There are basically two forms of doctorate: the monographic and the cumulative (also known as “publication-based”) form. A cumulative doctorate is not possible in all subjects (as stated in the regulations and procedures governing the doctorate).

The decision as to whether to do a cumulative or a monographic doctorate should be made together with the supervisor as early as possible in the doctoral process and set out in writing in the supervision agreement. The language in which the doctoral dissertation or the corresponding articles are to be written should also be specified.

It is generally advisable to take an early look at the respective regulations and procedures governing the doctorate (in German) and to clarify any outstanding formal questions with the responsible Dean’s Office/Rectorate.

In the monographic form, the written dissertation is produced in the form of a single monograph. This traditional form is particularly common in the humanities and some social sciences. It is suitable for presenting larger contexts, which is important in some subjects, and the completion of the doctoral thesis is not dependent on the review processes of the journals.

Obtaining a doctorate cumulatively means publishing or submitting for publication a series of journal articles on related or interrelated topics during the course of the doctorate. The exact requirements for this (how many in total, how many of these must be solely authored, which publication organs, how many must already have been published/accepted for publication, etc.) depend on the subject and are specified in the relevant sections of the regulations and procedures governing the doctorate (in German).

In many subjects that allow for a cumulative doctorate, an “umbrella” document (Dachschrift) is required in addition to the individual articles submitted, i.e. one that sets out the overarching thematic framework and places the articles in a common context.

The cumulative doctorate is particularly common in the empirical economic and social sciences, where high-ranking published articles are the main determinant of academic reputation. In contrast, it is not possible or at least not common in many humanities subjects, and is not recognized as an equivalent form of doctorate.

Obtaining a doctorate cumulatively makes it possible to divide the large task of a doctoral thesis into smaller sub-units that can be worked through one after the other. In addition, individual articles may be more widely received and cited in specialist discussions than would be likely with a lengthy monograph.

Many regulations and procedures governing the doctorate stipulate a minimum number of articles that must have already been published or accepted for publication. In this case, the complex and often lengthy journal review processes can delay the completion of the doctorate.