Before the doctorate
Information about the doctorate at the mdw - a short overview
Currently there are three ways to do a doctorate at the mdw:
Scientific Doctorate (Doctor of Philosophy/PhD)
Structured doctoral program (Doctor of Philosophy/PhD)
Artistic Doctorate (Doctor Artium)
Admission requirements vary depending on the programme. For example, the scientific doctoral programme requires the completion of a scientific or artistic diploma or Magister/Master's degree or a teaching degree, provided the subject is related to one of the scientific subjects represented at the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna. (For further options see Curriculum 25W, §2 par. 2-4, p. 4-5). ). For the artistic doctorate, evidence of a qualified artistic career is required in addition to the corresponding educational background (see Curriculum).
Further information about admission to and the study procedure for the scientific doctorate can be found here.
Further information about admission to and the study procedure for the artistic doctorate can be found here.
FAQ:
- Are there admission deadlines for the summer or winter semester?
Please note the current admission deadlines. Applications for the winter semester are recommended by the end of June, and applications for the summer semester by the end of January.
- Into which language do I have to have my documents translated for admission?
Documents must be submitted as German translations (although original documents in English are accepted).
- Do my documents (copies) have to be certified for admission?
The documents do not have to be certified. However, if they are not available in German or English, a certified translation is required.
- Do I already need a supervisor at the time of application?
For the scientific doctorate you need a supervisor from the current list of approved supervisors. The artistic doctorate is open to all musical and performing arts disciplines represented at the university; the question of a supervisor does not necessarily have to be resolved before the admission examination.
- Are there doctoral studies that can be completed in English?
The academic doctoral programme must be completed in German, although individual courses are offered in English. The exposé and the dissertation can be written in English, and the proposal defence and the disputation can be taken in English by arrangement. In the structured and in the artistic doctoral programmes, English is the language of instruction.
- What language skills are required to apply for a doctoral programme?
The language proficiency ordinance and the respective curriculum (scientific doctorate and artistic doctorate) determine the required language skills. If you are writing your thesis in English, you are required to demonstrate German level B2 and English level C1. If you are writing in German, you are required to demonstrate German level C1 and English level B2. In justified cases, specific evidence of language skills can be provided in the form of hearings involving at least three teachers. Publications can also be taken into account.
- Can a language certificate be submitted after enrollment in the programme?
As a rule, this is not possible, since only complete applications can be processed. The following exceptions are possible after prior consultation with the Dean of Research Programmes:
An extraordinary programme of study can be taken without proof of language proficiency and offers the possibility of submitting the language certificate later and transferring to the regular PhD programme once it is available. Courses already attended may be recognized after evaluation. However, this option does not allow you to obtain a visa or residence permit.
If a visa or residence permit is required and the only requirement for admission that is missing is the language certificate, conditional admission is possible. The conditional admission letter stipulates that the supplementary German examination at the mdw must be completed as part of a university programme. The University Course German Language Competence B2 can only be taken in the winter semester, provided that registration is completed in good time and the procedure is followed. In order to fulfil the condition of the admission letter, it is strongly recommended that both the university programme and the German examination are completed within the prescribed period of two semesters. Otherwise, due to lack of academic progress, the authorities may refuse to extend the residence permit.
- How much are the tuition fees?
The Studies Center provides information on current tuition fees, including payment methods, as well as exemption from tuition fees.
- What financing options are available for doctoral studies?
You can find an overview of the financing options here. Further information can be found on the mdw's research funding page. On our website you can find a list of current calls for proposals, the newsletter of the Graduate Center summarizes calls especially for doctoral students and postdocs.
Advice
If you are unsure which programme is best for you, we will be happy to advise you.
Contact:
Dr.in Hanna Brinkmann
For questions regarding the application process, please contact the StudienCenter.