The Faculty of Arts and Humanities of the University of Cologne enables doctoral students to obtain the ‘Doctor Europaeus’ qualification in addition to a German doctorate. A major objective of the faculty is to make an active contribution towards strengthening intra-European research cooperation. The degree can be awarded in connection with a co-tutelage doctorate with a partner university from another EU Member State or an EU associate.

The requirements to be met are based on those recommended by the European University Association in 2005:

• Intra-European co-supervision of the doctoral dissertation project by two professors from different EU countries or EU associates (excluding Germany) in addition to supervision by a member of the Faculty of Arts and Humanities of the University of Cologne.
• Intra-European assessment of the dissertation by two professors (usually the two co-supervising professors) from different EU countries or EU associates (excluding Germany) in addition to assessment by a member of the Faculty of Arts and Humanities of the University of Cologne. The oral examination has to be a Defensio that takes place at the University of Cologne.
• Intra-European multilingualism: The candidate must demonstrate linguistic skills in at least three of the 24 official languages of the EU. At least two of these languages must be used in defending the dissertation.
• Intra-European research mobility: At least six months must be spent abroad for the purpose of research at the research institutes of the two co-supervisors in their respective EU countries or EU associates.
• Intra-European composition of the examination committee: The examination committee must consist of authorised examiners from three EU countries (including Germany), whereby the committee should usually include the three supervisors.

The title of ‘Doctor Europaeus’ is a supplementary academic qualification that is awarded in addition to a national doctorate. It is not a supranational academic qualification.

More information on how to obtain the supplementary academic qualification “Doctor Europaeus” is available from

Aiko Wolter
cotutela-phil-fak(at)uni-koeln.de