Applications

a) The application process

Currently no applications are possible.


b) Required documents

1. Completed form
2. Curriculum vitae (data sheet)
3. Copies of your legal degree / other university degrees / bar exam. To the extent possible, please include official information on the diverse grades received during your studies, grade point averages and class rank. Documents must be in German or English or accompanied by a (copy of a) certified German or English translation.
4. Research proposal in German or English (approx. 5 pages). It should include the following points: a) Explanation of the topic and why you consider it important. b) Description of your preparatory work on the topic. c) What is the specific aim of your research proposal? d) Relevant interfaces with other scientific fields. e) Methods to be used. f) Work schedule. g) Timeframe for completion. The proposal must be structured in a way allowing it to be concluded within 2 years unless special circumstances interfere.
5. Letter of recommendation in German or English by a professor familiar with the applicants legal training. The letter should especially comment on the applicants ability to conduct scientific research.
6. Applicants must be fluent in German or English. Non native speakers can prove their proficiency by preceding successful studies (notably LL.M.) in a German or English speaking country. Otherwise, they have to present documents of the relevant language degrees. German: Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang (DSH), level 3; or Goethe Institut Zentrale Oberstufenprüfung (ZOP) / Kleines Sprachdiplom (KSD). English: TOEFL (paper based 550/677 points, computer based 220/300 points, internet-based 88/120 points))
7. Applicants fluent in English and planning to write the dissertation in English should still have a satisfactory command of German (e.g. Zertifikat Deutsch (ZD)). While knowledge of German is no formal requirement for admission, it is an important factor for the choice of applicants, as some classes and presentations will be in German, as well as the final oral exam (Rigorosum). Likewise, German speakers are required to show a good command of English.
   The originals (or certified copies) of the relevant documents (including TOEFL score) must only be presented after the decision on admittance has been made.

=> Application form