At Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, the academic degree of Doctor of Philosophy (Dr. phil.) can be obtained in the subject of Political Science.
In addition to the individual doctorate, in which you complete your doctorate independently under the supervision of a doctoral supervisor, JGU also offers opportunities to complete a doctorate within a comprehensive structure. Information on this can be found on the Young Researchers Portal.
According to the doctoral degree regulations (dated 28.08.2023), it is possible to submit several scientific papers instead of a dissertation as written doctoral work if the following conditions are met:
- At least four publishable articles or contributions must be submitted. One of these publications may be co-authored with a maximum of two other persons. In the case of co-authorship, the own contribution must be described and confirmed by the co-authors. Reviewers may not have participated as co-authors.
- At least two of these articles must have been published or accepted for publication in social science journals with an anonymous peer review process, at least one of which must be in English in a foreign journal. The journals in which the articles are published must be listed in the “Social Science Citation Index” (SSCI). Additional journals that are admissible will be decided by the Executive Board of the Department of Political Science; these are listed separately (here).
- The papers should be thematically related and originate from a clearly identifiable research focus of the candidate.
- The submitted papers must be supplemented by a detailed introduction and a conclusion totaling at least 30 pages.
- The publication of the oldest article or contribution must not date back more than six years.
