A German university is to investigate allegations that Education Minister Annette Schavan plagiarised parts of her doctoral thesis in 1980, BBC News reported.

The University of Duesseldorf has voted to back the inquiry into her philosophy thesis on the formation of conscience.

Ms Schavan has denied the claims first raised by an anonymous blogger.

But the investigation into one of Chancellor Angela Merkel's closest allies is seen as potentially awkward months before federal elections.

Another plagiarism row in 2011 led to the resignation of Defence Minister Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg, when it emerged that large parts of his doctoral thesis were copied.

Ms Schavan has told the Suedwest Presse newspaper she had no intention of resigning. Chancellor Merkel's spokesman said on Wednesday, January 23 she had full confidence in the minister's work.