PhD / Doctorate •

Degree

PhD

Course location

Dresden

In cooperation with

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

Teaching language

• English

Languages

It is possible to study the whole programme in English.

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

Full-time / part-time

• full-time

Programme duration

7 semesters

Beginning

Other

Application periods

February–April

More information on application periods

Please find more details on this website .

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. doctoral seminars, Resource Nexus courses, 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 concept of the Resource Nexus, the programme comprises a minimum of 25 course credits in addition to 185 dissertation credits. The academic degree is only awarded when a minimum of 210 credit points, including the dissertation, has been earned. 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 four mandatory course modules spanning multiple semesters: Resource Nexus I: Conceptual Foundations, Resource Nexus II: In Practice, Resource Nexus III: Implementation and Case Studies, and Advancing the Resource Nexus Approach in the UN System. 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 conceptual foundations of the Resource Nexus approach through two core thematic courses, while simultaneously beginning work on their dissertation research. In the second semester, students continue with two further courses — focusing on implementation, case studies, and the Resource Nexus in the UN system — alongside ongoing dissertation work. From the third semester onwards, PhD candidates concentrate primarily on their dissertation research, while continuing to earn credits through the Advancing the Resource Nexus Approach in the UN System module across subsequent semesters. The final semester includes a concluding component of the Resource Nexus III module alongside dissertation work.

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 development-related postgraduate course

Course-specific, integrated German language courses

No

Course-specific, integrated English language courses

No

Tuition fees per semester

None

Semester contribution

Students are responsible to enrol at TU Dresden and required to pay a semester fee of 338 EUR per semester. This includes a ticket for public transport and regional trains in all of Germany. 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. To cover all costs of living, PhD candidates should plan between 1,200 and 1,600 EUR per month. More information about Dresden can be found here .

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.

German language skills

No minimum language level required

English language skills

C1 required, proof via placement test/interview

Language requirements exemptions

Please find details on the course website.

Application periods

February–April

More information on application periods

Please find more details on this website .

Submit application via

Please check this website .

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 Centre at TU Dresden for additional support.

Structured research and supervision

Yes

Research training / discussion

Yes

Career advisory services and programmes for future professionals

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 Centre offers extensive information on formal and social integration opportunities to international researchers as well as introductory sessions and tours.

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