German: Trinational Doctoral Programme in Europe's Founding Myths in Literature, Art and Music University of Bonn in Germany

International Programmes 2025/2026©paginationHomeBackPreviousNextTrinational Doctoral Programme in Europe's Founding Myths in Literature, Art and MusicEurope's Founding Myths in Literature, Art and MusicUniversity of Bonn• BonnOverviewCourse detailsCosts / FundingRequirements / RegistrationServicesDegreeJoint doctoral degree (PhD) of the three universitiesCourse locationBonnIn cooperation withUniversity of Florence (Italy)Sorbonne University (France)Teaching languageGermanFrenchItalianLanguagesParticipants can choose to write their doctoral dissertation in French, German or Italian.Programme duration6 semestersBeginningOnly for doctoral programmes: any timeApplication deadlineNo application deadlineTuition fees per semester in EURNoneCombined Master's degree / PhD programmeNoJoint degree / double degree programmeYesDescription/contentThis trinational doctoral programme is organised by the University of Bonn (Germany), the University of Florence (Italy) and Sorbonne Université (France). The overarching subject is European foundation myths in literature, art, and music. Individual theses analyse art, fictional or non-fictional texts or musical works that have exerted important and lasting effects on the shared history of European culture, and they examine the importance of these cultural productions for the creation of a European identity.Course organisationThe programme consists of lectures, rolling seminars and small-group discussions. During the first and second years, the candidates will participate in an "Oberseminar" (graduate-level course). Each candidate has three supervisors, one at each university. Once per semester, they will report orally to their academic supervisors on the progress of the thesis (within the context of a research colloquium). Afterwards, based on that report and the subsequent discussion, they will submit a written abstract detailing the status of the dissertation. Both accounts will be submitted to all three supervisors who will then decide upon the candidates' admittance to the next year of studies. If necessary, language skills can be acquired and verified. The third year will be dedicated to the completion of the thesis as well as to the preparation and conducting of the doctoral "disputatio" (oral examination).International elementsInternational guest lecturersIntegrated/optional study abroad unit(s)Specialist literature in other languagesIntegrated/optional study abroad unit(s)Doctoral students will spend at least one semester at each of the two partner universities during the three-year programme. In addition to the supervisor at the home university, they will choose an additional supervisor at one of the partner universities and a liaison lecturer at the third university. The participating doctoral students will be familiarised with the academic practices of the three countries through research-oriented learning.Special promotion / funding of the programmeFranco-German University (FGU)Course-specific, integrated German language coursesYesCourse-specific, integrated English language coursesNoTuition fees per semester in EURNoneSemester contributionThe University of Bonn is a public university, meaning that it does not charge tuition fees. However, all students must pay the so-called social contribution (semester fee) of about 330 EUR per semester. It includes a student transit pass for public transport and a statutory accident insurance, among other things.Costs of livingCompared to the rest of Europe, living in Germany is not very expensive; in fact, it is only slightly above the EU average. The cost of living for students in Bonn is around 800 EUR to 1,000 EUR, with apartment rent accounting for the largest share.Funding opportunities within the universityYesDescription of the above-mentioned funding opportunities within the universityThere are funding opportunities to help finance the semesters spent abroad, thanks to the Franco-German University (FGU). Also, Bonn University awards two temporary scholarships per year.Academic admission requirementsCandidates must fulfil the doctoral programme admission requirements of the university at which they wish to enrol. Specifically, candidates must have obtained a degree in a relevant field of study (with a standard duration of five years) with at least the second best possible marks, according to the Bologna Accord or the equivalent thereof.In general, candidates are required to be able to engage in scientific research independently. They must therefore have the knowledge and abilities necessary for such endeavours as well as being theoretically and methodically competent in relation to the subjects at hand.Language requirementsCandidates must be reasonably fluent in at least two of the three languages of the programme. If necessary, knowledge in the one remaining language can be acquired by attending courses during the first and second years of studies.Application deadlineNo application deadlineSubmit application [email protected] of finding part-time employmentStudents have the opportunity to work as teaching assistants, library employees, laboratory assistants or research assistants ("Studentische Hilfskraft": help to run experiments in the practical courses of the BSc programmes). Numerous other jobs (in bars, restaurants, shops, etc.) are offered in the city of Bonn.Bonn University offers a job database for academic jobs and other employment.AccommodationStudents of the University of Bonn can apply for a room in a dormitory of the Studierendenwerk Bonn (further information:https://www.studierendenwerk-bonn.de/en/accommodation/). The cost of accommodation in these halls of residence varies between 150 EUR and 300 EUR.For further information on housing in Bonn, please visit the website of the university:www.uni-bonn.de/en/university/university-life/living-in-bonn.Structured research and supervisionYesResearch training / discussionYesCareer advisory services and programmes for future professionalsThe University of Bonn has a central career service, which provides advice and support about choosing a career and applying for jobs. Moreover, international students can join the "iStart" career programme, which teaches participants tangible knowledge and valuable skills that will enable them to write successful applications for jobs in Germany. The programme is geared toward giving students a successful career path both during and after their studies, thus making it easier for them to enter the job market.Support for international students and doctoral candidatesBuddy programmeGeneral services and support for international students and doctoral candidatesThe University of Bonn offers a range of different support programmes for international students. The Welcome Days before the start of every semester are an opportunity for new students from abroad to gather information on the most important issues, such as enrolment, registration with the local authorities and opening a bank account. Getting to know fellow international and German students during recreational activities is another benefit of the Welcome Days.The Study Buddy programme matches newly arrived international students (mentees) with a University of Bonn student (buddy) who helps them as they start their studies and adjust to life in Bonn. The buddies give tips, advice and assistance that make it easier for their mentees to become familiar with the university and get settled in Bonn.Within the doctoral programme, help with enrolling and dealing with administrative matters at the university can be provided.University of BonnUniversity 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 BonnInstitute for Romance Studies VIIProf Dr Thomas SchmitzRabinstraße 853113 BonnE-Mail:EmailWeb:Course website