The appropriate faculty and/or doctoral committee for the PhD programme you have chosen will review your application for a doctorate and inform you of the result. Provided you receive a positive answer, you will be enrolled as a doctoral student. For further information about enrolment, please send an e-mail to zulassung(at)b-tu.de.

Contact

Michael Radke
T +49 355 69-3474
F + 49 355 69-2648
zulassung(at)b-tu.de
Main Building, Room 0.11

2. Applicants who are not citizens of the EU and EU citizens with non-German university degrees

The appropriate faculty and/or doctoral committee for the PhD programme you have chosen will review your application for a doctorate and inform you of the result. Provided you receive a positive answer, you will be enrolled as a doctoral student. For further information about enrolment, please send an e-mail to internationaladmission(at)b-tu.de.

Contact

Jasmin Minzapost
T +49 355 69-2768
F + 49 355 69-2108
internationaladmission(at)b-tu.de
Main Building, Room 4.10