The GCSC invites applications for up to 8 PhD scholarships which are funded by the Excellence Initiative as well as Justus Liebig University Giessen. Scholarships are available for  international students.

Giessen University’s International Graduate Centre for the Study of Culture (GCSC), co-funded from 2006-2019 by the German federal government’s Excellence Initiative, offers a three-year, structured PhD-programme in the study of culture.

Scholarship Description:

• Application Deadline: February 1, 2019
• Course Level: Scholarships are awarded in the field of culture.
• Study Subject: Scholarships will be available for pursuing PhD degree level.
• Scholarship Award: The PhD scholarship period starts on October 1, 2019 and includes a monthly stipend of approximately €1,468 (plus family allowances when applicable). Scholarships are offered for one year with the possibility of two extensions, each of one year. The GCSC supports young researchers with families: appointees with children under the age of twelve are eligible for renewals of up to four years.
• Nationality: International students
• Number of Scholarships: The GCSC invites applications for one of the up to 8 PhD scholarships available.
• Scholarship can be taken in Germany

Eligibility for the Scholarship:

• Eligible Countries:  International Students are eligible to apply.
• Entrance Requirements: Applicants invite applications from students who graduated with excellent marks (from two-year research-track master’s programmes in one of the GCSC’s academic subjects* or  the arts/humanities, cultural studies or social sciences no longer than two years ago as well as from students who expect to obtain a first or upper second class honours M.A. degree (or the equivalent).The GCSC encourages applications which make a significant contribution to the study of culture in various historical contexts, including contemporary phenomena. An international research perspective, i.e. international study experience, is an advantage.

  The GCSC’s working languages are German and English, and applicants must be fluent in at least one of them; knowledge of both is an advantage and should be acquired during the scholarship period.

  The GCSC focuses its research within the following Research Areas*: Research Area 1: Cultural Memory Studies | Research Area 2: Cultural Narratologies | Research Area 3: Cultural Transformation and Performativity Studies | Research Area 4: Visual and Material Culture Studies | Research Area 5: Media and Multiliteracy Studies | Research Area 6: Cultural Identities | Research Area 7: Global Studies and Politics of Space | Research Area 8: Cultures of Knowledge, Research and Education.

  In addition, the GCSC has established five research groups organized around “emerging topics” that are expected to contribute to the research profile by establishing and strengthening links to neighbouring disciplines as well as to emerging topics in contemporary public discourse. Thus far, Emerging Topic Groups have been established on “Ecology”, “Migration”, „Religion” and “Life Sciences”.

• English Language Requirements: Applicants must be fluent in English or German, knowledge of both is an advantage and should be acquired during the scholarship period.

Application Procedure:

How to Apply: The main selection criteria are the candidates’ academic qualifications, the academic quality of the research proposal and the suitability of the project for the GCSC’s research programme. Short-listed candidates will be invited to a 30-minute interview.

The application deadline is February 1, 2019. All applications have to be submitted online – please register at https://gcsc.campuscore.eu (as of 1st December). Please find all information about the two-stage application procedure on our website at http://gcsc.uni-giessen.de/application.

If you have any questions concerning your application, please contact us at gcsc-application-at-uni-giessen.de. On January 16, 2019, the GCSC will host an Information Day at the Graduate Centre for the Study of Culture (GCSC), Justus Liebig University Giessen, Alter Steinbacher Weg 38, 35394 Giessen. The Information Day gives potential applicants the opportunity to meet the faculty and students involved in the doctoral programme. You will also have a chance to obtain more information on the research areas and academic objectives of the GCSC; the wide range of interdisciplinary courses, colloquia and conferences; the research support on offer; international networks and partner institutions; as well as publishing and additional funding opportunities available to GCSC members. Please register for the Information Day here (starting December 1st).

Online application

Scholarship Link