University of Bonn

Overview

Future Rural Africa is an interdisciplinary doctoral program offered collaboratively by the University of Bonn and the University of Cologne. This program explores the dynamics that shape rural futures, focusing on land-use changes, social-ecological transformations, and the governance involved in large-scale changes.

• Programme type: PhD / doctoral research programme
• Host institutions: University of Bonn and University of Cologne, Germany
• Research focus: rural futures, land-use change, social-ecological transformation, governance, and conservation
• Interdisciplinary fields: natural and social sciences, including ecology, soils, geography, anthropology, political science, and agroeconomics
• Language of instruction: English (proficiency required)
• Duration: Typically spans 36 months

What you'll study

The doctoral research is structured around collaborative research projects and supportive activities within the CRC framework. Students will engage in research that aligns with various CRC themes, allowing for interdisciplinary collaboration.

Research themes

• Future Carbon Storage
• Future Conservation
• Future Roads
• Green Futures
• Central Administrative Project
• Data Management and Services
• Combined Farm & Household Survey

Typical organization of your PhD

• Research design and fieldwork: Formulate research questions and develop data collection strategies in line with CRC themes.
• Data analysis and integration: Integrate various disciplinary approaches for comprehensive analysis.
• Doctoral milestones: Engage in progress assessments, supervision meetings, and produce academic outputs such as publications and presentations.
• Collaborative learning: Participate in CRC activities and benefit from central data and survey initiatives.

Entry requirements

Applicants should have completed a Master’s degree (or equivalent) and possess evidence of a finished research project.

Career prospects

Graduates of the Future Rural Africa program will be well-equipped for careers in academia, research institutions, governmental and non-governmental organizations, and the private sector. Their expertise in rural development, environmental governance, and social-ecological research will be valuable in addressing contemporary global challenges related to land use and sustainability.