Applicants are expected to demonstrate a strong record of prior and potential academic achievement in addition to excellent German language skills. Applicants with a BA in German must have a cumulative undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) on the equivalent of the last 60 semester credits and a GPA of at least 3.50 in German courses beyond the second-year level. Applicants with an MA in German must have a GPA in graduate work of at least 3.7 on a 4.0 scale. In special cases, applicants who do not fulfill the above expectations may be admitted on probation.
All applicants must submit unofficial transcripts of all university course work (or equivalents, including study abroad), list of courses in progress, Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores (if submitted, scores should be no older than five years), a personal statement explaining the reasons for graduate study, a current CV or resume, a writing sample in German (5–15 pages), and three letters of recommendation that evaluate previous study and potential for graduate study. If applying for a teaching assistantship, a ten-minute recording with a sample of the applicant's spoken English.
Applicants should contact the department early in the fall if they wish additional information. Visits to the UW–Madison campus are welcomed by faculty and graduate students.
Reentry applicants will need to contact the program before applying for admission.
Resources to help you afford graduate study might include assistantships, fellowships, traineeships, and financial aid. Further funding information is available from the Graduate School. Be sure to check with your program for individual policies and restrictions related to funding.
Find information about funding on the program website .
Major requirements.
Review the Graduate School minimum academic progress and degree requirements , in addition to the program requirements listed below.
Face to Face | Evening/Weekend | Online | Hybrid | Accelerated |
---|---|---|---|---|
Yes | No | No | No | No |
Accelerated: Accelerated programs are offered at a fast pace that condenses the time to completion. Students typically take enough credits aimed at completing the program in a year or two.
Evening/Weekend: Courses meet on the UW–Madison campus only in evenings and/or on weekends to accommodate typical business schedules. Students have the advantages of face-to-face courses with the flexibility to keep work and other life commitments.
Face-to-Face: Courses typically meet during weekdays on the UW-Madison Campus.
Hybrid: These programs combine face-to-face and online learning formats. Contact the program for more specific information.
Online: These programs are offered 100% online. Some programs may require an on-campus orientation or residency experience, but the courses will be facilitated in an online format.
Requirements | Detail |
---|---|
Minimum Credit Requirement | 51 credits |
Minimum Residence Credit Requirement | 32 credits |
Minimum Graduate Coursework Requirement | 26 credits must be graduate-level coursework. Refer to the Graduate School: Minimum Graduate Coursework (50%) Requirement policy: . |
Overall Graduate GPA Requirement | 3.5 GPA required for courses taken in the department; 3.00 GPA for work done in the minor. |
Other Grade Requirements | If a student’s GPA falls below 3.50 in any given semester, the cumulative average by the end of the following full-time semester must be 3.50. The grade of C is considered unsatisfactory in the Department of German, Nordic, and Slavic: it is not counted in fulfilling the course requirements and may not be offset by a grade of A or AB in another course. An incomplete received in the fall semester must be removed by the end of the following summer session. An incomplete received in the spring semester must be removed by the end of the following fall semester. An incomplete received in the summer session must be removed within six months. Failure to meet these deadlines constitutes unsatisfactory progress. |
Assessments and Examinations | All students must demonstrate German language proficiency (if German is not their first language) by passing the Goethe Institut C1 exam or presenting a clearly equivalent certification of proficiency before taking their prelims. At least one substantial course contribution written in German is required each year during the entire period of a student’s graduate coursework. This might be a paper or a lengthy take-home examination. If a student is taking only courses outside the department in a given year, the requirement will be waived for that year. An oral preliminary examination and a dissertation proposal must be completed after all required PhD coursework. |
Language Requirements | In addition to German, students must demonstrate reading knowledge in a second foreign language, equivalent to at least four semesters of college work in that language, before proceeding to the preliminary examination. |
Graduate School Breadth Requirement | All doctoral students are required to complete a doctoral minor or graduate/professional certificate. Refer to the Graduate School: Breadth Requirement in Doctoral Training policy: . |
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
Core | ||
History of the German Language | 3 | |
College Teaching of German | 1 | |
Theory of Teaching German | 2 | |
Survey of German Literature | 3 | |
Students must select one of the following options to complete 3 credits in survey of German literature. | ||
German Literary Movements Since 1750 | ||
German Electives | 27 | |
In consultation with advisor, students select courses numbered 500 and above in GERMAN. may fulfill 3 credits of this requirement. | ||
Graduate Seminar in Professional Development | ||
Research | 6 | |
Individual Research in Literature | ||
Individual Research Linguistics and Germanic Philology | ||
Breadth | 9 | |
Total Credits | 51 |
The Graduate School’s Academic Policies and Procedures provide essential information regarding general university policies. Program authority to set degree policies beyond the minimum required by the Graduate School lies with the degree program faculty. Policies set by the academic degree program can be found below.
Prior coursework, graduate credits earned at other institutions.
