General Introduction
The Graduate Programme for Transcultural Studies (GPTS) is a structured doctoral programme within the interdisciplinary research environment of the Cluster. The programme's institutional reference is the Karl Jaspers Centre (KJC), situated at Heidelberg University.
Doctoral students are taught by scholars working within the Cluster and thereby have access to a vibrant international scholarly community. The doctoral programme offers
a) an introduction to theories and methodologies of transcultural studies,
b) access to a well-equipped work environment supported by European and Asian institutions,
c) participation in the gathering of textual and non-textual source material,
d) support of doctoral projects which are linked to the broad research fields pursued by the Cluster.
In line with the Cluster's focus, the programme's research profile centres on the dynamics of cultural exchange processes between Asia and Europe. The Cluster challenges the master narrative of asymmetrical Western domination along with its historical explanation, its methodology, and the resulting structures of the humanities and social sciences. Involving Asian, European, and global perspectives, the GPTS offers an excellent working environment for young scholars who wish to be integrated into cooperative research on problems of high complexity, both in terms of subject matter and methodology.
The GPTS combines the European model of highly individualised doctoral studies and a system of guided courses. Supervision is provided by mentors during a term of three academic years. In the first year participants attend a number of thematically focused classes. The second year is intended for field research, while the third year is dedicated for the writing and presenting of the results. Each doctoral student will be assigned two mentors/advisors. Half of the scholarships are reserved for students from Asia.
The GPTS now welcomes applications for up to six doctoral scholarships!
Starting in October 2017, the Graduate Programme for Transcultural Studies (GPTS) will grant up to six doctoral scholarships for three years to European and Asian students.
Applications have to be submitted through the Online Application System.
Deadline for applications is March 15, 2017.
The GPTS welcomes applications for doctoral scholarships each year. Thus far there have been eight application rounds, in spring/summer 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016.
Application Requirements
Applicants must hold an M.A. or equivalent in a discipline of the humanities or social sciences with an above-average grade (at least 1.7, B+, 2+, "magna cum laude", or equivalent).
The degree has to reflect at least five years of study at university level. Applicants who plan to graduate in 2017 must provide a university transcript that clearly indicates the progress to degree.
Applicants must prove advanced language skills in English by providing a certificate confirming at least level C1 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, e.g. score of 100 in Internet based TOEFL or score of 7.5 in IELTS. Other methods of proof may also be acceptable.
Documents must be submitted in English, German, French or Italian. Documents in other languages must be submitted as certified translations into English or German.
Application Process
The application process consists of four parts.
1. Applicants have to register and log into the Online Application System (accessible only when call for application is ongoing!) of the GPTS. Further guidelines will be available after login. During the application process you may save your data at any time and return to the online system at a later date (changes are possible until you submit or the deadline ends). Through the system applicants are required to provide
- proof of their M.A. (or equivalent) with a transcript of courses and grades (NOTE: If the degree is still pending, applicants have to provide a detailed transcript of courses, indicating the progress to degree.)
- two letters of reference (NOTE: The requests are also send out via the system. Please make sure to inform your referees as early as possible for them to be able to submit the letter in time for the application deadline.)
- an abstract of the proposed doctoral project with a working plan
- a letter of intention
- proof of language skills (see above for English, plus - if applicable - other languages relevant for the proposed project)
- further information about their education, work experience and other skills
- possible supervisor from the Cluster.
The proposed doctoral project must have clear connections to the general research framework of the Cluster.
Suitable supervisors may be found amongst the Professorships and senior researchers involved in the projects of the Cluster. Please be advised, that, generally, only lecturers with the academic title of "Prof." or "PD Dr." or, in special cases, junior research group leaders are eligible to serve as doctoral supervisor.
2. After an initial evaluation and selection, applicants will be asked to contact suitable supervisors at the Cluster to discuss their proposed projects.
3. The most promising applicants will be invited to present their projects to the selection committee.
4. Subsequent to the interviews, the scholarship holders will be selected.
This opportunity has expired. It was originally published here:
http://www.asia-europe.uni-heidelberg.de/en/studies/graduate-programme-for-transcultural-studies.html