How to Apply

How to Apply

The deadline for applications for the intake in November 2020 was 30 April 2020. The review process has not yet been completed. A final decision is expected in the early autumn 2020. Applicants will be contacted directly after completion of the selection process. Based on that, we kindly ask you to refrain from asking about the processing status.
Please note: There will be no in-person classes until January 2021.

The 2021 application period for the PhD IDS will start in November 2020.

(Update: 2 July 2020)


Candidates with an above-average advanced degree in Human Geography, Law, Social or Political Science, Economics, Development Management or related subjects from all over the world who aspire further scientific qualification through a research project related to "International Development Studies" and have a strong interest in interdisciplinary work are invited to apply for the programme.


Minimum Entry Requirements


  • Qualified university degree (Master or an equivalent to the German Diploma or Staatsexamen) with an overall grade equivalent to 2.7 (fully satisfactory) in the German grading system after completion of relevant studies with a duration of at least 4 years.

  • Qualified degree with an overall grade equivalent to 1.3 (still very good) in the German grading system after completion of relevant studies with a duration of at least three years plus preparatory studies for the PhD of usually three semesters.

For international degrees the equivalence will be judged during the application process. Candidates who have to follow preparatory studies before admission to the PhD in International Development Studies can be accepted for such preparatory studies at the Ruhr-University Bochum.

Admission


Admission to the PhD IDS is based on a competitive selection process. The major criteria are:
  • Quality of research proposal
  • Supporting academic references
  • Relevance and overall grades of previous studies
  • Proficiency in English

Documents That Have to Be Submitted for Application


  • Application letter which should give an idea about the motivation for applying to the PhD in International Development Studies
  • Research proposal of PhD project of max. 5 pages (Guidelines for writing a research proposal - Download)
  • Full Curriculum Vitae (see templates as PDF, Word)
  • Certificates and transcripts of university studies, certificate of secondary education
  • Official certificate confirming applicant's English language proficiency equivalent to CEFR level C1 (e.g. IELTS Band 7 or TOEFL iBT 94 or above). If English has been your language of instruction since your secondary education, a proof of your English language proficiency is not compulsory but nonetheless recommended.
  • Two recent academic recommendation letters. At least one of the letters has to be provided by a lecturer of the study programme which qualifies for the PhD application, e.g. Master or equivalent.

PhD IDS: Contact

Dr. Christina Seeger

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

PhD IDS - How to Apply: Downloads

Guidelines for Writing a Research Proposal

Curriculum Vitae Template:
- PDF format