Fast-Track/Doctoral Program
In combination with a suitable RWTH Master's program, AICES offers a fast-track curriculum that attracts science and engineering students from around the world. Upon successful completion of the Master's Program, admitted students proceed to a three-year intensive research phase, culminating in a doctoral degree.
Students who wish to enroll in this program must first apply to a suitable Master's program offered by the University. In order to be admitted to these programs, prospective students need to fulfill the admission requirements of the respective departments. Evidence of adequate background, essentially equivalent to a Bachelor's degree in the same field, usually must be demonstrated. The following table lists examples of acceptable RWTH Master's programs. For further information please consult the websites of the individual departments:
| Master in | Language | Application | Application Deadlines |
|---|---|---|---|
|
English |
March, 1st (for WS) July 15th (for WS) |
||
|
German German German/English German German |
Wintersemester Summersemester |
||
|
English |
EU/EEC citizens: Non-EU/EEC citizens: |
Note that this list is not exhaustive. Other Master's programs in Science and Engineering may be considered suitable upon request. In any case, to enroll in these programs students must apply directly to the respective departments, and may additionally apply to AICES to be admitted to the fast-track doctoral program. Students who are admitted to AICES receive a research assistantship for one year during the Master's phase, with an option to extend for a further year upon positive evaluation.
Regardless of the entry point, each student's performance is evaluated after the coursework phase. This evaluation is based on course grades, as well as on research activity. Early research activity culminates in a written master's thesis, which should include a proposal of a research plan leading to the doctorate. This proposed research should ideally be in a field similar to that of the Master's thesis. In this sense the Master's thesis serves as a stepping stone for the doctoral research. Depending on positive evaluation, students are admitted to a three-year research program, leading to a doctoral thesis, and a doctoral degree. If not admitted, students may leave the program with an M.S. degree at the end of their second year.
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Equal Opportunity
The AICES Graduate School and RWTH Aachen University do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of race, color, gender, sexual orientation, religion, disability, age, or national or ethnic origin. Read more here.