PhD
Doctoral studies at the Faculty of Humanities are organised through the a.r.t.e.s. graduate school. The PhD is awarded on the basis of a thesis and an oral examination. It is usually completed within three years.
Students can either enrol for an individual program (regular track) or a structured program (integrated track). The structured program includes interdisciplinary seminars and lectures and offers additional options for funding through the graduate school. Students of both programs can apply for funding within the University of Cologne or for fellowships offered by foundations from outside the university.
Admission to a doctoral program requires an MA degree in Egyptology or an equivalent qualification in a related subject area. The application includes a research proposal of 3-5 pages. The proposal includes the proposed title for the thesis, an outline of the wider research context of the project, a research question, a definition of the aims of the project, a comment on data and methods used and on the current state of research as well as a list of up to ten references in the bibliography. Please contact your preferred supervisor in advance of your application to discuss your PhD project. Further information on the application process and required documents are offered on the website of the graduate school.
Upon submission of the PhD thesis students need to demonstrate knowledge of the ancient Egyptian language and of English at the level required to complete the MA degree Egyptology at the University of Cologne. In addition, students from abroad require a certificate of German at the level C1 of the CEF (Common European Framework) or, if the thesis is not written in German, at the level B2. It is possible to waive German requirements upon submission of the admission documents prior to enrolment. Students can take language courses during their doctoral studies to fulfil the language requirements.
Questions on administrative processes may be directed to the PhD office of the graduate school. The procedure for all doctoral studies at the Faculty of Humanities is outlined in the “Promotionsordnung (doctoral regulations)”.
You are welcome to contact the Egyptology department for any questions concerning supervision and structure of the thesis.
General information and support for international students at Cologne University are offered by the International Office.