PhD Scholarships in Transnational Studies (Berlin, Germany)

The PhD programme at BTS comprises three years of structured training and coursework, designed to complement and reinforce doctoral candidates? primary work of conducting independent thesis research. While they work toward completing their thesis, all programme participants participate in survey courses, colloquia on research methods, and multidisciplinary skills workshops.

BTS is committed to maintaining high standards in doctoral supervision. Each PhD candidate is supervised by a team of up to three supervisors. The lead supervisor is a BTS faculty member. One of the other two co-supervisors may be external to the cooperating BTS institutions. PhD students meet frequently with their supervisors, and supervision is carried out according to a formal work plan. The work plan contains a timetable for submitting parts or chapters of the PhD thesis, as well as meetings with the supervisor(s). Work plans also track changes and amendments to the thesis. The goal is to identify student?s strengths and weaknesses in order to provide the type of support that will help each individual compete their thesis.

In addition to individual supervision, BTS offers students training in various areas of professional development such as research management, teaching, publication strategies, and mid- and long-term career planning. Ultimately, the goal of the BTS is to help all students successfully finish their PhD projects within three years while preparing them for the next steps of their careers.

BTS receives financial support from the Fritz Thyssen Foundation, the German Research Foundation (DFG), the Hertie Foundation, the Einstein Foundation Berlin, and the DAAD programme ´International Promovieren in Deutschland´, funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research.

For further information, please visit http://www.transnationalstudies.eu

The programme starts in September for a duration of 36 months.

English is the Working Language of the programme.

Subject Requirements (Qualification)
Admission to the programme is open to graduates of masters´ programmes in political science and related fields. The application requirements are:

– An up-to-date CV

– A short letter of motivation (600 words maximum)

– An innovative research proposal (5000 words maximum) with a timetable of the research project (for information on how to write a research proposal, please consult http://www.transnationalstudies.eu/content.php?nav_id=1579 )

– A university degree qualifying for PhD studies in political science or related disciplines

– Proof of English-language proficiency (C1 or higher)

– Two letters of reference from professors at universities or research institutions

Qualified and interested applicants should submit their documents online athttp://www.transnationalstudies.eu. The online application tool is available starting December 1st. The closing date for applications is February 1st.
Attention: Please do not apply via DAAD

University / Organisation
Freie Universität Berlin
14195 Berlin
http://www.fu-berlin.de/

Faculty / Institute
Berlin Grad. Sch. Transnational Studies
Berlin
www.transnationalstudies.eu