PhD at the Institute

Pursuing a Ph.D. at the Institute for Cultural Policy

For over twenty years, a growing number of doctoral candidates have been conducting their doctoral research at our institute. Through individual mentoring and regular dialogue, we provide a framework for productive and expert research. Twice a year, in early February and early July, all doctoral candidates gather for a Colloquium on our cultural campus. A large number of doctoral candidates have also successfully secured fellowships or other funding.

Researchers interested in pursuing a doctoral project are asked to prepare a brief initial proposal (approx. 1 page covering the research topic, research questions, and potential methods) and send it to the prospective supervising professor (Prof. Dr. Julius Heinicke, Prof. Dr. Birgit Mandel, Prof. Dr. Vanessa Einwand-Weiss).

Potential topics draw from the broad fields of Cultural Policy, cultural management, Cultural Promotion, and cultural education and are often—though not necessarily—linked to current Research Projects of the institute’s professors.

Here you will find the information page on pursuing a doctorate in Faculty 2.

German-French Doctoral Program “Transcultural Dynamics: German-French Approaches to Cultural Policy and the Mediation of Artistic Practices. / Dynamiques transculturelles : approches franco-allemandes sur les politiques culturelles et la médiation des pratiques artistiques.”

As part of the partnership between the Université d’Aix-Marseille and the University of Hildesheim, the international doctoral program “Cultural Promotion / Médiation Culturelle des Arts” was established on December 1, 2013, with the support and funding of the Franco-German University (DFH). Both universities have been offering the integrated German-French dual master’s program in Cultural Promotion / Médiation culturelle des arts since 2001. Following an initial five-year funding phase, the program was positively evaluated by the DFH and transitioned into a third five-year funding phase (2023–2028).

Participants primarily conduct research on individual, self-designed Projects. However, they also become part of a research group that meets twice a year in Hildesheim for a doctoral Colloquium and, depending on their academic focus, also gathers to participate in conferences in Germany, France, or elsewhere. In addition, participants will have the opportunity to gain teaching experience on our Kulturcampus. 

Admission Requirements

The doctoral program is aimed at graduates who have earned the right to pursue a Doctorate with a university degree. A prerequisite is an above-average grade in a master’s degree or a comparable university degree, as well as the submission of a research proposal in two languages. In addition to a suitable research question, this must also demonstrate a connection to the international Doctorate program. Proof of language proficiency, a topic-specific CV, and a list of publications must also be submitted. The program is primarily aimed at graduates of the Hildesheim or other German-French master’s programs. However, it is also open to relevant projects.

Thematic Focus

The doctoral projects are united by a reflection on discourses of Cultural Promotion / Médiation Culturelle des Arts and Cultural Policy, with a focus on the German-French comparison or with a connection to a French-speaking region.

Funding

Funding provided by the DFH through the doctoral program includes a scholarship as a mobility grant of up to 18 months during the study abroad phase, amounting to 700 euros per month. In addition to this financial support, there is also the opportunity to participate in the numerous discussion events organized by the UNESCO Chair “Cultural Policies for the Arts and Transformation” at the Institute for Cultural Policy at the University of Hildesheim. Doctoral candidates may also opt for joint German-French supervision. Within the framework of this cotutelle de thèse, the DFH offers additional financial support options.

Application

Applicants are requested to submit the following documents:
a) Copy of the high school diploma
b) Copy of the university degree certificate
c) Curriculum vitae including a scientific background
d) An abstract of approximately 10–15 pages that concisely represents the doctoral project, accompanied by a translation into either German or French.
e) A letter of motivation explaining why the applicant is seeking admission to the program and what expectations are
associated with it f) A work plan and a timeline for the doctoral project
g) A letter of recommendation from a professor
h) A commitment to supervision for the doctoral process, if available

The languages of the doctoral college are German and French.

The college’s bylaws are available upon request. 

All documents should be sent to:

University of Hildesheim
Institute for Cultural Policy
Prof. Dr. Julius Heinicke
Universitätsplatz 1
31141 Hildesheim

Specific questions may be directed to Dr. Daniel Gad (kupo-int@uni-hildesheim.de).