Students are allowed to transfer no more than 13 credits of prior graduate coursework from other institutions if applicable to program requirements. Coursework earned ten years or more prior to admission to a doctoral degree is not allowed to satisfy requirements.
No credits from a UW–Madison undergraduate degree are allowed to count toward the PhD degree.
Refer to the Graduate School: Transfer Credits for Prior Coursework policy.
With program approval, students are allowed to transfer no more than 15 credits of coursework numbered 600 or above taken as a UW–Madison University Special student. Coursework earned ten years or more prior to admission to a doctoral degree is not allowed to satisfy requirements.
Students admitted on probation must maintain a GPA of at least 3.50 in graduate work done during each of their first two full-time semesters or the equivalent at this university, otherwise they will be dropped from the program. After performing satisfactorily during the probation period, students are expected to perform as well as students granted admission in full standing.
Current students should refer to the Graduate School: Probation policy.
Students joining the program with an MA degree will either be advised by the department graduate advisor (DGA) and choose their individual advisor before the end of their second semester of coursework in consultation with the department graduate advisor (DGA) or be assigned an individual advisor when they enter the program. The individual advisor will be the chair of the PhD preliminary examination committee and the dissertation committee.
Time limits.
PhD candidates should take the two-hour oral preliminary examination no sooner than upon completion of the second semester of the PhD coursework and may take it no later than three weeks after the beginning of the fifth full-time semester (or its equivalent) after the MA.
Refer to the Graduate School: Time Limits policy.
These resources may be helpful in addressing your concerns:
Students should contact the department chair or program director with questions about grievances. They may also contact the L&S Academic Divisional Associate Deans, the L&S Associate Dean for Teaching and Learning Administration, or the L&S Director of Human Resources.
Take advantage of the Graduate School's professional development resources to build skills, thrive academically, and launch your career.
Faculty: Professors Eldridge, Klocke, Louden, Mani, Potter, and Taylor; Associate Professors Calomino, Moedersheim, and Yudkoff; Assistant Professors Fitzpatrick, Hennessy, Somers, and Stern; Teaching Faculty III Larson-Guenette; and Teaching Professor Schueller
German, Nordic and Slavic College of Letters & Science German, PhD [email protected] https://gns.wisc.edu/
Mark Mears, Graduate Coordinator [email protected] 608-262-6764 810 Van Hise Hall 1220 Linden Dr., Madison, WI 53706
Hannah Eldridge, Director of Graduate Study [email protected] 834 Van Hise hall 1220 Linden Dr., Madison, WI 53706
Graduate School grad.wisc.edu
All Ph.D. students admitted to the Ph.D. program in German Studies receive 5 years of 12-month funding. This financial support is provided through a combination of fellowship stipend and tuition, and research and teaching assistantships. Additional funding is provided to support academic and research expenses. Core faculty in German Studies represent a broad spectrum of approaches to literature and culture including philosophy and literature, political discourse, Jewish studies, Frankfurt School, literary theory, and visual culture. The historical scope spans from the Middle Ages to the present. For bios of the German Studies faculty, click here .
Graduate Program Application Details
Elizabeth Bernhardt-Kamil Director of German Studies Bldg 30, Rm 110 (650) 723-7013 ebernhar [at] stanford.edu (ebernhar[at]stanford[dot]edu)
Position Currently Open Undergraduate Student Services Officer Pigott Hall, Bldg 260, Rm 128 (650) 279-3630 dlclstudentservices [at] stanford.edu (dlclstudentservices[at]stanford[dot]edu)
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Germany’s reputation as an outstanding research destination continues to attract the world’s finest minds. In 2014 an incredible Number of 85,000 people chose Germany to write their dissertations or join one of our growing number of doctoral research teams. Discover your best route to a PhD in Germany, including financing options and advice on how to prepare for your research stay.
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The graduate program emphasizes seminars that provide an in-depth study of specialized areas in German literature, culture, and language. Instruction in methodology is provided for graduate student instructors and prospective teachers, and seminars in applied linguistics and second-language acquisition provide a theoretical and practical foundation for teachers. The program aims at comprehensive historical knowledge of German literature and culture and/or linguistics and is designed to train students in rigorous scholarship, original research, and independent thinking.
Students are not admitted solely to pursue a master of arts, which is an integral part of the PhD program.
There are two options to fulfill the language requirement. Students are strongly encouraged to acquire useful reading knowledge in two languages other than English and German (Option 1 per the Guide to Graduate Policy). Many of our students choose French, Latin, Dutch, Italian, Russian, Japanese, or Turkish. Students may also choose to learn only one language other than English and German (Option 3 per the Guide to Graduate Policy). The languages should have value for the students research project and probable future career needs and are selected in consultation with the advisor. The language requirement must be fulfilled prior to the QE.
