Humanities

FAU offers the following doctoral degree programs in the humanities. Click on the tab for further information, links and points of contact.

  • Keywords: Human rights, transnational economic relations, corporate responsibility, labour migration, sustainability, digital transformation
  • Doctorate: Dr. jur., Dr. rer. pol., Dr. phil.
  • Language of degree program: English
  • Program duration: 4 years
  • Special features: The international doctoral program ‘Business and Human Rights: Governance Challenges in a Complex World’ is funded by the Elite Network of Bavaria and offers places for 12 doctoral candidates, employed by FAU on the basis of 2/3 of an E13/A13 position. The program covers a wide range of topics and methods in its curriculum, and candidates profit from intense supervision by university lecturers at FAU, as well as the partner universities in Bayreuth and Würzburg.
  • FAU contact person and information about the program: Prof. Dr. Markus Krajewski
  • Information about the research training group

  • Keywords: forensic computer science, cybercrime, criminal law, criminal procedure law, digital traces
  • Doctoral title: Dr.-Ing., Dr. jur.
  • Language of degree program German and English
  • Program duration: The funding is initially for a period of 4.5 years, doctoral candidate scholarships are valid for a maximum of three years per doctoral candidate.
  • How to apply: Via the RTG homepage (cybercrime.fau.de).
  • Special features: The special feature of this program is the fact that it combines computer science and law and offers intensive interdisciplinary support. Doctoral candidates who receive funding are offered a full position (computer science) or 75% of a position (law) for a maximum of three years. There is also the opportunity for doctoral candidates who are receiving funding from elsewhere on a similar topic to that of the RTG to take part in the RTG’s events or share infrastructure, etc.
  • FAU contacts and information about the program: Felix Freiling (speaker) and Hans Kudlich (deputy speaker)
  • Information about the research training group

  • Keywords: Aging and technology, nutrition in old age, physical frailty, adaptation in old age, dementia, depression in old age
  • Doctoral title: Dr. rer. nat., Dr. rer. biol. hum.
  • Language of degree program: German and English
  • Program duration: 2 to 3 years, depending on the doctoral degree sought
  • How to apply: Admission via the primary supervisor of the doctoral thesis, if they are also a member of the structured program or the Interdisciplinary Center for Gerontology. Direct applications are not possible.
  • Special features: The doctoral program does not award any scholarships itself, but actively supports doctoral candidates in their applications.
  • FAU contacts and information about the program: Prof. Dr.  Frieder R.  Lang
  • Information about the program

  • Keywords: Interdisciplinarity, cultural and literary theory, cultural and literary methodology, gender theory, cultural and literary history
  • Doctoral title: Dr. phil.
  • Language of degree program: German
  • Program duration: 3 years
  • How to apply: By sending an email to the program speaker with confirmation from your supervisor and a letter of motivation.
  • Special features: Close integration of the support for early career researchers with the research activities of the interdisciplinary centers (e.g., participation in lecture series and poetry lectures)
  • Doctoral programs with similar topics: Doctoral program in Media, Book, and Visual Studies from the IMZ
  • Points of contact at FAU and information about the program: Prof. Dr. Sabine   Friedrich

  • Keywords: Media, cultural history, communication, interdisciplinarity, image, book
  • Doctoral title: Dr. phil.
  • Language of degree program: German and English
  • Program duration: 3 to 5 years
  • How to apply: On the recommendation of one of the professors involved in the IMZ
  • Special features: Interdisciplinary mentoring, only conceptual and technical support
  • FAU contact person and information about the program: Prof. Dr. Kay Kirchmann
  • Information about the program

  • Keywords: Empirical methodological skills, professionalization of research, scientific exchange and discussion, promotion of participation in relevant conferences, ZILL research colloquium, methodology training
  • Doctoral title: Dr. phil.
  • Language of degree program: German
  • Program duration: Usually 4 semesters
  • How to apply: Via Dr. Florian Hofmann
  • Special features: Certificate for completion of the program only upon completion of the doctoral degree
  • FAU contact person and information about the program: Dr. Florian Hofmann, Akad. ORat
  • Information about the program

  • Keywords: Art and cultural studies, modelling cultural history, Germanisches Nationalmuseum, practical relevance, current investigation concepts
  • Doctoral title: Dr. phil., Dr. theol.
  • Language of degree program: German
  • Program duration: 4 years
  • How to apply: Closed since 1 June 2017
  • Special features: Seven doctoral scholarships and one postdoctoral scholarship, funded by the VW-Stiftung (VW Foundation) in cooperation with the Germanisches Nationalmuseum
  • FAU contact person and information about the program: Prof. Dr.  Christina  Strunck
  • Information about the program

