BIGSSS is an international inter-university graduate school in the social sciences, located at the University of Bremen and Jacobs University Bremen, Germany. Successful applicants will receive a Ph.D. scholarship from the DAAD of 1.200 €/month (plus additional benefits) for 48 months.

The program focuses on the question of how social policy and social cohesion are related on a global, regional or national level. Comparative or transnational perspectives that address interdependencies between the Global South and North are especially welcome. Single country case studies may scrutinize the complex interlinkages between social policy and social cohesion.

Potential dissertation projects may address one or more of the following topics and/or questions:

1. What are the specific forms or instances of social cohesion or social dis/integration that trigger the establishment of social policy? When and how do divisions between social groups (classes, ethnic groups, etc.) translate into political cleavages that involve a mobilization for social policies aimed at strengthening social cohesion?
2. Which forms of social policy increase or decrease social cohesion? Are there also disintegrative effects of social policy? Are there specific forms of social policy that are especially contested between groups?
3. Are there functional equivalents to the welfare state fostering social integration?
4. Can social orders be stable without institutions designed to ensure social cohesion? The English-language doctoral program includes a structured curriculum and close guidance by experienced researchers while at the same time fostering early academic independence and creativity by providing support for conducting, presenting, and publishing the Ph.D. fellows’ self-chosen research

The English-language doctoral program includes a structured curriculum and close guidance by experienced researchers while at the same time fostering early academic independence and creativity by providing support for conducting, presenting, and publishing the Ph.D. fellows’ self-chosen research projects. The program is characterized by interdisciplinary collaboration between researchers from sociology, political science, psychology, and economics. While the research questions addressed in dissertation projects are envisioned to broadly correspond to Principal Investigators’ research interests, the successful applicants shall formulate specific research topics.

Eligibility, application, and further information

You are eligible if you are an international applicant proficient in English language (speaking & writing, proof of C1-level English language skills or the equivalent). We particularly encourage applications from the Global South. In addition, you must not have resided in Germany any time after February 1, 2022.

General information on the program and the PIs, a list of required application materials, and how to apply can be found at: https://www.bigsss-bremen.de/academic-program/daad-graduate-school-scholarship-program

Applications must be submitted online until January 23, 2023 (11:59pm CET).

For additional inquiries, please check the program’s website and feel free to contact our Admissions Officer Monika Liorentaite-Rossdeutscher at admissions-officer@bigsss-bremen.de.

Find additional information about the GSSP program line founded by the German Academic Exchange Service’s here: daad.de/go/en/stipa57034100. The official start of the program is scheduled for September 1, 2023.

As equal opportunity employers, both universities follow an equal opportunity and diversity strategy. They strive to increase the number of women in academia and strongly encourage applications from suitably qualified female candidates. Disabled persons with the same professional and personal qualifications will be given preference.