Contact Info
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5319 Dwinelle Hall
Berkeley, CA 94720
At a Glance
Department(s)
Admit Term(s)
Application Deadline
December 15, 2024
Degree Type(s)
Doctoral / PhD
Degree Awarded
GRE Requirements
Discover Life at the Department
Register for an Online Placement Exam
Congratulations to John T. Hamilton, William R. Kenan, Jr. Professor of Comparative Literature and of Germanic Languages and Literatures, on being named a Walter Channing Cabot Fellow for the current academic year. This distinction honors FAS faculty members for their outstanding contributions to scholarship in the fields of literature, history, or art; Professor Hamilton's award is in recognition of his book “France/Kafka: An Author in Theory” (New York: Bloomsbury, 2023).
Upcoming events, kristina mendicino, '“logos”: on riddles, gaps, and remainders in heraclitus, heidegger, and lacan', roberto simanowski, "on the future of communication: looking at ai through the eyes of german classics".
Courses offered by the department weave a tapestry of German-language literature across the ages, at the intersection of disciplines such as history, philosophy, film studies, and the arts. Undergraduate courses open a window to the infinite possibliities of the humanities. Languages taught include German, Dutch, Swedish, Danish, Finnish, Icelandic, and Norwegian.
Browse Courses
Students immerse themselves in language study and the resonant arts and cultural scenes in Berlin and Vienna or visit Århus, Denmark, for a a comprehensive, hands-on exploration of the Viking Age and its legacy in the Middle Ages. Additional opportunities are also available.
The only summer internship/work program run by a department in the Faculty of Arts and Sciences affords speakers of German at all levels of proficiency the opportunity to gain work experience in the private or public sector in a German-speaking country or remotely.
Germanic research guide, harvard libraries, busch-reisinger museum, minda de gunzburg center for european studies, mahindra humanities center, harvard film archive.
About the university, research at cambridge.
Postgraduate Study
The German Section is one of the very few departments in the UK that can offer postgraduate supervision in literary and cultural topics across the full historical range from the medieval period to the present day. It also has significant coverage of topics in intellectual, social, and political history and the history of the German language.
Many members of the section also have comparative and interdisciplinary interests, and combinations of German studies with other disciplines are welcomed. The section has a dynamic research culture, with lecture and seminar series, many invited speakers, and a lively postgraduate research seminar.
The section also has partnerships with the Friedrich Schlegel Graduate School (Freie Universität, Berlin) and the German department of the University of Chicago, with joint events and exchanges. It offers generous funding for postgraduate research travel, conference participation, and the organisation by its postgraduate students of research activities and events.
In British universities, the PhD (Doctorate of Philosophy) is traditionally awarded solely on the basis of a thesis, a substantial piece of writing in English that reports original research into a closely defined area of enquiry. The completion of the PhD thesis is generally expected to take three to four years, and most funding is based on this assumption. It's also possible to take a part-time route through research degrees, and the expected timeframe would be five to seven years.
During your research, the student will have the opportunity to work closely with a Supervisor who is a specialist in the candidate's research area. In addition to the Supervisor, the candidate will normally also be able to draw on the help and support of one further academic advisor and consult other academics working in related fields. The student might reasonably expect to see their Supervisor fortnightly or at least three times per term.
In addition to providing specialist supervision, the Faculty runs a programme of professional training for the benefit of all research students. The programme includes seminars and workshops on library resources, giving conference papers, publishing, applications and interviews, teaching skills, specialist linguistics training, and film-making. The School of Arts and Humanities runs a central programme covering a range of topics from PhD skills training, to language training and writing and editing skills. If you wish, you are likely to be given the opportunity to gain experience in small-group teaching from Colleges. There may also be opportunities to gain some experience in language teaching in the Faculty.
For Cambridge students applying to continue from the MPhil by Advanced Study to a PhD, the minimum academic requirement is an overall distinction in the MPhil.
For Cambridge students applying to continue from the MPhil by Thesis to a PhD, the usual academic requirement is a pass in the MPhil.
All applications are judged on their own merits, and students must demonstrate their suitability to undertake doctoral-level research.
The University hosts and attends fairs and events throughout the year, in the UK and across the world. We also offer online events to help you explore your options:
Discover Cambridge: Master’s and PhD study webinars - these Spring events provide practical information about applying for postgraduate study.
Postgraduate Virtual Open Days - taking place in November each year, the Open Days focus on subject and course information.
For more information about upcoming events visit our events pages .
This course is advertised in the following departments:
3-4 years full-time, 4-7 years part-time, study mode : research, doctor of philosophy, department of german this course is advertised in multiple departments. please see the overview tab for more details., course - related enquiries, application - related enquiries, course on department website, dates and deadlines:.
Some courses can close early. See the Deadlines page for guidance on when to apply.
Funding deadlines.
These deadlines apply to applications for courses starting in Michaelmas 2025, Lent 2026 and Easter 2026.
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General info.
