University of Bonn

Overview

The Oriental and Asian Studies programme at the University of Bonn offers a comprehensive doctoral training experience focused on the cultures, histories, and societies of Asia and the Middle East. This structured programme is designed for aspiring researchers who wish to contribute to the academic field through in-depth exploration and analysis.

Doctoral candidates will benefit from a blend of research supervision, engaging colloquia, and essential skills development, with opportunities for international fieldwork typically scheduled in the latter stages of the programme.

What you'll study

The programme is built around a combination of structured training and independent dissertation research. Key components include:

• Individual supervision: Ongoing support from a subject advisor throughout the dissertation process.
• Research colloquia: Opportunities to present research progress, receive constructive feedback, and engage in academic discourse.
• Skills and methods training: Workshops and courses aimed at enhancing research design, source analysis, and scholarly communication.
• International research experience: Fieldwork and research activities abroad, integrated typically in the second or third year of study.

Course examples include:

• Preparation and Financing of Field Work and Archival Studies in an Asian Destination
• Asian Studies at the University of Bonn: History and Development
• Language Matters: Conceptual History, Hermeneutics of Translation, and Sociolinguistics
• Digital Humanities
• Comparative Research: Categorial Issues, Cross-cultural and Economic Perspectives
• Employing Visual Sources and Material Culture in Research
• Chinese Porcelain: A Journey Through Styles and Periods
• Exotic Souvenirs of the German Aristocracy in the 19th Century

The PhD culminates in an individual doctoral project and dissertation, supported by the Graduate School’s structured framework.

Entry requirements

Applicants are typically required to hold a relevant university degree, such as a Master’s degree, that provides a solid academic foundation for doctoral research in Oriental and Asian Studies or a closely related field.

English proficiency: Proof of English language skills is necessary if the programme is conducted in English or if previous education was not in English. Acceptable qualifications include:

• IELTS: Minimum score of 5.5
• PTE Academic: Minimum score of 59

Additionally, applicants must demonstrate proficiency in either German or English, as stipulated in the general requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates of the Oriental and Asian Studies doctoral programme are well-equipped for a diverse range of career paths. They may pursue academic positions in universities and research institutions, or work in international organizations, government agencies, and non-profit sectors. The skills acquired during the programme also prepare graduates for roles in cultural institutions, diplomacy, and consultancy, where they can apply their expertise in Asian and Middle Eastern studies.