PhD / Doctorate •

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

In cooperation with

United Nations University - Institute for Integrated Management of Material Fluxes and Resources

Teaching language

• English

Languages

German-speaking students may take elective modules offered in German if applicable and if relevant for their research topics.

Programme duration

7 semesters

Beginning

Only for doctoral programmes: any time

Application deadline

Please see https://flores.unu.edu/en/education/phd-program for current information.

Tuition fees per semester in EUR

None

Combined Master's degree / PhD programme

No

Joint degree / double degree programme

Yes

Description/content

All coursework is science-based, and all courses require basic knowledge in physics, biology, chemistry, and mathematics at an undergraduate level. In addition, the courses also require basic knowledge in the social sciences. Courses are offered by academic staff at both universities. In line with the research agenda of UNU-FLORES and a matching research agenda of the Faculty of Environmental Sciences, research topics for PhD dissertations are focused on solving current challenges related to the Resource Nexus.

PhD students will have the opportunity to participate in various international events (e.g., workshops, conferences) organised by UNU-FLORES and/or partners, as well as internal events and meetings (e.g., academic seminars, Nexus seminars, PhD symposium, developing research proposals).

Course organisation

About the programme

The programme is the first international PhD programme addressing integrated resources management in a truly holistic way. Prospective students are expected to come from a variety of disciplines and backgrounds. To ensure that students have an evenly-matched starting point, and to introduce the basic concepts of the Resource Nexus, the programme comprises 35 course credits in addition to 175 dissertation credits. The total of 210 credits spans over seven semesters. The credits are defined in terms of the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS).

Curriculum

The PhD programme includes mandatory and elective courses. The courses can be further categorised into thematic courses (to be taken in the first and second semester) and methodological courses. In addition, students have the opportunity to take courses at the Graduate Academy of TU Dresden. Courses and workshops offered in the framework of the Graduate Academy are of short duration (typically one to two days) and without credits.

Students devote the first semester to learning the basic concepts of the Resource Nexus and the important aspects of governance and capacity development in addition to two other courses that will help improve the skills necessary to conduct their research. PhD students start working on their research topics during the first semester. In terms of credits, half of the second semester is again course-based while the other half is devoted to preparation of the final dissertation proposal and defence. In agreement with the supervisors, PhD students can choose additional courses focusing on specific skills required for their research topics. From the third semester onwards, PhD candidates concentrate fully on research.

International elements

• Projects with partners in Germany and abroad
• International comparisons and thematic reference to the international context
• Content-related regional focus

Integrated internships

In most cases, this involves some months of field work and stays abroad accordingly in collaboration with partner institutions. This is defined on a case-by-case basis.

Special promotion / funding of the programme

• DAAD

Name of DAAD funding programme

EPOS/ GSSP

Course-specific, integrated German language courses

No

Course-specific, integrated English language courses

No

Tuition fees per semester in EUR

None

Semester contribution

Students are responsible to enrol at TU Dresden and are required to pay a semester contribution of approx. 300 EUR per semester. This includes access to TU Dresden facilities and services and a ticket for public transport. The contribution also entitles students to discounts such as the university cafeterias, and cultural and leisure activities in Dresden. 

Costs of living

Dresden offers high quality of living at very moderate costs. Currently, students should expect to pay around 850 EUR per month including rent, food, insurance and basic expenses. This figure is relatively low compared to other big German cities. To cover all costs of living, PhD should range between 1,200 and 1,600 EUR per month.

Funding opportunities within the university

No

Academic admission requirements

Applicants are required to have basic knowledge in undergraduate level physics, chemistry and mathematics, with a Bachelor's degree in one of the following fields:

• engineering
• natural sciences
• social sciences
• or closely related field

All applicants are also required to have a research-based Master's degree related to environmental resources management. Experience related to the Resource Nexus will be considered an asset.

Important note: The applicant needs a final grade (in the Master's) of 2.5 or better (German grading system) to meet the minimum requirement of a successful application.

UNU is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce and encourages all candidates, regardless of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply and become part of the organisation.

Language requirements

As the programme is offered in English, applicants who are not native English speakers have to demonstrate proficiency in English. Recognised tests are as follows:

• IELTS: required level is 7.0
• TOEFL: required level for paper-based test is 600 points and internet-based test is 100 points

If the medium of instruction of previous university degrees is English, supporting evidence will be required.

Application deadline

Please see https://flores.unu.edu/en/education/phd-program for current information.

Submit application to

https://careers.unu.edu/

Accommodation

We strongly recommend to first secure a temporary and short-term accommodation (up to three months maximum) with the guest houses of the Studentenwerk Dresden: https://www.studentenwerk-dresden.de/english/wohnen/gastinfo.html .

For long-term accommodation, students will be put in contact with the Dresden-concept Welcome Center at TU Dresden for additional support.

Structured research and supervision

Yes

Research training / discussion

Yes

Career advisory service

Various offers are provided by the Graduate Academy of TU Dresden.

Support for international students and doctoral candidates

• Welcome event

General services and support for international students and doctoral candidates

The DRESDEN-concept Welcome Center offers extensive information on formal and social integration opportunities to international researchers as well as introductory sessions and tours.

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