Before defending her dissertation that completes the doctoral study, the doctoral student passes the State doctoral examination. The exam consists of the presentation and defence of a working version of the student's dissertation or its part, in the minimum extent of 3 chapters (25000 words) (state exam subject Mock Defense). This text is submitted by the student to the Head of PhD studies or a person appointed by the Head, at least 1 month before the State Doctoral Exam. Only after the text has been approved as fit for the exam, can the student submit their application to the state exam. During the exam, the student briefly presents the working version of the thesis and defends it in response to the report of one opponent who is typically also one of the exam committee members. Then a discussion between the student and the committee follows. The result of the exam is decided by the committee's vote, based on a discussion without audience (otherwise, the exam is a public, open event). The successful completion of the requirements of the student's Individual Study Plan and passing the State Doctoral Exam by the end of year 4 of the study is, by default, a condition for the Programme Board to approve of the student's continuation of study in Year 5.
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