Are there application deadlines for the doctoral examination?

No.

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How does the doctoral examination work?

The doctoral examination consists of a dissertation defense based on the evaluation report provided in advance. Each member of the Doctoral Committee produces a report on the dissertation and submits this to the Office of the Dean of Research at the latest 15 working days before the examination date. The candidate is then provided with the reports (including grades) at the latest 10 working days before the examination.
The defense starts with a presentation lasting around 15 minutes followed by a discussion, which can cover the wider subject area to which the dissertation belongs.

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How is the overall doctoral grade determined?

The dissertation grade is calculated as the average of all grades awarded by the reviewers. The doctoral examination is awarded one grade determined by all examiners together. A grade of at least 4.0 is required to pass. 
When calculating the overall Latin grade, the dissertation grade counts for twice as much as the doctoral examination grade. The following Latin grades are awarded to successful doctorates: 

5.75–6.00 excellent (summa cum laude)
5.25–5.74 very good (insigni cum laude)
4.75–5.24 good (magna cum laude)
4.25–4.74 satisfactory (cum laude)
4.00–4.24 pass (rite)

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What do I need to know about the doctoral examination?

Doctoral candidates should register for the doctoral examination and submit their dissertation at the latest four months before the desired oral examination date. Please note that doctoral examinations cannot be held during master’s examination sessions.
Candidates are required to apply for their doctoral examination via the Phil App or by email (doktorat-philhist@clutterunibas.ch). The application documents and the manuscript must each be submitted as one PDF document.
All information can be found in the applying for doctoral examinations fact sheet or on the website.

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What grade is required for the dissertation to be accepted?

The dissertation is considered accepted if none of the grades is below 4.0.

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