Interdisciplinary Ph.D. programme - Political Science
| Insitution: | Andrássy University Budapest |
| Faculty: |
| Course / programme name: | Interdisciplinary Ph.D. programme - Political Science |
| Branch of Science: | Social Science |
| Level of studies: | Doctoral |
| Qualification: | PhD degree |
| Language of instruction: | German |
| Duration of the course / programme: | 8 semesters semesters |
| Location/city of the course: | Budapest |
| Study in Hungary link: | http://studyinhungary.hu/institution/andrassy-universitat-budapest-51.html |
| Facebook: | https://hu-hu.facebook.com/Andrassyuni/ |
| Instagram: | https://www.instagram.com/andrassy_uni/?hl=de |
| State Scholarships | Available |
The Ph.D. programme at the Interdisciplinary Doctoral School of Andrássy University Budapest (AUB) offers an interdisciplinary course of study under the guiding perspective "The Future of Central Europe in the European Union."
This programme combines sub-disciplines in the following fields: Political Science, Law, Economics, and History. At the heart of the programme lies the question of the future of Central European countries within the European Union. The programme is designed for students with a master's degree who plan to write a dissertation on topics related to the following research areas: Minorities in Central and Eastern Europe, Regional Integration Processes in the Danube Region, the Genesis and Transformation of Political and Economic Institutions in Central and Eastern Europe, Democratization Processes and the Quality of New Democracies in Central and Eastern Europe, the EU's Regional Enlargement and Neighborhood Policy, the Foreign Policy of Central and Eastern European Countries, and Central European Identities.
In Hungary, the Ph.D. process differs from that in most other European countries. In addition to completing a dissertation and defending it, earning the Ph.D. requires participation in an eight-semester structured Ph.D. programme. This programme comprises 240 ECTS and is divided into two parts. In the first half of the programme (semesters 1–4), the main academic training is provided through coursework, while doctoral candidates simultaneously begin independent research. The courses are offered in the form of block seminars, making it possible to combine studies with professional work. At the end of the fourth semester, as a conclusion to the training and research phase, a comprehensive exam must be taken.
Upon successfully passing this exam, doctoral candidates focus during the second half of the programme (semesters 5–8) on research and dissertation writing in the research and dissertation phase. The goal of the doctoral process is to obtain the Ph.D. degree. The dissertation must be submitted within three academic years after passing the comprehensive exam.
To apply for a Ph.D. programme at the Interdisciplinary Doctoral School of Andrássy University Budapest (AUB), candidates must hold a bachelor's and master's degree, a university diploma, or an equivalent qualification totaling at least 240 ECTS. Applicants must also have sufficient German language skills to conduct research in their chosen subject and continue their studies at AUB. The choice of the field in which the dissertation will be written is unrestricted and not tied to the academic focus of the applicant's previous university education.
| Entrance examination: | Yes |
| Entrance type: | Oral |
| Minimum level of language proficiency (oral): | B2 |
| Minimum level of language proficiency (written): | B2 |
| Place of examination: | Online |
Applicants must first find a dissertation topic and a scientific supervisor who will oversee the dissertation project of the doctoral candidate. The current dissertation topics and supervisors can be found on the AUB website. However, candidates may also choose a different topic that they have selected themselves. This topic must first be agreed upon with the supervisor. The university degree and the dissertation topic do not need to fall within the same scientific field. The supervisor\'s letter of acceptance must be attached to the application form in any case. Additionally, a dissertation concept must be prepared before the application and must be enclosed with the application form. Proof of German language proficiency at level B2 is required for admission to the doctoral school. This can be demonstrated through officially recognized comprehensive language exams or equivalent certificates. Diplomas obtained at German-speaking universities correspond to a C1-level language exam and thus demonstrate the necessary language skills in any case. Beyond German language proficiency, proof of knowledge of an additional foreign language (at least at level B2) must be provided later during the doctoral process. The following languages are recognized as foreign languages: English, French, Russian, Spanish, as well as languages of the Central European region. Furthermore, any languages that are relevant to the research topic are recognized. The admission interview is an informal conversation that gives applicants the opportunity to personally present their research project. The doctoral council decides on admission to the doctoral school.
The following documents are required for the application: application form, CV, copy of the university diploma, motivation letter, letter of acceptance from the supervisor (mandatory), dissertation concept (at least 10,000 characters), list of academic publications (if available), copies of language certificates, and a declaration stating whether the applicant is applying for a Hungarian state scholarship or whether they wish to be admitted even if no scholarship is granted to them (see application form).
| Contact person name: | Ms. Edina Rauscher |
| Contact person job position: | Coordinator for Young Scientists |
| Contact e-mail: | phd@andrassyuni.hu |
| Contact website: | https://www.andrassyuni.eu/ |
