International PhD Programme in Literary and Cultural Studies
A research-focused PhD programme in literary and cultural studies with interdisciplinary training and international collaboration opportunities.
Best for:Best for scholars with a master’s in literary or cultural studies seeking a research-intensive, interdisciplinary PhD with mentorship, international collaboration, and career support.
Overview
The International PhD Programme (IPP) in Literary and Cultural Studies at Justus Liebig University Giessen offers a structured, three-year doctoral programme with a strong research emphasis. Participants engage in four core research areas—Literary and Cultural Theory, Genre Theory, Literary and Cultural Historiography, and Comparative and Interdisciplinary Issues—while benefiting from interdisciplinary collaboration across departments like English, German, Romance, Slavic, Comparative Literary, and Theatre Studies. The programme combines tailored courses, workshops, and mentorship from professors, postdocs, and peer groups to foster independent research and international academic networking. Students can choose between English or German for their dissertation, and the programme integrates language training, career development support, and teaching opportunities to prepare for both academic and non-academic careers.
What you'll do
- Conduct independent research in one of four core areas: Literary and Cultural Theory, Genre Theory, Literary and Cultural Historiography, or Comparative and Interdisciplinary Issues.
- Participate in structured courses, seminars, and workshops designed for PhD students, including masterclasses with international scholars.
- Engage in regular colloquia and discussions with fellow PhD students, professors, and postdocs to refine research projects.
- Develop teaching skills through didactics training and co-teaching opportunities with faculty members.
- Present research at international summer schools, conferences, and workshops to build academic networks.
- Collaborate with mentors, including professorial supervisors, postdoctoral mentors, and peer-group coaches, for dissertation guidance and career development.
- Participate in language training (German and English) to integrate into the German academic community.
- Contribute to academic and non-academic career planning through career advisory services and workshops.
Requirements
Degree required: Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Literary Studies, such as German Studies, English/American Studies, Romance Studies, Slavic Studies, Comparative Literary Studies, or Theatre Studies, with a strong academic record.
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English (B2 level recommended) or German (A1 level required, no proof required).
Instruction: English (75%) and German (25%)
- Proven academic excellence in literary or cultural studies, demonstrated by a high GPA or equivalent.
- Sound knowledge of either English or German (B2 level recommended).
- Ability to conduct independent research and engage critically with theoretical frameworks.
- Willingness to participate in interdisciplinary collaboration and international academic exchange.
- Open to applicants from all countries.
- No age restrictions mentioned.
- No prior experience caps beyond academic qualifications.
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
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- Teaching language
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- Taught / research mode
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- Study mode
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- Campus
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- Prerequisites
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- Application instructions
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- Tuition
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- Funding
- Not confirmed by the source
How to apply
Deadline: 2027-02-01
Applicants must submit their application through the official university portal. Required documents include a CV, a research proposal, academic transcripts, proof of language proficiency (if applicable), and two letters of recommendation. Detailed instructions and the application form are available on the programme’s website.
- CV
- Research proposal or project outline
- Academic transcripts (Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees)
- Proof of language proficiency (if applicable)
- Two letters of recommendation
Contact
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