PhD / Doctorate •

Degree

Doctoral degree

Doctoral degree or degree awarded by

Cooperating universities

Teaching language

• English

Languages

Courses are held in English.

Mode of study

Less than 50% online

Programme duration

6 semesters

Beginning

Only for doctoral programmes: any time

Application deadline

Applications for open PhD positions are possible throughout the year. For more information, please see http://www.higrade.de/admission . For open PhD positions please see here .

You are welcome to contact our International Office for additional information and support when starting at the UFZ.

Tuition fees per semester in EUR

None

Combined Master's degree / PhD programme

No

Joint degree / double degree programme

No

Description/content

HIGRADE, the "Helmholtz Interdisciplinary GRADuate School for Environmental Research", is the graduate school for doctoral researchers at the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, in cooperation with partner universities and partner programmes. We aim to provide a coherent framework for qualifying a new generation of internationally competitive doctoral researchers in the field of environmental research. Graduate education at HIGRADE is structured, with an emphasis on broad skill sets adapted to individual needs.

The HIGRADE programme offers professional and transferable skills training, scientific courses and career development to facilitate networking. Skills training is offered by UFZ staff as well as professional external trainers, and scientific courses are related to the main research areas of the UFZ within the broad field of environmental research.

Our doctoral researchers can choose from the whole range of courses offered, enabling them to combine courses that support the completion of their scientific project and promote their career development. Our vibrant research environment encourages interdisciplinary work with access to state-of-the-art infrastructure. Each doctoral researcher at the UFZ is supported by an advisory committee and the graduate school.

At the UFZ, doctoral researchers are supported by a range of additional services, e.g. Statistics Support, Bioinformatics Service, Family Support Office, International Office, etc.

Course organisation

HIGRADE consists of a three-year graduate course curriculum combined with an experimental or empirical project leading to a written dissertation. Seminars and courses are conducted in English. A superior Master's degree or equivalent is required for admission.
Each doctoral candidate will be supported by an advisory committee composed of UFZ research staff and partner universities.
Successful completion of the HIGRADE programme will be recognised with the HIGRADE certificate.

International elements

• International guest lecturers
• Courses are led with foreign partners
• Projects with partners in Germany and abroad
• International comparisons and thematic reference to the international context

Integrated internships

Internships and research stays during doctoral studies are highly recommended (external funding).

Teaching/work obligations or opportunities

No obligatory teaching is required, but doctoral researchers have the opportunity to organise and teach in HIGRADE courses.

Course-specific, integrated German language courses

No

Course-specific, integrated English language courses

No

Pace of course

Instructor-led (Specific due dates for lectures/assignments/exams)

Phase(s) of attendance in Germany (applies to the entire programme)

Yes, compulsory

Types of online learning elements

• Flipped Classroom
• Online sessions

Tuition fees per semester in EUR

None

Semester contribution

Semester fees vary depending on the university at which the doctoral researcher is enrolled.

Costs of living

About 860 EUR (per month) to cover living expenses

Funding opportunities within the university

Yes

Description of the above-mentioned funding opportunities within the university

Funding is available for additional, external training (e.g., workshops, summer schools, etc.)

Academic admission requirements

Exceptional Master's degree in a discipline relevant to environmental research (natural, social, or engineering sciences)

Language requirements

Excellent English skills are a prerequisite. A basic level of German may be beneficial, depending on the specific project.

Application deadline

Applications for open PhD positions are possible throughout the year. For more information, please see http://www.higrade.de/admission . For open PhD positions please see here .

You are welcome to contact our International Office for additional information and support when starting at the UFZ.

Submit application to

Please do not apply to the graduate school directly. Instead, check the following website for open positions: www.ufz.de/jobs .

If you have your own scholarship, please submit an unsolicited application via the above-mentioned page(s). Please check the precise department you are interested in beforehand (here ).

Accommodation

Please have a look at the website of our International Office here .

Structured research and supervision

Yes

Research training / discussion

Yes

Career advisory service

Our graduate school cooperates with the UFZ Career Center , which offers individual career counselling and support.

Support for international students and doctoral candidates

• Welcome event
• Visa matters

Our Vision
The UFZ is one of the world’s leading research centres in the field of environmental research, enjoying high social recognition. It demonstrates ways in which a sustainable use of our natural resource base is possible for the benefit of both humankind and the environment.

Our Mission
Biodiversity, functioning ecosystems, clean water and intact soils all make up our natural resource base. In the face of global change, employees at the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research – UFZ are united by the goal of demonstrating ways to combine societal development with a healthy environment.

https://www.ufz.de

The head office and main research base for the company's operations is in Leipzig. Besides Leipzig, the UFZ scientists carry out their environmental research at the locations in Halle (Saale), Magdeburg, Bad Lauchstädt (experimental fields), and Falkenberg (Lysimeter station).

Contact information is available here .

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