Website: https://carolina-duke-grad.german.duke.edu
Directors of Graduate Admission:
Directors of Graduate Studies:
The Carolina-Duke Graduate Program in German Studies Duke University Box 90256 Durham, NC 27708-0256 Phone: (919) 660-3160
The Carolina-Duke Graduate Program in German Studies is a fully merged graduate program, granting the PhD in German Studies, with a joint admissions process and a single diploma bearing the names of both Duke University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Its organizing principle is a careful combination of disciplinary rigor and interdisciplinary flexibility that recognizes the fundamental interrelation of all the cultural expressions of societies where the German language is spoken.
Taking full advantage of the intellectual, educational, and cultural resources of two of the finest universities in the nation, the program features an advantageous combination of individual attention in small classes and a close connection to the broader communities of literature, cultural studies, and German Studies at Duke University and at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The core German Studies faculty represent all fields of the discipline, including literature and culture from 1000 to the present, gender and sexuality studies, German-Jewish studies, science studies, critical race theory, film and media studies, literary theory and poetics, political theory, philosophy, and intellectual history. Multiple program options are available to students, and interdisciplinary work is strongly encouraged.
Admission is highly competitive and limited to about five students a year. Duke University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill are committed to offering six years of full funding, including tuition, to admitted students. Students take courses full time in their first year of study; in subsequent years they acquire teaching experience at both a private (Duke) and a public (University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill) university.
Application Terms Available: Fall
Application Deadline To assure full consideration, completed applications should be submitted by December 13.
Applicants for The Carolina-Duke Graduate Program in German Studies must use the University of North Carolina Graduate School's electronic application: http://gradschool.unc.edu/admissions/instructions.html
The single admissions process for the joint program will ensure that incoming students matriculate fully at both universities.
Department-Specific Application Requirements (submitted through online application)
Statement of Purpose Guidelines In order to help the Admissions Committee assess how well your interests and goals fit with our graduate program, please provide a statement of purpose of approximately 650 to 2,000 words. At the top of your statement please insert a brief description (20 keywords or fewer) of your specific research interests. In addition, please discuss your goals in pursuing the Carolina-Duke German Studies Ph.D your previous study abroad experience(s) and the trajectory of your academic career thus far.
Writing Sample Please upload a single writing sample of approximately 7,000 to 8,000 words that represents your very best academic writing. Typically, this is an essay previously submitted as an academic requirement in a humanities course of relevance to German Studies. It should make an interpretive argument supported by evidence from one or more literary texts or other cultural media. You may submit a sample in either English or German; however, we strongly encourage you to submit a paper in your native language. If neither is your native language, choose either of these two languages over which you exercise the greatest mastery. The goal of the writing sample is to demonstrate your intellectual capabilities, not merely your English or German language proficiency.
For further information, contact Professor Kata Gellen ( [email protected] ) and Professor Inga Pollmann ( [email protected] ).
We strongly encourage you to review additional department-specific application guidance from the program to which you are applying: Departmental Application Guidance
List of Graduate School Programs and Degrees
Awards: PhD
Study modes: Full-time, Part-time
Funding opportunities
Programme website: German
Join us online on 25 September to learn more about Scotland, the city of Edinburgh and postgraduate study at the University.
Find out more and register
Doctorate-level study is an opportunity to make an original, positive contribution to research in German Studies.
German was one of the first European languages to be offered at the University of Edinburgh. Since 1894, our subject area has grown into one of the University’s largest in Modern Languages and a significant centre for research.
We support a broad range of cultural and literary research themes, from the medieval period to the present.
In the latest Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021), our research in German was submitted in Modern Languages and Linguistics (Panel D - Arts and Humanities; Unit of Assessment 26).
The results reaffirm Edinburgh’s position as one of the UK’s leading research universities - third in the UK.
As published in Times Higher Education's REF power ratings, this result is based on the quality and breadth of our research in the unit of assessment.
Join our interdisciplinary community and undertake your PhD under the guidance of our experienced and well-published supervisors.
Our research expertise includes:
Explore our range of research centres, networks and projects
Across the School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures (LLC) and the wider University, we are able to support PhD theses crossing boundaries between languages and/or disciplines.
Be inspired by the range of PhD research in the School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures
Over the course of your PhD, you will be expected to complete an original body of work under the expert guidance of your supervisors leading to a dissertation of usually between 80,000 and 100,000 words.
You will be awarded your doctorate if your thesis is judged to be of an appropriate standard, and your research makes a definite contribution to knowledge.
Read our pre-application guidance on writing a PhD research proposal
Beyond the Books is a podcast from the School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures (LLC) that gives you a behind-the-scenes look at research and the people who make it happen.
Listen to a mix of PhD, early career and established researchers talk about their journey to and through academia and about their current and recent research.
Guests include Peter Davies (Series 2 - Episode 7), Professor of Modern German Studies, talking about his Leverhulme Trust Major Research Fellowship on the role of translators and interpreters in a holocaust trial.
Browse Beyond the Books episodes and hear our research community talk about their work
Find out more about compulsory and optional courses.
We link to the latest information available. Please note that this may be for a previous academic year and should be considered indicative.
