Application procedure
Who can apply?
Before applying, prospective students must secure a supervisor who is a member of our program; applications submitted without an approved supervisor will not be considered.
Applicants to the BeCog Dr. rer. nat. track should hold a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in mathematics, the natural sciences, or psychology, in a field relevant to BeCog. Similarly, applicants to the BeCog Dr. phil. track should hold a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in a BeCog-relevant subject within the humanities.
Degrees obtained outside of countries that have signed the Bologna Declaration must be officially recognized as equivalent, subject to approval by the Program Committee. Students currently enrolled in a relevant Master’s program may also apply, provided they have completed at least 90 ECTS credits and rank among the top 10% of their cohort.
When to apply?
- For BeCog Dr. rer. nat.: For studies beginning in the Summer Semester, applications may be submitted until January 31. For the Winter Semester, the deadline is July 31.
- For BeCog Dr. Phil.: Applications are open year-round
How to apply?
- For BeCog Dr. rer. nat.: Interested candidates apply using the GAUSS online form. When filling in this form, please select the Biology and Psychology as the faculty, and Behavior and Cognition as the program.
- For BeCog Dr. Phil.: Interested candidates should contact the Examination Office of the Faculty of Humanities. The contact person is Mrs. Köhler
Information/Documents required during the application process:
- The name of your main supervisor and the names of two additional Thesis Committee (TC) members (ensure you have discussed your proposed TC composition with your main supervisor prior to applying)
- Evidence of English proficiency (further information below)
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) in English
- Transcripts of records from your Bachelor's and Master's degrees (documents must be provided in either English or German).
- Short research proposal
- Documentation of additional qualifications relevant to the program, for instance publications, certificates from practical training or teacher and work experience
- BeCog Dr. rer. nat. applicants need to fill in, sign and upload the following document
Which language certificates are accepted?
Native English speakers and applicants who have spent at least two of the last three years in an English-speaking country for professional or academic purposes are not required to provide a certificate. Similarly, the successful completion of an English-taught study program is accepted as proof of English proficiency. Otherwise, one of the following certificates (issued within the last 3 years) must be provided:
How does the selection procedure work?
Suitable candidates will be invited to an online panel interview lasting approximately 30 minutes, during which their eligibility, academic background, and fit for the PhD program will be evaluated. As part of the interview, candidates will be asked to give a brief (5-10 minute) presentation on their proposed PhD project.
After the interview, the panel will decide whether to recommend the candidate for a place in the study program. This recommendation is then forwarded to the Program Committee, which makes the final decision. The applicant will be notified of the Program Committee's decision in writing. If the application is accepted, the applicant must confirm whether they accept the offer. If the applicant accepts, the Program Committee will issue a confirmation letter. Receipt of this letter confirms the applicant's eligibility to enroll at the University.
Is a scholarship provided?
No, unfortunately BeCog does not offer funding, salaries, or scholarships. Applicants should discuss funding options directly with their prospective supervisors.