  • Keywords: Medical engineering; touch-free radar, wireless and camera-based sensor technologies; AI; signal and data processing; biochemical modelling; patient-centred options for diagnosis and treatment; ethical considerations
  • Doctoral title: Dr. phil., Dr. rer. biol. hum., Dr.-Ing.
  • Language of degree program: English
  • Program duration: 3 years
  • How to apply: Your doctoral supervisor is responsible for submitting the application for acceptance into the group. Applications ought to be submitted to coordinator Heike Leutheuser, the decision is taken by the coordination team of EmpkinS IRTG.
  • Special features:
  1. Interdisciplinary collaboration and training (engineering, medicine, psychology, ethics)
  2. Subject-related and interdisciplinary skills and soft skills
  3. Annual one week long winter school
  4. Support with research publications, conferences, congresses and research stays abroad
  5. Personal supervision agreement with two supervisors
  6. International networking including funding for a research stay abroad and participation in conferences
  7. Gender equality measures
  • Thematically similar doctoral programs:
    • Graduate school in Advanced Optical Technologies
    • Graduate school in Life Sciences Life@FAU
    • RTG 2423
    • Research training group integrated into CRC 1181
    • International Max Planck Research School “Physics of Light”
    • Max Planck School of Photonics
  • FAU contact person and information about the program: Prof. Dr.  Björn  Eskofier
  • Information about the research training group

  • Keywords: Middle Ages, Renaissance, Germany, France, Italy, History, language history, literary history, art history
  • Doctoral title: Dr. phil. (Co-tutelle)
  • Language of degree program: German, as well as possibly French and Italian
  • Program duration: 3 years
  • How to apply: All details about how to apply are available at www.figuratiomundi.net. You can contact us at any time at FAU@figuratiomundi.net or ludwig.fesenmeier@fau.de.
  • Special features: Collaboration between FAU, Université Clermon Auvergne and Università di Pisa; funding provided by the Franco-German university (travel scholarships); interdisciplinary supervision by German, French and Italian experts in the field.
  • Point of contact at FAU and information about the program: Prof. Dr. Ludwig Fesenmeier
  • Information about the program

  • Keywords: Human rights, ethics, medicine, the elderly, autonomy, medical law
  • Doctoral title: Dr. phil., Dr. med., Dr. jur.
  • Language of degree program: German
  • Program duration: 3.5 years
  • How to apply: Information about any new calls for applications is available on the group’s website.
  • Special features: No strict time limit, financial support from the Josef and Luise Kraft Foundation (Munich), mentoring with tandem supervision by two people (interdisciplinary), cooperation with various institutions: Center for Human Rights Erlangen-Nuremberg (CHREN), Clinical Ethics Committee at Uniklinikum Erlangen (KEK), etc.
  • Points of contact at FAU and information about the program:
  • Information about the program

