PhD Programme in Global and Area Studies
Interdisciplinary PhD programme exploring global societal responses to deterritorialisation and reterritorialisation.
Best for:Best for scholars with a Master’s degree in area studies, history, or social sciences seeking an interdisciplinary PhD programme focused on global and transnational dynamics.
Overview
The Graduate School Global and Area Studies (GSGAS) at Leipzig University offers a PhD programme for outstanding scholars from diverse fields such as area studies, history, and social sciences. This programme, rooted in a unique combination of global and transnational history with international and area studies, investigates critical dynamics of globalisation, including commodity chains, migration systems, and cultural transfers. Participants engage in a structured curriculum with modules on empirical research methods, academic writing, and presentation techniques, while benefiting from a vibrant community of over 100 PhD students and postdocs. The programme is fully on-site with optional online elements and allows candidates to write their thesis in either English or German.
What you'll do
- Develop original research projects that integrate insights from at least two different world regions within a global and transnational framework.
- Participate in weekly seminars, monthly working groups, and doctoral colloquia to foster interdisciplinary collaboration and academic exchange.
- Engage in structured research training, including workshops on presentation techniques, empirical research methods, and academic writing.
- Present research findings at annual PhD conferences and the Leipzig Summer School on Globalisation and Area Studies.
- Collaborate with thesis committees to monitor progress and address challenges in the dissertation process.
- Contribute to the vibrant community of over 100 PhD students and postdocs through active participation in group discussions and events.
Requirements
Degree required: Master's degree or equivalent in area studies, history, social sciences, or related fields from an accredited institution
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English proficiency (assessed via test or interview); no minimum language level required for German
Instruction: English (90%) and German (10%)
- Excellent academic performance and research aptitude
- Ability to conduct interdisciplinary research combining global and transnational perspectives
- Strong writing and presentation skills for academic dissemination
- Open to applicants from all countries
- No age or residency restrictions mentioned
Funding & terms
Programme and admissions
Admissions not verified
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- Intake
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How to apply
Deadline: 2027-07-01 (Winter Semester) or 2027-12-01 to 2028-01-01 (Summer Semester)
Applicants must submit their application via email to phd@uni-leipzig.de. The application process includes providing academic transcripts, a research proposal, and other required documents as specified on the programme’s website. Detailed instructions and deadlines are available on the GSGAS application page.
- CV
- Master’s degree certificate and transcripts
- Research proposal or outline
- Letter of motivation
- Two letters of recommendation
Contact
GSGAS Admissions· PhD Programme Coordinator
https://recentglobe.uni-leipzig.de/en/graduate-school/bewerbung
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