Excellent candidates who have completed four years of study in physics can be admitted to the integrated master/doctoral (4+4) programme of the HGSFP, which also culminates in the degree "Dr. rer. nat.".
The integrated master/doctoral programme is designed to allow physics students with four years of physics education to gain admission to the HGSFP. There are two possible categories of such students:
Category 1: Students who have a 4-year education in physics (e.g. who have successfully completed a 4-year bachelor degree, or a 3-year bachelor degree plus a one year honours degree) can apply for admission to the HGSFP for doctoral study. Admission can be granted to candidates displaying exceptional grades and ability.
Admission may be first granted for a preparatory phase of up to one year, and students may be advised to take particular courses to complete their education or complete a research-based thesis.
Category 2: Students of the Heidelberg physics master's programme who have successfully completed four years of physics education (e.g. a 3-year bachelor plus one year of the master's education) and who display exceptional grades and ability may also apply for admission to the HGSFP. Admission may be granted for a preparatory phase of up to one year; full admission to the doctoral programme is subject to final success in the master programme meeting the grade requirement of the HGSFP.
In both cases, the final decision for admission is taken by the doctoral degrees committee of the Department of Physics and Astronomy.
1) Students obtain access to all programmes and funding of the HGSFP during the preliminary research phase of their degree.
2) Candidates admitted to this programme can be supported by a maximum of a one year stipend at the level commensurate with their qualification.
1) Applications should be initiated by advisors. The application must include the usual full documentation required for application to the doctoral programme. In addition, the advisor should submit a strong letter of recommendation also stating that he/she agrees to fund the doctoral student for the following standard 3 years at the end of a possible HGSFP stipend, should the preparatory year be successful. Applications should include full transcripts of records of the candidate in question, a statement on motivation and a work plan.
2) Applications can be made at any time during the year and should be sent to the directorate of the HGSFP. After successful evaluation by the directorate, applications will be submitted to the doctoral degrees committee for a final decision.
3) Candidates can also register for admission to the HGSFP through the annual call for fellowships. Potential advisors will contact them in the case that they identify suitable candidates.
