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Cyber Physical Systems
To provide a framework for both subject-specific and interdisciplinary qualification of doctoral candidates and to ensure high-quality academic training, the Department of Technology and Systems offers the doctoral program ‘Cyber Physical Systems’. It is primarily aimed at doctoral candidates from the disciplines of electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, mechatronics, medical engineering, and computer engineering.
Content and Objectives of the Doctoral Program
The doctoral program has a strong technical focus and is structured around two main thematic areas.
The first area directly addresses the concept of ‘Cyber Physical Systems’. These are physical systems with inherent partial intelligence enabled by embedded software. They collect data through sensors, influence the system and its environment through actuators, analyze and store data, and interact—either actively or reactively—with both the real physical world and the virtual digital world. Moreover, they are interconnected through digital communication systems and global networks. Key research topics within this cluster include machine learning, networking and integration technologies, communication systems, network architecture, embedded resource-constrained systems, internet technologies, and multimedia communication.
The second area encompasses sensor technology, image processing, automation, technical assistance systems, autonomous and self-organizing systems, control theory, and signal processing, summarized under the term ‘Instrumentation & Control’.
Target Groups and Admission Requirements
The doctoral program primarily addresses doctoral candidates from the disciplines of electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, mechatronics, medical engineering, and computer engineering.
To be admitted as a doctoral candidate in the department and to be able to pursue a doctorate within the program, the following requirements must be fulfilled:
- a degree that entitles to pursue a doctorate according to § 67 (4) of the Higher Education Act,
- a convincing doctoral project that fits the program
- supervision by a professorial member of the department and proposals for a complete supervision team (see also Confirmation of Supervision)
- a degree predominantly related to one of the above-mentioned disciplines, completed with at least the grade “good”
- proof of sufficient language proficiency, where applicable:
- non-native German-speaking applicants who intend to complete their doctoral work in German must provide proof of sufficient German language skills. The German language examination for university admission (DSH level 2), TestDaF level 4, Goethe Certificate C1, or equivalent certificates are generally considered sufficient.
- The same applies to non-native English-speaking applicants who intend to complete their doctoral work in English. In these cases, English proficiency equivalent to level C1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is required.
Admission as a doctoral candidate is decided by the doctoral examining committee.
Structure of the Program
The doctoral program is designed for a period of three years and consists of mandatory and elective components.
Within the program, participants engage with a wide range of disciplinary and interdisciplinary methodological and theoretical approaches, which they can apply and further develop in their own research. In addition, networking opportunities and interdisciplinary qualification courses provide valuable preparation for careers both within and beyond academia.
Mandatory Component
In the mandatory component, doctoral candidates are required to complete the following:
- Workshop “Good Scientific Practice”
- Workshop “Ethics and Responsibility in Society”
- Lecture Series (5-7 sessions)
- Participation in two specialist events on ‘Cyber Physical Systems’ and ‘Instrumentation & Control’
- Presentation of one's own research in two Doctoral Student Colloquia
- Presentation of one's own research at an External Scientific Conference
- Annual Progress Reports and Progress Meetings
Elective Component
Within the elective section, three achievements must be completed:
- Workshop on university teaching (recommended)
- Workshop on inter- and transdisciplinary research (recommended)
- Participation in conferences, publications, advanced training courses, research stays, or internships
- Transfer activities such as workshops, patents, start-ups, conference or exhibition organization
- Additionally, participation in further events is encouraged, including qualification offerings and advanced courses provided by the Doctoral College NRW and other institutions; lecture series organized by other departments; research visits to other working groups, including international ones; involvement in academic teaching (as long as it does not impede research progress); participation in further national or international research conferences with presentations of one’s own results; as well as attendance at summer schools, winter schools, or comparable events. Particular merit may also be gained through outstanding efforts in transferring one’s research into practice.
Doctoral Degree Regulations
of the Department of Technology and Systems of the Graduate School for Applied Research in North Rhine-Westphalia from 24.04.2023 (.pdf)
Framework Doctoral Degree Regulations
of the Graduate School for Applied Research in North Rhine-Westphalia dated 31.01.2023 in the version dated 05.05.2025 (.pdf)
Information about the Department of Technology and Systems
Professors in the Department of Technology and Systems
Steps towards a Doctorate at the PK NRW
Dates and Deadlines
FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions
Information about the Kolleginformations- und Steuerungssystem (KISS)
