PhD: Joint PhD Programme in Diversity Management and Governance, Graz/Koper/Sofia/Bologna [DL: 21 May 2012]‏

Joint PhD Programme in Diversity Management and Governance

The three-year English-taught Joint PhD Programme in Diversity Management and Governance offers specialized interdisciplinary and comparative academic training in the study of various forms of diversity, be it ethnic, cultural, linguistic, regional, religious, social or sexual, and its management. Conflict prevention and management theories, reconstruction and reconciliation of divided societies after violent conflicts and political tensions, integration policies and the establishment of good governance throughout Europe are in focus in this Joint PhD Programme.  In the course of their studies, students will not only deepen their knowledge about theories and abstract concepts but will also be trained in the development and management of projects. Further, they will be prepared  by developing their independent, critical and reflective thinking  to provide consultancy to public and private actors and to formulate recommendations for improving public policies in different areas which might contribute to integration and a successful management of diversity.  The universities in the consortium work together with the aim to promote the mobility of PhD students in the context of a well structured and rich programme of study. The Programme provides an intercultural experience, and increases  through the ideal mix of theory and practice  the international employability of graduates. Upon successful completion of the programme, students will be awarded a jointly conferred PhD degree automatically recognized in the countries of all consortium partners. The target group are highly motivated international students with a strong record of academic success. Graduates of master studies or equivalent from the fields of Law, Economics, Social Sciences and Humanities can be admitted to the programme. Graduates from other fields of studies can be admitted only in case the completed programme is judged to be suitable content-wise by the university for which the student applies. Regarding the general criteria for admission the regulations of the home university apply. See: http://www.jointdegree.eu/phd/diversity

Application Deadline

The application deadline for the joint PHD "Diversity Management and Governance" is May 21, 2012

How to apply

Application Deadline: May 21, 2012

PLEASE NOTE: FOR THE CURRENT CALL, THE UNIVERSITY OF BOLOGNA CAN ONLY BE CHOSEN FOR THE MOBILITY PHASE. IT IS NOT POSSIBLE TO APPLY TO THE UNIVERSITY OF BOLOGNA AS ENTRANCE UNIVERSITY!

Application procedure:

1.     Please carefully read the Admission criteria section to find out if you are eligible for the programme.

2.     Read the FAQs to get answers to some of the most important questions.

3.     Collect all documents that need to be uploaded in the online application (as PDF where possible)
   - Curriculum vitae (CV)
   - Copy of passport (ID page with photograph)
   - Language certificate (exception: English-native-speaking applicants and those who
     successfully completed an English-taught bachelor programme)
          TOEFL: 84 - internet-based
          IELTS (academic or general test): Level at least 6.5
          Cambridge Proficiency Exam (passed)
   - Transcript of Records of all previous study programmes
   - University diploma/Bachelor certificate + Master certificate
   - Diploma Supplement (if provided by your university)
   - Research project structured with background, research presentation,
     methodology, expected results (the length should be between 3.000 and
     5.000 words).
   - Motivation statement (you have to insert your statement into the application
     directly but it is recommended to type it in advance)
   - 2 letters of recommendation (at least one of which from a staff members of your
     previous study programme)
NOTE: The recommendation letters have to be sent directly by the respective academic to the following email address: recommendation@uni-graz.at

4.     Apply online! http://jointdegree.biobs.com

In order to successfully complete the online application, please follow the steps below:
Step 1 consists of:
- Main data (plus profile picture)
- Profile
- Language skills
- Motivation statement
This step is then confirmed with the “Finish Data Entry” button. After clicking on this button, no further changes to this section will be possible.

Step 2 consists of:
- uploading your documents
» All documents have to be either in the English language or with an English translation! «
- ranking of entrance universities and mobility university

5.     Submit your application by clicking on "Finish application". Once you click on the “Finish application” button you will have no further access to your application and absolutely no changes will be possible anymore. So please make sure to carefully review your application before hitting the submit button "Finish application".

For further questions concerning the online application, please contact alexandra.gross@uni-graz.at

The academic coordination board will coordinate the selection. The research project will be a key component of the decision. Furthermore, the student should already be in contact with a Professor who would advise him/her in writing his/her thesis. However, the final decision on the acceptance of an application is taken by the responsible coordinator in each partner university for the respective applications.

Admission Criteria

Graduates of master studies or equivalent from the following fields can apply and can be admitted: Law, Economics, Social Sciences (Political Sciences, Sociology, Political Geography, Demography, Gender Studies, Psychology), Humanities (History, Philosophy, Linguistics, Cultural Studies). Graduates from other fields of studies can apply and be admitted only in case the completed programme is judged to be suitable content-wise by the university for which the student applies. 

Since the language of instruction in the PhD Programme is English, students whose first language is not English must demonstrate a high level of competence in English through the provision of a language certificate. This certificate is not necessary for students who graduated from a study where English was used as the main medium of instruction. 

Main admission criteria:

• General academic excellence 
• The research project submitted with the application
• High level competence in English

Concerning a thesis advisor:

The best approach would be if the student who wants to apply is already in contact with a Professor who will advise him/her in writing his/her thesis. In order to be authorized to become a thesis advisor, professors have to have the venia docendi (right of teaching) for the subject relevant for the thesis.

Concerning the readers of the thesis:

The student has to find two readers who, one of whom has to be a faculty member of one of the partner universities (§ 5 (3) 2. curriculum for the Joint PhD Programme in Diversity Management and Governance).