  • Keywords: Sentimentality, interdisciplinarity, cultural comparisons, cultural specifics, humanities and social sciences
  • Doctoral title: Dr. phil.
  • Language of degree program: English and German
  • Program duration: 3 years
  • How to apply: Information on calls for applications and the program can be found at www.sentimental.phil.fau.de.
  • Special features: Integrated practical module in cooperation with partners in the region and beyond, which outlines potential professional fields for fellows outside of research or a university setting.
  • FAU contact person and information about the program:
  • Information about the research training group
Business and Human Rights: Governance Challenges in a Complex World (IDP B&HR_Governance)
Keywords: Human rights, transnational economic relations, corporate responsibility, labour migration, sustainability, digital transformation Doctorate: Dr. jur., Dr. rer. pol., Dr. phil. Language of degree program: English Program duration: 4 years Special features: The international doctoral program ‘Business and Human Rights: Governance Challenges in a Complex World’ is funded by the Elite Network of Bavaria and offers places for 12 doctoral candidates, employed by FAU on the basis of 2/3 of an E13/A13 position. The program covers a wide range of topics and methods in its curriculum, and candidates profit from intense supervision by university lecturers at FAU, as well as the partner universities in Bayreuth and Würzburg. FAU contact person and information about the program: Prof. Dr. Markus Krajewski Information about the research training group
Cybercrime and Forensic Computer Science (DFG GRK 2475)
Keywords: forensic computer science, cybercrime, criminal law, criminal procedure law, digital traces Doctoral title: Dr.-Ing., Dr. jur. Language of degree program German and English Program duration: The funding is initially for a period of 4.5 years, doctoral candidate scholarships are valid for a maximum of three years per doctoral candidate. How to apply: Via the RTG homepage (cybercrime.fau.de). Special features: The special feature of this program is the fact that it combines computer science and law and offers intensive interdisciplinary support. Doctoral candidates who receive funding are offered a full position (computer science) or 75% of a position (law) for a maximum of three years. There is also the opportunity for doctoral candidates who are receiving funding from elsewhere on a similar topic to that of the RTG to take part in the RTG’s events or share infrastructure, etc. FAU contacts and information about the program: Felix Freiling (speaker) and Hans Kudlich (deputy speaker) Information about the research training group
Dimensions of Constructional Space (DFG GRK 2839)
Keywords: construction grammar, linguistics, empirical linguistics, cognitive linguistics, construction Doctoral title: Dr. phil. Language of degree program: English Program duration: 3 years FAU contact person and information about the program: Prof. Dr. Dabrowska (Speaker) Dr. Susanne Dyka (Coordinator) Information about the program
Doctoral program in Gerontology at the ICA (Interdisciplinary Center for Aging Research)
Keywords: Aging and technology, nutrition in old age, physical frailty, adaptation in old age, dementia, depression in old age Doctoral title: Dr. rer. nat., Dr. rer. biol. hum. Language of degree program: German and English Program duration: 2 to 3 years, depending on the doctoral degree sought How to apply: Admission via the primary supervisor of the doctoral thesis, if they are also a member of the structured program or the Interdisciplinary Center for Gerontology. Direct applications are not possible. Special features: The doctoral program does not award any scholarships itself, but actively supports doctoral candidates in their applications. FAU contacts and information about the program: Prof. Dr.  Frieder R.  Lang Information about the program
Doctoral program in Literature and Culture
Keywords: Interdisciplinarity, cultural and literary theory, cultural and literary methodology, gender theory, cultural and literary history Doctoral title: Dr. phil. Language of degree program: German Program duration: 3 years How to apply: By sending an email to the program speaker with confirmation from your supervisor and a letter of motivation. Special features: Close integration of the support for early career researchers with the research activities of the interdisciplinary centers (e.g., participation in lecture series and poetry lectures) Doctoral programs with similar topics: Doctoral program in Media, Book, and Visual Studies from the IMZ Points of contact at FAU and information about the program: Prof. Dr. Sabine   Friedrich
Doctoral program in Media, Book, and Image Studies at the IMZ (Interdisciplinary Media Studies Center)
Keywords: Media, cultural history, communication, interdisciplinarity, image, book Doctoral title: Dr. phil. Language of degree program: German and English Program duration: 3 to 5 years How to apply: On the recommendation of one of the professors involved in the IMZ Special features: Interdisciplinary mentoring, only conceptual and technical support FAU contact person and information about the program: Prof. Dr. Kay Kirchmann Information about the program
Doctoral program in teaching and learning research at the ZILL (Central Institute for Research on Teaching and Learning)
Keywords: Empirical methodological skills, professionalization of research, scientific exchange and discussion, promotion of participation in relevant conferences, ZILL research colloquium, methodology training Doctoral title: Dr. phil. Language of degree program: German Program duration: Usually 4 semesters How to apply: Via Dr. Florian Hofmann Special features: Certificate for completion of the program only upon completion of the doctoral degree FAU contact person and information about the program: Dr. Florian Hofmann, Akad. ORat Information about the program
