University of Bonn

Overview

The Bonn International Graduate School for Development Research (BIGS-DR) at the University of Bonn offers a comprehensive PhD programme focused on interdisciplinary development research. This structured program equips students with a customized qualification pathway, extensive research training, and opportunities for international collaboration, fostering a deep understanding of complex development issues.

• Programme type: Doctoral (PhD) programme
• Host institution: University of Bonn (Center for Development Research / ZEF)
• Delivery: On-campus with research activities
• Language of instruction: English
• Application components: Master’s degree qualification, research proposal, and proof of English proficiency
• Standard entry requirement: Strong master’s degree and an innovative research proposal

What you'll study

BIGS-DR integrates structured doctoral training with personalized research supervision. The curriculum is designed to enhance interdisciplinary thinking and methodological skills throughout the PhD journey.

• Interdisciplinary doctoral course: The initial phase introduces essential research topics and theoretical frameworks for addressing interconnected development challenges.
• Disciplinary foundations: Courses in economics, social sciences, and ecology deepen subject-specific knowledge relevant to each candidate's research focus.
• Skills and methods training: Ongoing workshops in statistics, GIS, remote sensing, and data analysis software, allowing candidates to tailor their skills development.
• Professional and soft skills development: Training aimed at enhancing academic communication, research planning, and career advancement.
• Doctoral research: Candidates undertake their own research projects under expert supervision, guided by the program's training framework.
• Thesis requirement: Successful completion of a PhD dissertation in accordance with the University of Bonn's doctoral regulations.

Entry requirements

Candidates are expected to possess an outstanding master’s degree (or equivalent qualification) that establishes a solid foundation for doctoral research. There are no mandatory GRE/GMAT or GPA cut-offs specified for this programme.

Career prospects

Graduates of the BIGS-DR programme are well-prepared for diverse career paths in academia, research institutions, government agencies, and the private sector. Their interdisciplinary training equips them to tackle complex global development challenges, making them valuable assets in various professional environments.