About the program
What does "PhD" mean?
Please be aware that the Faculties of Veterinary Medicine and Medicine can issue several different doctoral degrees! As with all German universities, the typical doctoral degree, issued by the Justus Liebig University, is termed in Latin "doctor" and abbreviated "Dr.". Hence, veterinarians receive the title "doctor medicinae veterinariae" (Dr. med. vet.) and physicians respectively receive "doctor medicinae" (Dr. med.). Please note that, in contrast with some other countries, these titles are not issued automatically after successfully passing the examination in (veterinary) medicine, but indeed reflect the completion of a full scientific work, including thesis writing and oral defense.
Even if you have not studied veterinary medicine or medicine, but rather another related natural science (e.g. biology or human biology) you may conduct work on a scientific thesis under the supervision of a member of the Faculties of Veterinary Medicine and Medicine. You would then receive the title of either "doctor biologiae animalis" (Dr. biol. animal.) or "doctor biologiae hominis" (Dr. biol. hom.).
In addition to this, the Faculties of Veterinary Medicine and Medicine of the Justus Liebig University allow internationally oriented young researchers to obtain the title of "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-year period and the accompanying course program has been accomplished. For more about the characteristics of this Ph.D. track, please see the information below.
Please be aware that several internationally acknowledged doctoral degrees can be obtained, and make sure that you chose the track that is appropriate for you. If you apply for the PhD. program, you will be working toward a certificate of "Doctor of Philosophy". If you wish to attain one of the other degrees listed above, please do not apply for this program.
About the program
The PhD Program of the Faculties of Veterinary Medicine and Medicine of the Justus Liebig University Giessen was founded in 2002. Currently host to 96 students, the initiative offers a PhD program integrates research with an educational curriculum that qualifies young scientists to compete at the highest international level.
Multidisciplinary research projects are offered in areas of 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 opportunities for pursuing a career in veterinary medicine and medicine.
The program is conducted by nationally and internationally recognized 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 scientist that wishes to receive an all-around education, we would be happy to receive your application for our program.
The application deadline is July 15th for the admission of October 1st of the same calendar year. If you would like to apply, please proceed to the admission section.