Award | Title | Duration | Study mode | |
---|---|---|---|---|
PhD | German | 3 Years | Full-time | |
PhD | German | 6 Years | Part-time |
Your PhD supervisors will devise a tailored programme of support for you, drawing on training events across the University and in the Scottish Graduate School for Arts and Humanities, as well as providing you with individual training and guidance.
Between the School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures (LLC), the Careers Service and the Institute for Academic Development (IAD), you will find a further range of programmes and resources to help you develop your postgraduate skills.
You will also have access to the University’s fantastic libraries, collections and worldwide strategic partnerships.
As part of our research community, you will be immersed in a world of knowledge exchange, with lots of opportunities to share ideas, learning and creative work.
Activities range from a regular seminar series in European Languages and Cultures (with talks by staff, research students and visiting speakers), to film screenings and workshops.
Our graduates tell us that they value LLC’s friendliness, the connections they make here and the in-depth guidance they receive from our staff, who are published experts in their field.
The Main University Library holds academic books, journals and databases. It has over 121,500 titles in German, including around 95,000 books (printed and e-books) and 5,425 journals.
The Library is also the home of the University's Centre for Research Collections which brings together:
The Centre's treasures include the Karin McPherson Collection, a unique research opportunity for postgraduate students interested in the literature and culture of the German Democratic Republic (GDR). Running to some 1,000 volumes, the Collection presents a complete overview of the GDR’s literary (and sometimes broader) culture from 1949 to 1989, including internationally renowned and lesser-known writers.
Many of our Special Collections are digitised and available online from our excellent Resource Centre, Computing Labs, and dedicated PhD study space in the School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures (LLC).
As a PhD candidate at Edinburgh, you’ll be based in a world-leading festival city with fantastic cinemas, theatres, galleries, museums, and collections.
Many of the city’s resources are located close to the University's Central Area, making them very easy to access when you are on campus. For example, the National Library of Scotland is less than one km from our School. It has outstanding German-language holdings and is a copyright library, meaning it has the right to receive a copy of every book published in the UK and Ireland.
We maintain close links with the Goethe-Institut in Glasgow, one of an international network of centres promoting German language and culture, and with the German Consulate here in Edinburgh.
Before you formally apply for this PhD, you should look at the pre-application information and guidance on the programme website.
This will help you decide if this programme is right for you, and help us gain a clearer picture of what you hope to achieve.
The guidance will also give you practical advice for writing your research proposal – one of the most important parts of your application.
These entry requirements are for the 2024/25 academic year and requirements for future academic years may differ. Entry requirements for the 2025/26 academic year will be published on 1 Oct 2024.
A UK 2:1 honours degree and a masters degree, or their international equivalents, in a related subject. We may also consider your application if you have equivalent qualifications or experience; please check with the School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures (LLC) before you apply.
Check whether your international qualifications meet our general entry requirements:
Regardless of your nationality or country of residence, you must demonstrate a level of English language competency at a level that will enable you to succeed in your studies.
We accept the following English language qualifications at the grades specified:
Your English language qualification must be no more than three and a half years old from the start date of the programme you are applying to study, unless you are using IELTS , TOEFL, Trinity ISE or PTE , in which case it must be no more than two years old.
We also accept an undergraduate or postgraduate degree that has been taught and assessed in English in a majority English speaking country, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration:
We also accept a degree that has been taught and assessed in English from a university on our list of approved universities in non-majority English speaking countries (non-MESC).
If you are not a national of a majority English speaking country, then your degree must be no more than five years old* at the beginning of your programme of study. (*Revised 05 March 2024 to extend degree validity to five years.)
Find out more about our language requirements:
Scholarships and funding, featured funding.
There are a number of scholarship schemes available to eligible candidates on this PhD programme, including awards from the Arts and Humanities Research Council.
Please be advised that many scholarships have more than one application stage, and early deadlines.
Search for scholarships and funding opportunities:
Select your programme and preferred start date to begin your application.
Phd german - 6 years (part-time), application deadlines.
Programme start date | Application deadline |
---|---|
6 January 2025 | 31 October 2024 |
We strongly recommend you submit your completed application as early as possible, particularly if you are also applying for funding or will require a visa. We may consider late applications if we have places available.
You must submit two references with your application.
Find out more about the general application process for postgraduate programmes:
When considering a PhD in Germany , you’ll encounter a diverse and globally recognised academic environment rich in opportunities for research and academic growth. To apply, you’ll typically need a Master’s degree or equivalent , and language requirements vary by program. Germany offers internationally-oriented structured PhD programs , which last three years and include compulsory units for ECTS credits. You’ll work closely with a PhD supervisor and research training group. As an international candidate, you’ll find various scholarships and grants to support your studies. With tuition fees waived at public universities and diverse PhD programs often taught in English, Germany provides an ideal destination to study abroad.
Germany offers many compelling reasons to pursue a PhD:
In short, Germany provides an ideal environment for pursuing a PhD, combining academic excellence, affordability, strong funding support, and promising career prospects in both academia and industry.
Academic environment.
The research culture in Germany places a strong emphasis on independent research and critical thinking, with high expectations for original contributions to your field. Students regularly participate in seminars and colloquia to present and discuss their ongoing research. Supervision tends to be less structured than in some other countries, with regular meetings with supervisors but an expectation that students will take significant initiative in their work. Being part of a research group often offers additional opportunities for collaboration.
German universities are well-equipped with extensive digital resources and state-of-the-art laboratories. Students also have numerous opportunities to attend and present at international conferences. While many PhD programs, especially in STEM fields, are conducted in English, learning German can greatly enhance your overall experience and career prospects.
Germany is known for valuing a healthy work-life balance. PhD students typically work 38-40 hours per week and enjoy generous vacation time, usually around 30 days per year. Most PhD students live in shared apartments (WGs) or student dormitories, with rent in major cities ranging from €300 to €800 per month. The country boasts excellent public transportation systems, and many students use bicycles for daily commuting. Often, a student ID includes a public transport ticket for the local area.
The social life for students in Germany is vibrant, with active student communities organising regular events and activities. There are numerous opportunities to join sports clubs, cultural groups, and student organisations, along with international student networks that offer support and socialising opportunities.
Many PhD positions in Germany are funded, providing a salary rather than requiring tuition payments. Typical monthly salaries range from €1,500 to €2,500 before taxes. Additional funding opportunities are available through scholarships and research grants. Average monthly expenses, including rent, range from €850 to €1,000, and health insurance, which is mandatory, costs around €80 to €100 per month. Students can also take advantage of various discounts for cultural activities and museums.
German universities offer robust support services for abroad students. International offices assist with visa processes, accommodation, and integration, providing orientation programs and language courses. Career services offer guidance on job searching and career development, organising career fairs and networking events. Mental health support and counseling services are also available, ensuring access to quality healthcare through the German health insurance system.
While navigating German bureaucracy can be challenging, patience and attention to detail can help manage administrative processes. Initial culture shock is common but typically subsides over time, offering the opportunity to experience German culture and traditions firsthand. Building an international network of researchers and professionals is a significant benefit, with potential collaborations with industry partners. The strong job market for PhD graduates, especially in STEM fields, is an added advantage, and the option to stay in Germany for job searching after graduation (with an 18-month visa extension) provides further opportunities.
In Germany, doctoral candidates can choose between Individual Doctorates and Structured PhD Programs. The Individual Doctorate remains the most common path, chosen by over 75% of doctoral students, while Structured PhD Programs are gaining popularity, especially among international students, with about 25% opting for this route.
Supervision and Structure : Individual Doctorates are characterised by their flexibility and self-directed nature. Candidates are supervised by a single professor, known as the Doktorvater or Doktormutter, and the research process is highly flexible. This approach demands a high degree of personal initiative and responsibility, with no fixed curriculum or mandatory coursework.
Research Focus and Duration : In this model, candidates often propose their own research topics, enjoying greater freedom in choosing their research direction and methodology. The duration of an Individual Doctorate typically spans 5-6 years, though there’s no strict timeframe as it depends on individual progress and the specific research project.
Funding and Employment : Individual Doctorate candidates often work as part-time research associates at universities. However, they may need to secure their own funding or scholarships, which requires proactive effort on the part of the doctoral student.
Supervision and Structure : Structured PhD Programs offer a more defined approach to doctoral studies. Candidates are supervised by a team of advisors and follow a predefined curriculum. This model includes regular progress checks, guidance, and mandatory coursework, seminars, and colloquia.
Research Focus and Duration : Research topics in Structured PhD Programs often align with existing program themes or research groups, and candidates may be part of larger research projects or collaborations. These programs are usually completed in 3-4 years, following a more defined timeline due to their structured nature.
Funding and Additional Benefits : Structured PhD Programs often come with funding or stipends and may offer more opportunities for paid doctoral positions. They also provide training in academic and scientific methods, as well as opportunities to develop soft skills such as presentation techniques.
International Orientation : While Individual Doctorates can be conducted in German or other languages depending on the field and supervisor, Structured PhD Programs often have a strong international orientation and frequently use English as the primary language.
Networking and Collaboration : Structured PhD Programs offer extensive opportunities to broaden research networks and encourage collaboration with peers and interdisciplinary work. In contrast, networking in Individual Doctorates depends largely on individual initiative, with fewer built-in opportunities for peer collaboration.
The entry requirements for undertaking a PhD in Germany are generally similar for both home and international students, with some additional steps for international applicants.
Here are the specific requirements:
The application process for a PhD degree in Germany can vary depending on whether you’re pursuing an individual doctorate or a structured PhD program, and whether you’re a home or international student.
Here are the key steps and requirements:
International students face some additional steps and requirements:
Structured programs often have a more formalised application process:
For individual doctorates, the process is more flexible:
Remember that the specific requirements and processes can vary between universities and programs. Always check the official website of the institution you’re applying to for the most up-to-date and accurate information.
The costs of pursuing a PhD in Germany are generally similar for both home and international students, with a few key differences:
Breakdown of Monthly Expenses (approximate)
In short, the main costs for PhD students in Germany are living expenses, as tuition is generally free. The overall experience is affordable compared to many other countries, especially considering the lack of tuition fees. International students should factor in additional costs for visa applications and potentially language courses. However, with many funded positions available, pursuing a PhD in Germany can be financially viable for both home and international students.
Many PhD positions in Germany are funded, offering a salary (of typically €1,500-€2,500 per month before taxes) rather than requiring payment of fees.
The main funding sources and opportunities for PhD students in Germany include:
As of 2024, the top universities in Germany for PhD study in STEM subjects include:
Technical University of Munich (TUM)
Technical University of Berlin (TU Berlin)
Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT)
RWTH Aachen University
Technical University of Dresden
When choosing a university for PhD study, prospective students should consider factors such as:
Prospective PhD candidates should thoroughly research potential supervisors and reach out to them directly to discuss research opportunities before applying to a program.
Your journey to PhD study in Germany awaits. With its exceptional research landscape, structured programs taught in English, and excellent funding opportunities , Germany offers a unique experience for international students.
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If you are interested in enrolling in doctoral studies, you must first submit proof that your declaration of intent to pursue a doctorate has been accepted by the relevant faculty at Technische Universität Berlin. This means you must first submit the declaration of intent to the faculty service center of the relevant faculty. The faculty board will then inform you whether you have been admitted as a doctoral candidate and of any conditions of your admission. The TU Berlin Doctoral Regulations require all doctoral candidates not employed at TU Berlin to enroll as doctoral students.
When enrolling, please be sure to state the degree program offered by TU Berlin which most closely matches with your field of work.
To enroll you must have received the faculty board decision confirming the faculty’s acceptance of your declaration of intent to pursue a doctorate and stating whether you will be completing your doctorate in English or German.
You must register your declaration of intent to pursue a doctorate at the relevant faculty service center (see contact details below).
You can apply and enroll at any time. However, the first step in the enrolment process, registration in our portal, is only possible for the relevant semester in the following periods: for the summer semester from 15 January to 31 August and for the winter semester from 15 July to 28 February.
As a doctoral student, you are required to pay a semester fee each semester like all enrolled students. You will not be charged any late fees when enrolling. However, please note a late fee will be charged if you re-register after the required deadline.
You can find general information about doctoral studies on the Center for Junior Scholars (CJS) website.
Enrollment steps for doctoral candidates whose declaration of intent has been approved:
Information regarding your re-registration to the following semester as a PhD student will be send by e-mail to your e-mail account of TU Berlin.
General information about re-registration is available here .
PhD students are not exmatriculated ex officio due to their successful final examination or a final failed examination. If you have successfully completed your degree, please apply for Exmatriculation upon request via your TUB account ( tuPORT ).
Registration is possible for the relevant semester in the following periods: for the summer semester from 15.01. - 31.08. for the winter semester from 15.07. - 28.02.
Here you will find current informationen.
Information and advising on doctorates and the postdoc phase, Preparation of course offers and funding options | |
Faculty Service Center | Clarification of formal questions, registration of the declaration of intent to pursue a doctorate, admission to the doctoral procedure |
Office of Student Affairs - Graduate Admissions | Advising for prospective doctoral candidates about the enrollment |
General information about stays, working, accommodation, visa services | |
Advising for prospective doctoral candidates with a foreign university degree |
Faculty | Faculty Service Center (FSC) | Contact person in FSC | Doctorate page of the faculty | Ombudsperson for doctoral candidates |
---|---|---|---|---|
Faculty I - Humanities: | Iwona Wieczorek | |||
Faculty II – Mathematics and Natural Sciences: | Anne Jenß + Lara Schäfer | |||
Faculty III – Process Sciences: | Beate Neumann | |||
Faculty IV – Electrical Engineering and Computer Science: | Jana Peich | |||
Faculty V – Mechanical Engineering and Transport Systems: | Julia Stützer | |||
Faculty VI – Planning Building Environment: | Pia Jubin | |||
Faculty VII – Economics and Management: | Barbara Engel |
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Requirements for the PhD Program in German. 1. Course work: Students take 4 courses per term for 2 years, with a total of 16 courses required; 3 of those courses may be audited; GMAN 501, Methods of Teaching German as a World Language, is required for all students; at least one course must include pre-nineteenth-century topics.
Accordingly, in most cases the working language is English. Fluent knowledge of German is only required for certain special positions. PhDGermany helps you find the right PhD opening or supervisor for your doctoral thesis and assists you with the online application process. www.phdgermany.de; Higher Education Compass
PhD Studies & Research. Science and research in Germany are characterised by a distinguished infrastructure, a wide variety of disciplines, well-equipped research facilities and competent staff. Germany offers various career opportunities for international PhD students and researchers. Discover Germany's top-tier PhD programs and research scene.
