Start-up Scholarships at Bielefeld Graduate School in History and Sociology (BGHS)
Last Date : 26 October 2014

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Start-up Scholarships

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.

Requirements

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. We strongly encourage women 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. We welcome applications from pre-doctoral researchers. Applicants should speak either German or English fluently. Neither German nationals nor foreigners with a tertiary education from a German university may apply (Bildungsinländer/innen). The start-up scholarships are meant to further networking with scientists at the BGHS, therefore no prolonged archival or research trips should take place during this period. To ensure that your project fits with the BGHS profile, you should take a close look at the areas of research covered by the BGHS: Areas of research der BGHS.

Conditions

The scholarships will be awarded for Summer Term 2015 (1 April until 31 July 2015) and include a stipend of 1,200 euros 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. 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.

Required application documents

Applications should be submitted via the online application portal between 22 September and 26 October 2014. Please submit the following documents:
o Covering letter (400 words max.) (guidelines)
o Curriculum Vitae (1,000 words max.) (guidelines)
o Summary of your MA thesis (600 words max.)
o Project description (800 words max.) (guidelines)
o Letter of recommendation from your supervisor/advisor at your university (If preferred, your supervisor/advisor can send the letter directly to the BGHS: [email protected])
o 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.)