Joint PhD in Sustainable Resource Nexus Management
Interdisciplinary PhD programme addressing integrated resource management through a holistic Resource Nexus approach.
Best for:Best for interdisciplinary researchers with a background in engineering, natural sciences, or social sciences, seeking to contribute to sustainable resource management through a structured PhD programme with international collaboration opportunities.
Overview
This international PhD programme at Dresden University of Technology, in collaboration with the United Nations University’s Institute for Integrated Management of Material Fluxes and Resources (UNU-FLORES), focuses on sustainable resource management. Students from diverse backgrounds—engineering, natural sciences, and social sciences—will develop research solutions to global resource challenges through a structured curriculum combining coursework and dissertation research. The programme spans seven semesters, with mandatory modules on conceptual foundations, practical applications, and case studies, alongside opportunities for international collaboration and fieldwork. It is designed for applicants with a strong interdisciplinary foundation and a commitment to addressing the Resource Nexus through innovative, science-based approaches.
What you'll do
- Develop and conduct original research focused on solving current challenges related to the Resource Nexus approach.
- Complete a minimum of 25 course credits in mandatory modules covering conceptual foundations, practical applications, and case studies in resource management.
- Participate in international events, workshops, and conferences organized by UNU-FLORES and partners.
- Engage in doctoral seminars, Resource Nexus courses, and PhD symposia to refine research proposals and collaborate with peers.
- Conduct fieldwork and international collaborations as part of the programme’s integrated internship component.
- Earn a total of 210 ECTS credits, including 185 dissertation credits, over seven semesters.
- Present research findings at internal and external academic events.
Requirements
Degree required: A research-based Master’s degree related to environmental resources management, along with a Bachelor’s degree in engineering, natural sciences, social sciences, or a closely related field.
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English; C1 proficiency level (proven via placement test or interview). No minimum German language requirement.
Instruction: English (with optional German-language elective modules for German-speaking students).
- Basic knowledge of physics, biology, chemistry, and mathematics at the undergraduate level.
- Basic knowledge of social sciences to support interdisciplinary research.
- Proven research experience in environmental resources management.
- Ability to conduct independent research and write a dissertation.
- Proficiency in English at C1 level (proven via placement test or interview).
- Applicants must have a final grade of 2.5 or better in their Master’s degree (German grading system).
- No nationality restrictions, but applicants must meet the admission criteria of both Dresden University of Technology and UNU-FLORES.
- No age restrictions, but applicants should be prepared for a full-time commitment over seven semesters.
Funding & terms
Programme and admissions
Admissions not verified
A catalogue listing does not mean applications are open or funding is guaranteed. Check the source for your intake.
- Intake
- Not confirmed by the source
- Duration
- Not confirmed by the source
- Teaching language
- Not confirmed by the source
- Taught / research mode
- Not confirmed by the source
- Study mode
- Not confirmed by the source
- Campus
- Not confirmed by the source
- Prerequisites
- Not confirmed by the source
- Application instructions
- Not confirmed by the source
- Tuition
- Not confirmed by the source
- Funding
- Not confirmed by the source
How to apply
Deadline: February–April
Applicants must submit their application through the official UNU-FLORES portal. The application process includes providing academic transcripts, a research proposal, proof of English proficiency (C1 level), and letters of recommendation. Detailed instructions and required documents are available on the UNU-FLORES careers website.
- CV or curriculum vitae
- Master’s and Bachelor’s degree transcripts
- Proof of English proficiency (C1 level)
- Research proposal outlining the intended PhD project
- Letters of recommendation (number not specified)
- Motivation letter explaining the applicant’s fit for the programme
Contact
UNU-FLORES Admissions Office· PhD Programme Coordinator
Create a free profile to unlock your personal match score, the full requirements, funding details and how to apply — in English or Persian.