English is the teaching language during the whole course of study.
The thesis is written in English. Alternatively, it may be written in German after consulting with the main supervisor. The presentation at the PhD defence has to be given in English.
German knowledge will be helpful during the stay in Germany (German courses are offered at Helmholtz Centre of Infection Research).
It is possible to apply any time (via e-mail only, phd-epidemiology@helmholtz-hzi.de), provided that all requirements are fulfilled (see prerequisites for application on website https://www.helmholtz-hzi.de/en/career/phd-programme-epidemiology/application/).
During the course of the programme, PhD fellows are prepared to conduct independent epidemiological and public health relevant research. Following a successful completion, the fellows can enter career paths in academia, research and science in national health institutions, ministries, health insurances, international organisations or other non-governmental organisations.
The main focus of the programme is on epidemiology and public health.
The programme supports individual training and career plans according to background studies and interests.
Further objectives of the programme include the following:
- To gather experience in independent planning, management, implementation, and evaluation of epidemiological and public health research projects
- To acquire comprehensive knowledge on epidemiological and statistical methods
- To scientifically contribute to narrow evidence gaps in epidemiological and health research
- To acquire the ability to present results and methods of epidemiological research at conferences and in peer-reviewed journals
- To support the understanding of Good Epidemiological Practice
PhD project outlines for the PhD application should be based on the research areas of the Department of Epidemiology at HZI (topic list can be found at www.helmholtz-hzi.de/phdepi).
Admission to the PhD programme is only possible if funding is ensured by the applicant (e.g. by a scholarship or a third party), both for subsistence whilst in Germany and for project costs where applicable.