Proof of language proficiency. Depending on the language of instruction, you may have to provide proof of language proficiency in English and/or German. You can do this with certificates like TestDaF and DSH for German or TOEFL and IELTS for English. Proof of previous studies in the language is also sufficient. Academic references.
705 McClung Tower. The University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Knoxville, TN 37996. Get in touch. The PhD with a major in World Languages and Cultures requires advanced training in German and either a second language (French, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish), applied linguistics or Latin American Studies.
Graduate Program. Georgetown offers a rigorous academic program that responds to the broadening career goals of today's graduate students. We are committed to preparing Ph.D. and M.A. students for the highest levels of scholarship in research and teaching and for a range of career paths in academia and other professional contexts.
The PhD in German Studies at Yale is primarily designed to prepare graduates for research and teaching at a wide range of institutions of higher education, both within the U.S. and internationally. The North American field of German Studies today is known for its innovations in interdisciplinary research, whose main branches are language ...
Students are required to teach one year of German Language (usually GER 101-102). Teaching typically begins in the third year and is preceded by a required, one-week pedagogy workshop led by the department's Language Coordinator, in addition to the Orientation for Assistants in Instruction offered by the McGraw Center for Teaching and Learning.
The Center for German and European Studies (CGES), one of a handful of DAAD-sponsored centers in the U.S., is helping educate a new generation of experts on Germany and the new Europe across a wide variety of disciplines. It supports collaborative research and teaching of interdisciplinary and graduate seminars, and provides fellowships for ...
German Studies at Stanford is an integral part of a vibrant intellectual community of literature and language departments that are combined in the Division of Literatures, Cultures, and Languages. Cross-disciplinary work within the division is fostered and encouraged by team-taught seminars, focal groups, research groups, lecture series ...
Doing a PhD in Germany. Germany's reputation as an outstanding research destination continues to attract the world's finest minds. In 2014 an incredible Number of 85,000 people chose Germany to write their dissertations or join one of our growing number of doctoral research teams. Discover your best route to a PhD in Germany, including ...
The graduate program emphasizes seminars that provide an in-depth study of specialized areas in German literature, culture, and language. Instruction in methodology is provided for graduate student instructors and prospective teachers, and seminars in applied linguistics and second-language acquisition provide a theoretical and practical foundation for teachers.
Courses. Courses offered by the department weave a tapestry of German-language literature across the ages, at the intersection of disciplines such as history, philosophy, film studies, and the arts. Undergraduate courses open a window to the infinite possibliities of the humanities. Languages taught include German, Dutch, Swedish, Danish ...
The German Section is one of the very few departments in the United Kingdom that can offer postgraduate supervision in literary and cultural topics across the full historical range from the medieval period to the present day, as well as significant coverage of topics in intellectual, social and political history, and in the history of the German language.
Studying in Germany can be free at public universities, except for the Brandenburg state. However, other expenses are to consider, such as accommodation, health insurance, and living costs. Overall, you can study in Germany for less than 12,000 per year if you opt for a tuition-free university. 4.
Contact. Website: https://carolina-duke-grad.german.duke.edu Directors of Graduate Admission: Sarah Pourciau ([email protected])Inga Pollmann ([email protected]) Directors of Graduate Studies: Sarah Pourciau ([email protected])Gabe Trop ([email protected])The Carolina-Duke Graduate Program in German Studies Duke University Box 90256 Durham, NC 27708-0256 Phone: (919) 660-3160
German was one of the first European languages to be offered at the University of Edinburgh. Since 1894, our subject area has grown into one of the University's largest in Modern Languages and a significant centre for research. We support a broad range of cultural and literary research themes, from the medieval period to the present.
Applying for a PhD in Germany requires a minimum of eight semesters of academic study, usually a Master's degree or equivalent. Language prerequisites for PhD programs in Germany vary, but many are taught in English, especially structured programs. Financial support options include DAAD grants, stipendiums, and research positions at ...
Structured PhD programs. You can also choose what is known as a structured PhD program. This involves a group of doctoral students being guided by a group of supervisors. There are around 600 programs of this nature available in Germany, often with an international make-up, with English as the language of instruction.
You can apply and enroll at any time. However, the first step in the enrolment process, registration in our portal, is only possible for the relevant semester in the following periods: for the summer semester from 15 January to 31 August and for the winter semester from 15 July to 28 February. As a doctoral student, you are required to pay a ...
Explore your Language Studies degree. Language Studies degrees focus on two main aspects: the first is teaching students at least one foreign language, like English, German, French, Spanish, etc. The second is exploring the structure and functions of language and communication and their impact on human societies.
German Translation of "PHD" | The official Collins English-German Dictionary online. Over 100,000 German translations of English words and phrases. TRANSLATOR. LANGUAGE. GAMES. SCHOOLS. ... Access the entire site, including the Easy Learning Grammar, and our language quizzes. Customize your language settings. (Unregistered users can only ...
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