Study and research in Germany

Promotion

"Promotion" is the German word for a doctorate and for the process that leads to this degree. Doctoral students (Promovierende or Doktoranden) earn a doctorate by producing a written research paper (dissertation or thesis) and by defending their paper in an oral exam called Rigorosum or Disputation, very similar to a viva (voce). To gain a doctorate, candidates generally have to prove that they hold an academic degree. Many universities offer graduate schools or graduate colleges (Graduiertenkollegs) or even whole doctoral programmes to "promote" the qualifications of their doctoral students and candidates.

Propädeutikum

"Propädeutikum" is Latin and means pre-study semester or preparatory course. These are generally offered before the semester starts or in the 1st semester. These courses aim to provide students with the necessary background knowledge and skills for their studies (for example, mathematics and physics for students planning to study engineering).

Universität

"Universität" means university and is used for research universities (wissenschaftliche Hochschulen) that offer a broad range of subjects (like arts and humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, economics and business administration, law, medicine). These institutions confer doctorates. The strong research focus benefits students in their training. Please note, however, that English texts often use the term "university" generically, i.e. to cover all kinds of higher education institutions, for example, universities of the arts, universities of applied sciences, universities of education, etc.