PhD Programme in Global and Area Studies at Leipzig University Leipzig University in Germany

The Graduate School Global and Area Studies (GSGAS) at Leipzig University offers a unique PhD programme that invites young scholars from around the world to engage in research that is global in scope and inter- as well as post-disciplinary in orientation. The programme is designed for excellent PhD candidates from area studies, history, social sciences, and international studies, aiming to answer how societies across the globe respond to the dialectics of deterritorialisation and reterritorialisation. The approach, developed over two decades, combines global and transnational history with international, area, and transregional studies, including the investigation of commodity chains, international organisations, migration systems, and cultural transfers at critical junctures of globalisation.

Research at GSGAS critically examines mechanisms of social interaction, innovation, and development, focusing on power relations and resistance to hegemony at local, regional, transnational, and global levels. The programme encourages projects that connect developments in at least two world regions and relate historical approaches to systematic-analytical categories from the social sciences, including human geography.

The teaching programme is well-structured, offering individual supervision and opportunities to interact with over 100 other PhD students and post-docs. It follows the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS), requiring 180 credit points, with 60 from lectures and seminars and the rest from dissertation progress. Four modules include weekly seminars, monthly working groups, and regular doctoral colloquia. Workshops cover key skills such as presentation techniques, empirical methods of social research, academic writing, and application techniques. Annual events include a PhD conference and the Leipzig Summer School on Globalisation and Area Studies.

Thesis committees, comprising the head, supervisor, and two board members, monitor progress and provide advisory support. The programme features international guest lecturers, thematic reference to the international context, and a content-related regional focus. Courses are held mainly in English (90%) and German (10%), and participants may write their thesis in either language. The programme is fully on-site with voluntary online elements and lasts six semesters.

Funding opportunities are available through the Leipzig Excellence Fund for Young Researchers (LE4YOU), positions for doctoral researchers, Saxony State Postgraduate Scholarship, and Sylff Fellowship. There are no tuition fees, but a semester contribution of 279 EUR applies. Living costs are approximately 1,200 EUR per month. The programme begins in winter and summer semesters, with application deadlines of 1 January for summer and 1 July for winter. Applicants must have a Master's degree or equivalent, outstanding academic performance, and excellent English and basic German skills. Applications should be submitted as a single PDF via email.

Support for international students includes welcome events, specialist counselling, and assistance with registration procedures. Career advisory services are available through the university's career service. For more information and application details, visit the DAAD programme link or contact the Graduate School Global and Area Studies at Leipzig University.