International Programmes 2025/2026©paginationHomeBackPreviousNextGerman-French Graduate College Statistical Physics of Complex Systems in Equilibrium and Non-EquilibriumStatistical Physics of Complex SystemsLeipzig University• LeipzigOverviewCourse detailsOnline learningCosts / FundingRequirements / RegistrationServicesDegreeDr rer natCourse locationLeipzigIn cooperation withUniversité de Lorraine, Nancy, FranceCoventry University, Coventry, England, UKNational Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Lviv, UkraineTeaching languageEnglishLanguagesCourses are held in English (100%). Personal communication is mainly in English, but some may also take place in German where appropriate.Participants can choose to write the PhD thesis in either language, English or German.Full-time / part-timefull-timeMode of studyHybridProgramme duration6 semestersBeginningOnly for doctoral programmes: any timeAdditional information on beginning, duration and mode of studyNo specific regulationsApplication deadlineNo specific deadlinesTuition fees per semester in EURNoneCombined Master's degree / PhD programmeNoJoint degree / double degree programmeYesDescription/contentThe statistical physics of complex systems is a very broad field ranging from the study of quantum phenomena to the conformational behaviour of biomolecules which can only be successfully tackled by employing a variety of different theoretical methods. In this respect, this joint graduate college brings together the expertise in analytical theory from Nancy and the long-standing experience in sophisticated computer simulation studies from Leipzig, promising unique prospects in advanced education of PhD students via research into this important field. Additional input in computational aspects and analytical field-theory methods comes from our associated partners at Coventry University, UK, and the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine in Lviv, Ukraine.The current research topics include disorder effects on phase transitions (diluted ferromagnets, long-range correlated defects, spin glasses, random graphs and networks), long-range interacting systems, topological excitations, conformational statistics of macromolecules such as polymers and proteins (folding, aggregation, adsorption, confinement effects), active polymeric systems, non-equilibrium relaxation (coarsening and ageing), ice and water models, and quantum phase transitions. The emphasis of the school is on fostering close collaboration between the PhD students in Leipzig and Nancy. To this end, extended visits by students from the two partner universities, a joint seminar programme conducted online, and joint supervision by scientists in Leipzig and Nancy, with final degrees awarded by both universities ("co-tutelle de thèse"), are an integral part of the graduate college. In addition, visits to, and "co-tutelle de thèses" with, the associated Coventry University in England and the Institute for Condensed Matter Physics of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine in Lviv are possible.Binational grants, an EU Marie Curie International Network, and participation in an EU COST action provide an additional excellent background for further collaborations with internationally renowned scientists in, e.g., Armenia, Australia, India, Italy, Poland, Russia, Spain, Turkey, USA. and many other countries. Additional binational support is made possible by the CNRS in France and the DAAD and the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation in Germany.Course organisationThe research training consists of research work and a well-structured training programme carried out by the doctoral students under supervision. The training is individual, flexible in time and problem-oriented. Besides the research work, the training activities include workshops and conferences, scientific symposia and colloquia, literature seminars, summer/winter schools, tutoring, and transferable skills courses offered by the Graduate Academy Leipzig. The Faculty of Physics and Earth System Sciences in Leipzig offers an International Physics Study Programme (IPSP) for Bachelor's and Master's students. Some of the advanced Master's courses may be also useful for PhD students. All students are expected to spend an extended research stay at the respective partner university, i.e. Université de Lorraine, Nancy, for those primarily based in Leipzig. In addition, visits to the associated Coventry University in England and the Institute for Condensed Matter Physics of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine in Lviv are possible. In return, students based in Nancy will spend several months in Leipzig, Coventry or Lviv. Moreover, the training programme profits from the involvement of international partners.A Diploma supplement will be issuedNoInternational elementsInternational guest lecturersProjects with partners in Germany and abroadDescription of other international elementsAll students are expected to spend an extended research stay (from two weeks to several months) at the respective partner university, i.e. at Nancy University for those primarily based in Leipzig. In return, students based in Nancy will spend several weeks or months in Leipzig. Per month, a flat rate of 700 EUR will be reimbursed.In the current funding period, visits to the associated Coventry University in England and the Institute for Condensed Matter Physics of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine in Lviv are also possible. All research stays will be planned individually.Integrated internshipsExtended research stays (from two weeks to several months) at our respective partner and associated universities— Nancy, France; Coventry, UK; and Lviv, Ukraine —can be supported by the Doctoral College.Teaching/work obligations or opportunitiesThere are opportunities to teach practice-oriented modules, but no formal obligations to do so.Special promotion / funding of the programmeFranco-German University (FGU)Course-specific, integrated German language coursesYesCourse-specific, integrated English language coursesNoPace of courseInstructor-led (Specific due dates for lectures/assignments/exams)Phase(s) of attendance in Germany (applies to the entire programme)Yes, voluntaryTuition fees per semester in EURNoneSemester contributionCurrently, students have to pay an approx. 195 EUR enrolment fee per semester. This fee includes the student services, the student council, a semester ticket and the mobility fund.Costs of livingApprox. 750–800 EUR per month to cover personal expensesFunding opportunities within the universityYesDescription of the above-mentioned funding opportunities within the university700 EUR per month will be reimbursed for an extended research stay (from two weeks to several months) at our respective partner and associated universities (Nancy, France; Coventry, UK; and Lviv, Ukraine).Academic admission requirementsTypically, a Master's or "Diplom" degree in natural sciencesLanguage requirementsKnowledge of EnglishBasic knowledge of German would be helpful but is not required.Technical equipment and programmesAn Internet connection for Zoom discussions and seminars would be useful.Application deadlineNo specific deadlinesSubmit application toProf Dr Wolfhard JankeInstitut für Theoretische PhysikUniversität Leipzig04081 LeipzigGermanyPossibility of finding part-time employmentSee offers in the student job market organised by the "Studentenwerk Leipzig".AccommodationStudent halls of residence run by the "Studentenwerk Leipzig", shared apartments, accommodation services, and estate agenciesStructured research and supervisionYesResearch training / discussionYesCareer advisory services and programmes for future professionalsProvided by the Graduate Academy LeipzigSupport for international students and doctoral candidatesWelcome eventGeneral services and support for international students and doctoral candidatesA central orientation week for foreign students is organised by the international centre of the university. Arrival support for doctoral students is possible upon request.Supervisor-student ratioAs for most PhD programmes, close to 1:2 or even 1:1Leipzig UniversityUniversity 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 mapContactLeipzig UniversityInstitute for Theoretical PhysicsProf Dr Wolfhard Janke04081 Leipzig+49 3419732421E-Mail:EmailWeb:Course websiteProf Dr Bertrand Berche+33 383684815E-Mail:Email