Application for admission to the PhD program Behavior and Cognition
Who can apply?
Before the application, all applicants must have supervisor who is one of our the faculty members. An application without 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 of the faculty for humanities. The degree must have been completed in a field relevant for BeCog. Degrees which have been obtained in a country not signatory to the Bologna declaration must be formally confirmed to be equivalent and 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 are among the best 10% of their cohort.
When to apply?
Applications for the following summer semester can be submitted until January 31st; applications for the upcoming winter semester can be submitted until July 31st.
How to apply?
Interested candidates apply using the GAUSS online form here
Please select Faculty of Biology and Psychology and the program Behavior and Cognition. For the application you need a main supervisor and two other thesis advisory committee members; please discuss the TAC composition with your main supervisor.
You also need to upload the following documents:
- Documentation of English proficiency
- CV in English
- Transcript of records of Bachelor and Master degree
- Short research proposal
- Signed version of the declaration Promovierendenerklärung
- certificates of additional qualifications relevant for the program. This includes publications, practical training, teaching and work experiences
- 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
- the successful completion of an English-speaking study program is accepted
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 accepted:
Certificates must not be older than three years at the time of application. In case of questions please contact the BeCog coordination office.
What is the selection procedure?
Suitable candidates will be invited for a panel interview, which will take place in Göttingen or via a 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 shall provide a short presentation (5-10 minutes) about the proposed PhD project and (facultatively) their Master thesis.
What happens after the interview?
The panel either suggests to accept or to reject the application, and the final decision is made by the program committee. The applicant is informed about the committee's decision in writing. If an application is accepted, the applicant has to declare whether she or he accepts. If so, the program committee provides a confirmation letter, with which the applicant is eligible for enrollment.
Is a scholarship provided?
No, unfortunately BeCog cannot provide funding, salaries or scholarships. Applicants should discuss funding possibilities with their prospective supervisors.