PhD / Doctorate •

Degree

Joint doctoral degree (PhD) of the three universities

In cooperation with

University of Florence (Italy)
Sorbonne University (France)

Teaching language

• German
• French
• Italian

Languages

Participants can choose to write their doctoral dissertation in French, German or Italian.

Programme duration

6 semesters

Beginning

Only for doctoral programmes: any time

Application deadline

No application deadline

Tuition fees per semester in EUR

None

Combined Master's degree / PhD programme

No

Joint degree / double degree programme

Yes

Description/content

This trinational doctoral programme is organised by the University of Bonn (Germany), the University of Florence (Italy), and Sorbonne Université (France). The overarching subject is European foundation myths in literature, art, and music. Individual theses analyse art, fictional or non-fictional texts, or musical works that have exerted important and lasting effects on the shared history of European culture, and they examine the importance of these cultural productions for the creation of a European identity.

Course organisation

The programme consists of lectures, rolling seminars and small-group discussions. During the first and second years, the candidates will participate in an "Oberseminar" (graduate-level course). Each candidate has three supervisors, one at each university. Once per semester, they will report orally to their academic supervisors on the progress of the thesis (within the context of a research colloquium). Afterwards, based on that report and the subsequent discussion, they will submit a written abstract detailing the status of the dissertation. Both accounts will be submitted to all three supervisors who will then decide upon the candidates' admittance to the next year of studies. If necessary, language skills can be acquired and verified. The third year will be dedicated to the completion of the thesis as well as to the preparation and conducting of the doctoral disputatio (oral examination).

International elements

• Integrated study abroad unit(s)

Integrated study abroad unit(s)

The candidates must spend at least one semester at each of the partner universities.

Special promotion / funding of the programme

• Franco-German University (FGU)

Course-specific, integrated German language courses

Yes

Course-specific, integrated English language courses

No

Tuition fees per semester in EUR

None

Semester contribution

The University of Bonn is a public university, meaning that it does not charge tuition fees. However, all students must pay the so-called social contribution (semester fee) of about 330 EUR per semester. It includes a student transit pass for public transport and a statutory accident insurance, among other things.

Costs of living

Compared to the rest of Europe, living in Germany is not very expensive; in fact, it is only slightly above the EU average. The cost of living for students in Bonn is around 800 EUR to 1,000 EUR, with apartment rent accounting for the largest share.

Funding opportunities within the university

Yes

Description of the above-mentioned funding opportunities within the university

There are funding opportunities to help finance the semesters spent abroad, thanks to the Franco-German University (FGU). Also, Bonn University awards two temporary scholarships per year.

Academic admission requirements

Candidates must fulfil the doctoral programme admission requirements of the university at which they wish to enrol. Specifically, candidates must have obtained a degree in a relevant field of study (with a standard duration of five years) with at least the second best possible marks, according to the Bologna Accord or the equivalent thereof.

In general, candidates are required to be able to engage in scientific research independently. They must therefore have the knowledge and abilities necessary for such endeavours as well as being theoretically and methodically competent in relation to the subjects at hand.

Language requirements

Candidates must be reasonably fluent in at least two of the three languages of the programme. If necessary, knowledge in the one remaining language can be acquired by attending courses during the first and second years of studies.

Application deadline

No application deadline

Submit application to

[email protected]

Possibility of finding part-time employment

Students have the opportunity to work as teaching assistants, library employees, laboratory assistants or research assistants ("Studentische Hilfskraft", helping to run experiments in the practical courses of the BSc programmes). Numerous other jobs (in bars, restaurants, shops, etc.) are offered in the city of Bonn.

Bonn University offers a job database for academic jobs and other employment.

Accommodation

Students of the University of Bonn can apply for a room in a dormitory of the Studierendenwerk Bonn (further information: https://www.studierendenwerk-bonn.de/en/accommodation/ ). The cost of accommodation in these halls of residence varies between 150 EUR and 300 EUR.

For further information on housing in Bonn, please visit the website of the university: www.uni-bonn.de/en/university/university-life/living-in-bonn

Structured research and supervision

Yes

Research training / discussion

Yes

Career advisory service

The University of Bonn has a central career service, which provides advice and support about choosing a career and applying for jobs. Moreover, international students can join the "iStart" career programme, which teaches participants tangible knowledge and valuable skills that will enable them to write successful applications for jobs in Germany. The programme is geared toward giving students a successful career path both during and after their studies, thus making it easier for them to enter the job market.

Support for international students and doctoral candidates

• Buddy programme

General services and support for international students and doctoral candidates

The University of Bonn offers a range of different support programmes for international students. The Welcome Days before the start of every semester are an opportunity for new students from abroad to gather information on the most important issues, such as enrolment, registration with the local authorities, and opening a bank account. Getting to know fellow international and German students during recreational activities is another benefit of the Welcome Days.

The Study Buddy programme matches newly-arrived international students (mentees) with a University of Bonn student (buddy) who helps them as they start their studies and adjust to life in Bonn. The buddies give tips, advice and assistance that make it easier for their mentees to become familiar with the university and get settled in Bonn.

Within the doctoral programme, help with enrolling and dealing with administrative matters at the university can be provided.

University of Bonn
Bonn, University of Excellence © Michael Bernsen

As the former capital of Germany and the seat of the United Nations in Europe, Bonn stands for internationality and diversity. As a globally renowned research institution, this also applies to the university: In addition to research and teaching collaborations with partners around the globe, it is characterised not least by its diverse student body with more than 5,000 students and doctoral candidates from over 136 countries.

According to the Times Higher Education Ranking 2023, the University of Bonn is one of the most international universities in the world and occupies the top position within the diverse university landscape of North Rhine-Westphalia. This international orientation has a long tradition: The university has maintained relationships with universities abroad for a long time. For example, there are interdepartmental cooperation agreements with almost 40 universities around the world.

In addition, the University of Bonn cooperates with 300 partner universities within the framework of student exchange programmes. The internationality of the University of Bonn is also reflected in its range of courses: There are now 38 international degree programmes, many of which are taught entirely in English or other foreign languages or lead to a double degree with a partner university.

33,000 Students
38 International degree programmes
University location

Bonn is a beautiful and historic city located on the banks of the Rhine and also known as the birthplace of Ludwig van Beethoven. At the same time, it is a modern, lively and cosmopolitan city with a high quality of life. Bonn is also the German city of the United Nations with 25 UN institutions and many international organisations. With over 5,000 international students from more than 136 countries, the university contributes significantly to the international flair of the city of Bonn.

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