How to Apply for the Regular PhD Program
Application Requirements
BIGSSS invites applications from candidates with
- an excellent MA degree (or national equivalents like the German "Diplom" or "Magister") in a discipline pertinent to BIGSSS' Thematic Field C, i.e. in Political Science, Sociology, Psychology, or related social science disciplines e.g. Law, Economics or Mass Communication. The degree must be completed by the end of July of the year of the program start, which means you may apply before having finished your MA degree.
- English proficiency as described in the application materials section below.
General Application Guidelines - Please read carefully
Please submit your application for a BIGSSS Regular PhD Fellowship in Thematic Field C electronically via our Regular PhD & Postdoc admissions system.
Please note that the program commences every year on September 1st. The Regular PhD & Postdoc admissions system for the Regular PhD program opens on November 7th. The application deadline for the Regular PhD program is January 31st in order to be considered for the program starting in the fall of the same year. All deadlines refer to the date of receipt of the application, not the mailing date.
You will find a list of what your application should include below.
Our online admissions system will only accept documents in pdf-format. You can download a free version of PDFCreator.
If you have any questions regarding the admissions process, please consult our Frequently Asked Questions section below after carefully reading the website or contact our Admissions Officer.
Application Materials
Please make sure to submit all required application materials in your online application.
Checklist of application materials for a BIGSSS Regular PhD Fellowship:
- Personal Information form (to be completed in the online admissions system)
- Curriculum Vitae (free text - PDF)
- Preliminary Dissertation Proposal (free text - PDF)
- One-page Proposal Abstract (free text - PDF)
- Statement of Purpose (free text - PDF)
- Statement of Skills and Experience with Methods of Empirical Social Research (free text - PDF)
- MA/BA/Diplom/Magister Certificates (scan - PDF)
- University Grade Transcripts (scan - PDF)
- Certification of English Proficiency (we accept TOEFL, iELTS, CAE/CPE (Cambridge Exams)) (scan - PDF)
- Two Recent Letters of Recommendation (to be submitted by referees via the online admissions system)
- Optional: Graduate Record Examination (GRE) (scan - PDF)
Please make sure to download and read the complete list of application materials for the BIGSSS Regular PhD Program, including all detailed descriptions and guidelines!
All application materials must be submitted via our Regular PhD & Postdoc admissions system only.
Application Requirements for the Postdoc Program
- BIGSSS invites applications from candidates with a doctorate in political science, sociology, psychology, or related social science disciplines within the last three years.
- We expect our candidates to conduct English-language research projects and to have full professional proficiency in English.
- Applicants need to have graduated prior to commencing their postdoctoral stay.
- Applicants have to apply to one of BIGSSS’ three Thematic Fields.
General Application Guidelines - Please read carefully
Please submit your application for a BIGSSS Postdoctoral Fellowship electronically via our Regular PhD & Postdoc admissions system.
Please note that the program commences on September 1st. The Regular PhD & Postdoc admissions system for the Postdoctoral program opens on November 7th. The application deadline for the Postdoctoral program is January 31st in order to be considered for the program starting in the fall of the same year. All deadlines refer to the date of receipt of the application, not the mailing date.
You will find a list of what your application should include below.
Our online admissions system will only accept documents in pdf-format. You can download a free version of PDFCreator.
If you have any questions regarding the admissions process, please consult our Frequently Asked Questions section below after carefully reading the website or contact our Admissions Officer.
Application Materials
Please make sure to submit all required application materials in your online application.
Checklist of application materials for a BIGSSS Postdoc Fellowship:
- Personal Information form (to be completed in the online admissions system)
- Curriculum Vitae & Publication Record (free text - PDF)
- Career Statement & Research Plan (free text - PDF)
- Research/Publication Plan (free text - PDF)
- Two Samples of Publications (if available) (PDF)
- MA/BA/Diplom/Magister Certificates (scan - PDF)
- University Grade Transcripts (scan - PDF)
- Certification of English Proficiency (optional) (scan - PDF)
- Two Recent Letters of Recommendation (to be submitted by referees via the online admissions system)
Please make sure to download and read the complete list of application materials for the BIGSSS Postdoc Program, including all detailed descriptions and guidelines!
All application materials must be submitted via our Regular PhD & Postdoc admissions system only.
F.A.Q.
What score do I have to reach on the English proficiency test?
T OEFL: 100 internet- based test, 250 computer- based, 600 paper- based IELT S: Band 7.5
Scores should be no older than tw o years.
We also accept the CAE and CPE (Cambridge exams)
Can Non-EU citizens apply?
Yes, all nationalities are welcome to apply.
I am not an EU-citizen. If I am admitted to BIGSSS, how early should I start applying for my visa?
You should start as soon as you are accepted to the program as the visa process can be quite lengthy. BIGSSS will try to support you in this process, but it is ultimately your responsibility to obtain the necessary visa in time for the September 1st starting date.
Should I choose a supervisor before applying?
You should indicate one or two potential supervisors you would be interested in working with in your Statement of Purpose. Please make sure to check the homepages of our faculty for their research interests. You should not, however, contact the supervisors personally. We will review your choice(s) during the application process.
For more information click "Further official information" below.
This opportunity has expired. It was originally published here:
https://admissions.bigsss-bremen.de