A doctorate that combines practical experience and cutting-edge research
At the Graduate Centre for Engineering Sciences (PZI), you can pursue a doctorate in engineering and application-oriented subjects, either cooperatively with Justus Liebig University Giessen or Marburg University or directly through THM University of Applied Sciences (in the field of life science engineering). Here, you will conduct research on future-oriented questions and work on topics that combine science and practice.
Specialist Areas for the Dr.-Ing. (Doctor of Engineering)
Agricultural and environmental sciences
Civil engineering
Biotechnology and pharmaceuticals
Electrical engineering
Computer science
Life Science Engineering
Mechanical engineering
Materials science
Medical and healthcare technology
Aerospace technology
Your advantage: You will benefit from close links between university and applied research and become part of a strong network of universities, companies, and research partners.
Your Path to the Dr.-Ing. at the PZI
Get advice! Contact Ivana Büttner to arrange an informal advising appointment.
Please submit your application documents to the FCMH Management Office both by email and in hard copy. You will find all required documents listed below.
Your application will be reviewed by the Doctoral Committee, which typically meets four times a year. To ensure that your application can be considered at the upcoming meeting, it must be submitted at least three weeks in advance. The next meeting of the Doctoral Committee will take place on June 15, 2026.
Application documents
To be accepted as a doctoral candidate at the PZI, you will need the following documents. The forms can be found below in the Downloads section.
Application for admission as a doctoral candidate
Officially certified copies of your bachelor's and master's degrees or diploma certificates, including transcripts (if necessary, officially certified translations into German or English);
Resume with photo
If applicable, certificates for other academic and state examinations that you have passed or failed;
a list of scientific papers you have already published;
An exposé signed by all supervisors with a working title, resource plan, and work plan (the topic should be chosen so that it can generally be completed in no more than three years)
Commitments from all supervisors (two, maximum three);
Statistics sheet
For degrees that are not relevant to the field (e.g., outside of engineering, life sciences, or natural sciences): Proof of required specialist knowledge, if available
For international applicants: Confirmation of sufficient German or English language skills by the supervisor (unless the applicant has a German university degree) Application for admission as a doctoral candidate
Structure of the PZI
The Graduate Centre for Engineering Sciences (PZI) is an independent institution under Section 53 of the Hessian Higher Education Act, operating under the umbrella of the FCMH. Its own statutes and doctoral regulations (both in German) govern doctoral studies and the committees at the PZI. Core Committees are the Doctoral Committee and the General Assembly.
Doctoral Committee
Members Doctoral Committee JLU
Deputy:
Deputy:
Members Doctoral Committee UMR
Deputy:
Deputy:
Members Doctoral Committee THM
Deputy:
Representative Doctoral Candidates
General Assembly
The General Assembly consists of all members of the Doctoral Centre for Engineering Sciences, i.e. professors, staff and doctoral candidates.
Downloads
Doctoral promotion regulations & statutes of the PZI
