German: Geography (PhD) University of Göttingen in Germany

International Programmes 2025/2026©paginationHomeBackPreviousNextGeography (PhD)Geography (PhD)University of Göttingen• GöttingenOverviewCourse detailsCosts / FundingRequirements / RegistrationServicesDegreeDr rer nat / PhD GeographyCourse locationGöttingenTeaching languageGermanEnglishLanguagesCourses are held in English (75%) and German (25%).Programme duration6 semestersBeginningWinter and summer semesterApplication deadline31 July for the following winter semester31 January for the following summer semesterTuition fees per semester in EURNoneCombined Master's degree / PhD programmeNoJoint degree / double degree programmeNoDescription/contentThe PhD programme in Geography is based on the research focus "Resources and Sustainability". The research focuses on the interface of human-environment research. The general theme associates process mapping and modelling, creation of material balances (water, air, sediment, carbon, nitrogen and pollutants), the reconstruction of past environmental conditions and the analysis and modelling of the consequences of interventions in biogeochemical cycles. The social science methodology is included in the context of human ecology, political ecology, institutional analysis, and resource-use conflicts.The Departments of Human Geography, Physical Geography and Cartography, GIS and Remote Sensing are closely linked with the Centre for Biodiversity and Sustainable Land Use (CBL). Furthermore, the Department of Human Geography is linked with the Centre for Modern Indian Studies (CeMIS) and the Department of Cartography, GIS and Remote Sensing is integrated in the Interdisciplinary Centre for Sustainable Development (IZNE).The doctoral students learn autonomous scientific work through participation in these international collaborative projects and centres. They also receive knowledge and skills that go beyond a curricular programme of study, namely, through the active participation in the academic affairs of the Faculty and Institute of Geography.For more information:http://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/430860.htmlCourse organisationThe focus of the PhD programme lies on the individual research of the PhD students (160 ECTS are gained by dissertation and defence), which is accompanied by a variety of courses:20 ECTS are gained by completing courses: one compulsory course on theory and methods, three elective courses (e.g., on reflecting research, scientific communication, scientific teaching, key competencies, etc.)Students are free to decide on the specific courses they will complete during each semester.Integrated internshipsNoneCourse-specific, integrated German language coursesNoCourse-specific, integrated English language coursesNoTuition fees per semester in EURNoneSemester contributionThefeesare around 400 EUR per semester. This usually includes a prepaidsemester ticket, which entitles students to use regional trains in Germany free of charge, as well as buses.Costs of livingThe averagecost of livingin Göttingen is modest compared to other major university cities in Germany. Currently, expenses for accommodation, food, health insurance and books are about 850 EUR per month. Please note that fees for health insurance may vary according to age.Students of the University of Göttingen receive discounts for cultural events. Meals and drinks are also available at reduced prices at all university canteens.Funding opportunities within the universityNoAcademic admission requirementsMaster's degree and at least 150 ECTS credits in one of the following areas: geography, environmental sciences, agricultural sciences, forest sciences, biology, or social or economic sciencesThe confirmation of one potential supervisor from the Institute of Geography to supervise the doctoral thesis is required upon application.Please see the course website for the entire admission regulations and details about the application procedure:http://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/430860.htmlLanguage requirementsApplicants must provide proof of their English skills, e.g.:Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English, at least grade "B"Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English, at least grade "C"IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System): at least 6TOEFL iBT: at least 80 pointsTOEFL PBT (paper-based): at least 550 pointsCEFR (Common European Framework of Reference): at least level B2 certificateUNIcert: at least level IIIsuccessful graduation from an English language study programmeApplication deadline31 July for the following winter semester31 January for the following summer semesterSubmit application toGeorg-August-Universität GöttingenFakultät für Geowissenschaften und GeographieDekanatGoldschmidtstr. 337077 GöttingenGermanyPossibility of finding part-time employmentThe university supports students in finding part-time jobs in local industries and businesses. A number of student jobs are also available at the university. They are announced on the following website:www.stellenwerk-goettingen.dePlease note that restrictions may apply with your scholarship or visa. Non-EU students are subject to special regulations.Some proficiency in German may be indispensable to find a job. Non-EU students are permitted to work a maximum of 120 full days (240 half days) per year.AccommodationTheAccommodation Serviceof the International Office supports international students who are enrolled at the University of Göttingen in finding accommodation and serves as a point of contact for related queries. The Accommodation Service also publishes suitable offers from private landlords in Göttingen and collaborates with the Student Services ("Studierendenwerk"). As the number of available accommodation options in Göttingen is limited, it is highly recommended to contact the Accommodation Service as early as possible.Please note: For doctoral students, accommodation services are only available if you have a low income.Structured research and supervisionYesResearch training / discussionYesCareer advisory services and programmes for future professionalsTheCareer Serviceof the university offers individual support for the job entry. Especially for international students aiming for a career entry in Germany, the Career Service provides topic-specific workshops, online learning modules, and a qualification programme.The project "Start Guides" also offers assistance in developing and realising individual career perspectives in Germany.If you are interested in the topic of founding a company, start-up support is offered! The university supports you with advice, funding, qualification formats and network contacts.Start-up supportSupport for international students and doctoral candidatesSupport with registration proceduresGeneral services and support for international students and doctoral candidatesSupport of the graduate school:https://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/567628.htmlInternational Office of the university:https://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/574687.htmlFoyer International:https://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/2554.htmlGerman courses during studies (free of charge):https://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/7710.htmlUniversity of GöttingenUniversity locationActivate mapTo 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 ourprivacy policy.You can revoke your consent to the transmission of data at any time.Show mapContactUniversity of GöttingenDekanat der Fakultät für Geowissenschaften und GeographieGoldschmidtstr. 537077 GöttingenE-Mail:EmailWeb:Course website