What does it mean?

Please be aware that several different doctoral degrees can be issued by the Faculties of Veterinary Medicine and Medicine! As in all German universities, the usual doctoral degree issued by the Justus Liebig University is termed in Latin "doctor", abbreviated "Dr.". Hence, Veterinarians and Physicians receive the title "doctor medicinae veterinariae" (Dr. med. vet.) or "doctor medicinae" (Dr. med.), respectively. Please note that, in contrast to some other countries, these titles are not issued automatically after successfully passing the examination in (veterinary) medicine, but indeed reflect completion of full scientific work including thesis writing and oral defense of the project.

Even if you have not studied veterinary medicine or medicine but another related natural science (e.g. biology or human biology) you may conduct a scientific thesis work under supervision of a member of the Faculties of Veterinary Medicine and Medicine, then receiving the title of "doctor biologiae animalis" (Dr. biol. animal.) or "doctor biologiae hominis" (Dr. biol. hom.), respectively.

In addition to that, the Faculties of Veterinary Medicine and Medicine of the Justus Liebig University allow for the demands of internationally oriented young researchers to obtain the title of a "Doctor of Philosophy" (Ph.D.). This title can be obtained even in addition to one of the doctoral degrees listed above, given that an additional thesis work is conducted over an additional 3 years period and the accompanying course programme has been accomplished. More about the characteristics of this Ph.D. track please find below.

So, please be aware that several internationally acknowledged doctoral degress can be obtained, and make sure that you chose the track that is appropiate specifically for you. If you apply for the Ph.D. programme, you will be heading for a certificate of a "Doctor of Philosophy". If you are heading for one of the other degrees listed above, do not apply for this programme.

About the programme

The PhD Programme of the Faculties of Veterinary Medicine and Medicine of the Justus Liebig University Giessen was founded in 2003. Currently host to 72 students, the initiative offers a PhD-programme that integrates research with an educational curriculum that qualifies young scientists to compete at the highest international level.

Multidisciplinary research projects are offered in areas such as Physiology and Vascular Biology, Molecular Veterinary Medicine, Medicine of the Lung, Immunology, Neurology and Psychiatry, Genetics and a variety of additional topics. Their common denominator is their academic excellence and their determination to pursue a career in veterinary medicine and medicine.

The programme is conducted by national and international recognised top scientists from all areas of veterinary medicine and medicine. The educational curriculum is supported by symposia with top international scientists, regular international training visits by our students and complementary skills training.

If you are a gifted highly motivated young scientists that wishes to receive an all-round education we would be happy to receive you application for our programme.

Application deadline is July 30th for admission of October 1st, of the same calendar year. If you would like to apply, please proceed to the admission section.