Doctoral program Modeling Cultural History using the example of the Germanisches Nationalmuseum: Investigation concepts for the 21st century
Keywords: Art and cultural studies, modelling cultural history, Germanisches Nationalmuseum, practical relevance, current investigation concepts Doctoral title: Dr. phil., Dr. theol. Language of degree program: German Program duration: 4 years How to apply: Closed since 1 June 2017 Special features: Seven doctoral scholarships and one postdoctoral scholarship, funded by the VW-Stiftung (VW Foundation) in cooperation with the Germanisches Nationalmuseum FAU contact person and information about the program: Prof. Dr.  Christina  Strunck Information about the program
EmpkinS: Empathokinesthetic Sensory Systems (DFG MGK-CRC 1483)
Keywords: Medical engineering; touch-free radar, wireless and camera-based sensor technologies; AI; signal and data processing; biochemical modelling; patient-centred options for diagnosis and treatment; ethical considerations Doctoral title: Dr. phil., Dr. rer. biol. hum., Dr.-Ing. Language of degree program: English Program duration: 3 years How to apply: Your doctoral supervisor is responsible for submitting the application for acceptance into the group. Applications ought to be submitted to coordinator Heike Leutheuser, the decision is taken by the coordination team of EmpkinS IRTG. Special features: Interdisciplinary collaboration and training (engineering, medicine, psychology, ethics) Subject-related and interdisciplinary skills and soft skills Annual one week long winter school Support with research publications, conferences, congresses and research stays abroad Personal supervision agreement with two supervisors International networking including funding for a research stay abroad and participation in conferences Gender equality measures Thematically similar doctoral programs: Graduate school in Advanced Optical Technologies Graduate school in Life Sciences Life@FAU RTG 2423 Research training group integrated into CRC 1181 International Max Planck Research School “Physics of Light” Max Planck School of Photonics FAU contact person and information about the program: Prof. Dr.  Björn  Eskofier Information about the research training group
Figuratio Mundi Research Training Group
Keywords: Middle Ages, Renaissance, Germany, France, Italy, History, language history, literary history, art history Doctoral title: Dr. phil. (Co-tutelle) Language of degree program: German, as well as possibly French and Italian Program duration: 3 years How to apply: All details about how to apply are available at www.figuratiomundi.net. You can contact us at any time at FAU@figuratiomundi.net or ludwig.fesenmeier@fau.de. Special features: Collaboration between FAU, Université Clermon Auvergne and Università di Pisa; funding provided by the Franco-German university (travel scholarships); interdisciplinary supervision by German, French and Italian experts in the field. Point of contact at FAU and information about the program: Prof. Dr. Ludwig Fesenmeier Information about the program
Kunstwissenschaftliches Colloquium
Keywords: Art History (Middle Ages to modern times), support in finding topics for your academic thesis or in conducting an independent research project Doctoral title: Dr. phil. Language of degree program: German and English Program duration: approximately 3 years How to apply: Online via StudOn (password required) Special features: Transdisciplinary focus, joint field trips and exhibition visits, intensive mentoring, support for organizing research stays abroad as well as applying for scholarships Doctoral programs with similar topics: Doctoral program in Media, Book, and Visual Studies from the IMZ Points of contact at FAU and information about the program: Prof. Dr. Christina Strunck Prof. Dr. Hans Dickel Prof. Dr.  Heidrun  Stein-Kecks Information about the program
Research Training Group for Human Rights and Ethics in Geriatric Medicine
Keywords: Human rights, ethics, medicine, the elderly, autonomy, medical law Doctoral title: Dr. phil., Dr. med., Dr. jur. Language of degree program: German Program duration: 3.5 years How to apply: Information about any new calls for applications is available on the group’s website. Special features: No strict time limit, financial support from the Josef and Luise Kraft Foundation (Munich), mentoring with tandem supervision by two people (interdisciplinary), cooperation with various institutions: Center for Human Rights Erlangen-Nuremberg (CHREN), Clinical Ethics Committee at Uniklinikum Erlangen (KEK), etc. Points of contact at FAU and information about the program: Prof. Dr. med. Andreas Frewer, M.A. Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Heiner Bielefeldt Dipl.-Pol. Sabine Klotz Information about the program
Research Training Group Literature and the Public Sphere in Different Contemporary Cultures (DFG RTG 2806)
Keywords: Literary attention-getting strategies, public spheres, material culture, ethics and politics, diversity Doctoral title: Dr. phil. Language of degree program: German, English Program duration: 6 semesters How to apply: Current calls for applications Special features: The degree program includes an obligatory 6 to 12 week internship at the RTG’s external partner institutions as well as the option of spending time studying abroad at international departments working in partnership with the RTG. Points of contact at FAU and information about the program: Prof. Dr. Antje Kley (speaker) Prof. Dr. Dirk Niefanger (speaker) Dr. Jochen Venus (academic coordinator) Information about the program
Sentimentality in Literature, Culture, and Politics (DFG GRK 2726)
Keywords: Sentimentality, interdisciplinarity, cultural comparisons, cultural specifics, humanities and social sciences Doctoral title: Dr. phil. Language of degree program: English and German Program duration: 3 years How to apply: Information on calls for applications and the program can be found at www.sentimental.phil.fau.de. Special features: