All GPTS courses are held in English which is the working language of the HCTS.
15 February for the following winter semester
The Graduate Programme for Transcultural Studies (GPTS) is a three-year doctoral programme within the interdisciplinary research environment of the Heidelberg Centre for Transcultural Studies (HCTS) at Heidelberg University.
The GPTS combines the German model of highly individualised doctoral studies and a system of guided courses and workshops to support young scholars in all aspects of this stage of their academic careers.
Doctoral students become part of a vibrant community of international scholars and are trained in transcultural theories, interdisciplinary approaches, and methods from the participating disciplines. These include anthropology, archaeology, art history, Chinese studies, history, Islamic studies, Japanese studies, literary studies, political science, religious studies, and South Asian Studies.
The structured doctoral programme runs for a maximum of three years. While the second year is dedicated to the collection and analysis of relevant data, doctoral students have to attend a number of courses during the first and third years. These courses, in the form of seminars, reading classes, and colloquiums, are designed to familiarise them with the theoretically transcultural and methodologically interdisciplinary approach of the HCTS.
Additional workshops help doctoral students to plan and manage their research efficiently and express their results in fluent academic language.
Apart from the mandatory courses, doctoral students are required to attend regular meetings and workshops at the HCTS. Where necessary or useful with regard to their research, they may attend other courses from the general curriculum of Heidelberg University (language courses, etc).
First programme year:
Second programme year:
Third programme year:
In addition, doctoral candidates are encouraged to present and discuss their work at national and international workshops and conferences.
In addition to the possibility of self-organised archival and/or field research abroad during the second programme year, candidates have access to international partner and exchange programmes, e.g. with Kyoto University and C'a Foscari University Venice.
There are no fixed study abroad units. The entire second year may be used for research trips in connection to the doctoral project. A large number of cooperations and exchange agreements with research institutions abroad facilitate such stays.
Doctoral students have the opportunity (but no obligation) to participate in the teaching activities at the HCTS.
Fees are approx. 150 EUR per semester for the student service office, students' council, and the university administration. Fees do not include a semester ticket.
Approx. 900-1,000 EUR per month to cover personal expenses, depending on individual lifestyle.
For more information, please visit the programme's website at: https://www.hcts.uni-heidelberg.de/en/studies/doctoral-program-gpts
For general information on how to fund doctoral studies at Heidelberg University, you may also want to visit the website of the university's Graduate Academy: http://www.graduateacademy.uni-heidelberg.de/index_en.html
Applicants must hold an above-average university degree (MA or equivalent with B+ or better; magna cum laude; grades: 2+/1.7 or better) in a discipline related to those involved at the Heidelberg Centre for Transcultural Studies.
Please refer to the programme's website for more information: https://www.hcts.uni-heidelberg.de/en/studies/doctoral-program-gpts
Applicants must prove their advanced language skills in English by providing a certificate confirming at least level C1 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
15 February for the following winter semester
Applications are to be submitted electronically. Please refer to the programme's website for more information: https://www.hcts.uni-heidelberg.de/en/studies/doctoral-program-gpts
There are limited job opportunities for doctoral students at Heidelberg University.
Accommodation is available through student services (http://www.studentenwerk.uni-heidelberg.de/) or on the private market. Rent for a single room in a student residence is approx. 280-330 EUR.
In addition to the central career service available to all students at Heidelberg University, the programme coordination offers individual counselling for members of the GPTS.
In addition to the support from the management of the GPTS, the Graduate Academy of Heidelberg University (http://www.graduateacademy.uni-heidelberg.de) provides support in areas that apply to the university's training of doctoral students in general. It helps them with the logistics of getting started with their doctoral studies and provides information on funding possibilities. It also advises and assists doctoral students in completing registration and enrolment procedures, finding accommodation and settling into their new surroundings. The Graduate Academy organises social events as well as a seminar programme of key skills that it tailors to the needs of the doctoral students in cooperation with other university departments.
To activate the map, click on the "Show map" button. We would like to point out that data will be transmitted to OpenStreetMap after activation. You can find out more in our privacy policy. You can revoke your consent to the transmission of data at any time.
