Application for admission to the PhD Program Behavior and Cognition
Who can apply?
Prior to application, prospective students must have secured a supervisor who is one of our members. An application without a supervisor will not be processed. Applicants must hold a master degree (or equivalent) in mathematics or the natural sciences (incl. psychology). Interested candidates with a degree in the humanities can apply to our partner program associated with the humanities faculty. The degree must have been completed in a field relevant for BeCog. Degrees obtained in a Country not signatory to the Bologna declaration must be formally confirmed to be equivalent and this must be accepted by the Program Committee. Applications are also possible if applicants are currently enrolled in a relevant Master program, have obtained at least 90 ECTS-credits, and if they rank among the best 10% of their study cohort.
When can one apply?
Applications for study commencing in the Summer Semester can be submitted until January 31. Applications for Winter Semester can be submitted until July 31.
How to apply?
Interested candidates apply using the GAUSS online form. When filling in this form, please select the Biology and Psychology as the faculty, and Behavior and Cognition as the program. In the application form, you will be asked to enter the name of your main supervisor and the names of two further thesis committee members; please discuss your TC composition with your main supervisor.
As part of the application, you will need to upload the following documents:
- Evidence of English proficiency (further information on this below)
- CV in English
- Transcript of records from your bachelor and master degrees (in either English or German)
- Short research proposal
- Signed German version of the Promovierendenerklärung document
- Documentation of additional qualifications relevant to the program, for instance publications, certificates from practical training or teacher and work experience
- Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English, at least Grade B
- Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English at least Grade C;
- IELTS Academic: at least Band 6
- TOEFL-iBT: at least 80 Points
- TOEFL-PBT: at least 550 Points
- CEF ("Common European Framework"): at least C1
- UNIcertF: at least Level III
- alternativ wird der Abschluss eines englischsprachigen Studiengangs anerkannt
Which language certificates are accepted?
Native English speakers and applicants who spent at least two of the last three years in an English-speaking country for professional or study reasons do not need to provide a certificate. Otherwise, the following certificates are recognised:
Alternatively, the successful completion of an English-speaking study program is accepted as evidence of English proficiency. Note that certificates must not be older than years at the time of application. If you have questions, please contact the BeCog Coordination Office.
How does the selection procedure work?
Suitable candidates will be invited to a panel interview in Göttingen or via video conference. The interview takes approximately 30 minutes and covers the candidate's eligibility, her or his previous experiences and the proposed PhD program. At the beginning of the interview, candidates are asked to hold a short presentation (5-10 minutes) about their proposed PhD project and (facultatively) their Master thesis.
What happens after the interview?
The interview panel decides whether or not to recommend the candidate for a place in the study program. This recommendation is passed on to the Program Committee who makes the final decision. The applicant is informed about the Program Committee's decision in writing. If an application is accepted, the applicant has to declare whether she or he accepts the place offer. If the applicant chooses to accept the offer, the Program Committee provides a confirmation letter. Receipt of this confirmation letter means the applicant is eligible to enrol at the University.
Is a scholarship provided?
No, unfortunately BeCog cannot provide funding, salaries or scholarships. Applicants should discuss funding possibilities with their prospective supervisors.