The reform stresses that individual academic success is supported by two main factors: a qualified and trust-based supervision by the respective professor and a structured program designed for doctoral degree students. The program consists of one mandatory workshop and several electives for doctoral students (“courses”), fostering of networking among students (“networking”), and access to relevant know-how and coaching (“Know-how”). One element of the networking activities is the newly created internal online platform for doctoral students. They are encouraged to upload their academic profile and interact with their peers in groups or individually. Since the start of the platform, several contacts to discuss the respective research activities have been initiated among the over 200 doctoral students. The amended Doctoral Degree Regulations specify the principles of trust-based supervision (§ 10) and explain what the doctoral relationship between law school and doctoral student involves. Supervisor and student can opt to conclude a written supervisory agreement which serves to define the rights and duties arising from the doctoral relationship. Given the increasing internationalization of legal research, a stay abroad has become a natural part of the doctoral degree. The International Office and the Doctoral Degree Center support projects actively.
Please note!
Students wishing to obtain a Doctoral Degree in Law from Bucerius first have to find a Bucerius Law School professor who is willing to supervise their dissertation project and meet the admission requirements as specified in § 6 of the Doctoral Degree Regulations. After receiving the professor’s consent to act as doctoral supervisor, the student needs to register with the Doctoral Degree Center and create a profile on the internal platform. With the registration, the student becomes a member of the general structured doctoral program. Subsequently, the admission to the doctoral degree process may be requested. With the admission, a doctoral student status at Bucerius Law School is established.
