Start-up Scholarships for MA Graduates

Deadline: 15 January 2016
Open to: international applicants with Master’s degree in sociology, history, political science, social anthropology or gender studies
Scholarship: a stipend of EUR 1,200 per month

Description

The Bielefeld Graduate School in History and Sociology (BGHS) awards up to six four-month start-up scholarships to international MA graduates who would like to pursue a doctoral degree in history, sociology, anthropology, or political science at the BGHS. Recipients receive the opportunity to prepare a persuasive proposal for a dissertation project. Subsequently, they may apply for the doctoral degree programme at the BGHS and/or for scholarships, doctoral positions and funding programmes in Germany or worldwide.

Scholarship holders will participate in workshops on German academia as well as on writing a project description and will be supported intensively in finding a funding for their research project. Frequent exchange with peer researchers, BGHS staff, and professors facilitates guidance and support during these four months. Scholarship holders will also take part in a German or English class at PunktUm. By the end of their stay the candidates present their developed projects to the BGHS community and submit a final report.  To ensure that the project fits with the BGHS profile, applicants should take a close look at the Areas of research covered by the BGHS. All projects should be relatable to those areas.

Eligibility

Applicants should hold a Master’s degree or equivalent in sociology, history, political science, social anthropology or gender studies; applications from related disciplines are welcome. Women are strongly encouraged to apply. Graduates from abroad who wish to pursue a doctoral degree in history, sociology, anthropology or political science may apply for a start-up scholarship. Applications from pre-doctoral researchers are welcomed. Applicants should speak either German or English fluently. Neither German nationals nor foreigners with a tertiary education from a German university may apply.

Scholarship

The scholarships will be awarded for the Summer Term of each year (1 April until 31 July) and include a stipend of EUR 1,200 per month. This amount will be supplemented by an allowance for children if applicable. Upon application, travel costs can also be covered by the Graduate School. Moreover, the BGHS will offer a study programme tailored to the particular needs of international MA graduates.

How to apply?

The deadline for applications is 15 January 2016. Please submit the following documents via online application portal:

  • Covering letter (600 words max.);
  • Curriculum Vitae (1,000 words max.);
  • Summary of your MA thesis (600 words max.);
  • Project description (800 words max.);
  • Letter of recommendation from your supervisor/advisor at your university (If preferred, your supervisor/advisor can send the letter directly to the BGHS: application-bghs@uni-bielefeld.de);
  • University and college transcripts (Master’s certificate or a statement from your examination office that you have successfully completed your Master’s studies. All your grades, including the grade for your Master’s thesis, must be displayed in this statement.).

For more application please visit the official website and read the FAQ section.

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