Document Actions

Cotutelle de thèse

In a cotutelle de thèse, a doctoral candidate is awarded a doctoral degree that is conferred jointly by two universities in different countries. This process is also known as a binational doctorate.

A binational doctorate, also known as a 'cotutelle de thèse', involves the doctoral candidate being supervised by two universities on the same thesis, and completing their doctorate at both locations through an integrated doctoral process. This does not mean that the doctoral candidate receives two degrees, but rather one doctoral degree awarded in accordance with the customary practice of each country (e.g. PhD vs. Dr. Phil.). 

The binational doctoral procedure is usually governed by an agreement between the participating universities. A cooperation agreement is therefore concluded for each binational doctorate.

This agreement usually specifies the minimum amount of time that the doctoral candidate must spend at both their home university and a foreign university. The doctoral candidate has a designated supervisor at each university who has agreed to supervise them throughout the entire doctoral process.


When is a binational doctorate advisable, and when is it not?
Supervisors and doctoral candidates should primarily consider a cotutelle arrangement if the latter wish to secure their academic affiliation in both participating countries. As this process is very time-consuming and requires a lot of legal resources, JLU can currently only offer cotutelle agreements to strengthen JLU's strategic partners. If you have any queries about undertaking a cotutelle at JLU, please contact the International Office: Dr Imke Polland-Schmandt (Tel: 0641/99 12170).


There are arguments in favour of a cotutelle if

  • the doctoral candidate aims to pursue an international career path,
  • the doctoral thesis topic has an international research component in both countries,
  • the doctoral thesis topic is of research interest to the foreign university or the partner institution offers particular added value for the topic,
  • the supervisors are already cooperating with one another or a new collaboration is being sought.

 

There are good reasons not to opt for a cotutelle:

  • there is no willingness to undertake one or more longer stays (usually totalling around one year);
  • the necessary coordination between the two supervisors cannot be guaranteed;
  • it is merely a short visit abroad that could also be carried out as part of a domestic procedure;
  • the international partner is not yet a strategic partner of JLU.

 

You can find further information and the formal requirements for a binational PhD programme in JLU’s regulations governing binational doctorates.

 

Are you interested in a binational doctorate? We can advise you on the suitability of your research topic, the process and the time frame. Please book a consultation or give us a call. For contractual arrangements and all official coordination, please contact the International Office: Dr Imke Polland-Schmandt,  Tel: 0641/99 12170.