• Theoretical dissertation in written form (Dr. phil. in art.)

• Artistic work accompanied by a theoretical text (Dr. phil. in art.)

• Research‑based artistic work developed as part of a three‑year curriculum at the HFBK (PhD in Art Practice)

You have a diploma or master’s degree from a German university (at least an overall grade of “good”) or an equivalent degree from a foreign university as well as the proven ability for artistic research. This can either be proven through study components in the degree program already completed or acquired artistic research projects, scholarships, internships, or professional work experience may be undertaken. Exceptions require the approval of the doctoral committee. In the latter case, the PhD committee requires the applicant to provide evidence of academic achievement within a certain period of time.

The PhD in Art Practice program is thematically open. Your doctoral topic should come from an area in which you already have sufficient knowledge and to which you can contribute a new aspect or new insights. It may be useful to deepen the subject of your final thesis, or you might develop an idea for a doctoral project based on a seminar you attended. Alternatively, you can choose a relatively unexplored object of study—such as an archive or a collection—from which to develop a topic. In that case, you should acquire the basics of archival research and the handling of collection objects in advance. Discuss your idea with scholars or artists working in the field and coordinate it with potential supervisors.

To find a primary supervisor at HFBK Hamburg, we recommend that you first write an exposé (a short description of your project) for your artistic or scholarly research idea. The primary supervision must be provided by a member of the teaching staff from one of the following artistic-practical department such as Sculpture, Design, Film, Painting/Drawing, Stage Design, Time-based Media, Graphic Arts/Photography. Look for someone whose expertise matches your research project and discuss your exposé with them. You can find guidelines and templates for drafting an exposé widely online — for example, here.

The principles of good scientific practice concern the essential functional conditions of science as well as its ethical dimensions. Adhering to, monitoring and communicating these principles is the core task of academia. The guideline for ensuring good artistic and academic research practice at the HFBK Hamburg formulate the institutional commitment to which all academically active university members and staff also commit themselves. Scientific work at the HFBK should be carried out in accordance with the principles at all times.

The chairwoman of the PhD committee, the vice president for research and teaching and the ombudspersons are available as confidential contact persons for questions regarding good scientific practice and for indications of possible scientific misconduct.

At HFBK Hamburg, the standard period of study for the PhD in Art Practice is six semesters, during which you are enrolled as a doctoral candidate. An extension may be granted on application for up to four additional semesters.

German schools do not take tuition, at the same time they are not able to provide financial support for PhDs. Please find a description of the German research landscape on the site of the Ministry of Research, Technology and Space.

• https://www.research-in-germany.org/en.html

• https://www.eduserver.de/seite_en.php?seite=4112

Unlike the Dr. phil. in art. qualification, which is an individual doctorate, candidates in the PhD in Art Practice program follow—in accordance with the doctoral regulations—a curriculum of 2 hours per week and work closely with their supervisors. Consequently, you should choose your place of residence in Hamburg or the surrounding area.

The costs of a doctoral project can vary greatly, also depending on the individual projects. In addition to covering your living expenses for the duration of your doctorate, you should consider the following costs when planning your doctoral project:

• semester fee for enrollment at the HFBK Hamburg including semester ticket (without semester ticket doctoral students pay €161.20 for the summer semester 2026.)

• technical literature, software, etc.

• artistic materials

• travel expenses for conferences, colloquia, meetings with supervisors, stays abroad if necessary

• costs for publications and other publications

A part-time doctorate is generally possible. We recommend that you plan this well and coordinate it with your employer.

SYou can pursue employment outside or at the HFBK Hamburg, see Current Job Offers, or pursue financing qua scholarship. An overview is available in the scholarship database of the German Education Server (currently only available in German) or the German Academic Exchange Service for applicants from abroad. https://www.daad.de/en/

Your supervisors will support you with a letter of recommendation for your scholarship application.

At the HFBK, the Pro Exzellenzia lead Scholarship is awarded annually to promote women in research (with residence in Hamburg). In addition, the scholarship for the promotion of young academics and artists at Hamburg universitiesis aimed at graduates with a master’s degree from the HFBK Hamburg and is awarded for artistic development projects or doctoral projects.

You find an overview onto foundations funding art projects on the following sites:

• https://www.bildungsserver.de/bildungswesen-allgemein/kulturstiftungen-5449-de.html

• https://www.art-in.de/incstift.php

• https://www.kulturstiftung.de/das-deutsche-informationszentrum-kulturfoerderung-dizk/

Bewerbungen sind ausschließlich online und mit Applications are only possible online, mostly between September 1 to October 14^th of the previous year. Details on the application procedure can be found here. Accepted PhD Candidates can inscribe for the program the following summer semester.

Then you will unfortunately have to wait a year. Applications in advance or after the fact cannot be accepted.

The PhD committee decides on the acceptance of the applicants on the basis of the submitted documents, in particular the artistic/scientific quality of the exposé and your artistic portfolio.

You will be notified in January/February if you have been accepted for graduation.

Applicants admitted to doctoral studies are enrolled as doctoral students at the HFBK Hamburg. The admission is valid for six semesters. An extension may be granted on application for up to four additional semesters. The school does not charge tuition, but a fee for administration.