Application

The application process for the practice-based doctoral programme in Art and Design with the degree Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) can only be submitted online via the Bauhaus.CampusPortal.

Admission to the doctoral programme generally requires a successful artistic diploma, State Exam, Magister or Master's degree (with at least a final grade of »good«) from a German university or an equivalent degree from a foreign university that corresponds to the profile of the Faculty of Art and Design.

Applicants from other disciplines who are aspiring to a doctoral degree at the interface between the respective discipline and art or design can be accepted into the doctoral programme, provided that supervision and assessment is ensured in the relevant specialist discipline. The Ph.D. graduate admissions committee decides on a case-by-case basis regarding possible additional requirements in the artistic field.

The Ph.D. programme at the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar does not automatically assign professors as mentors. Applicants are requested to directly contact professors at the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar based on their research profile and specialist expertise along with a short letter of motivation and a summary of the research project. For inquiries to artistic/creative mentors, please also include your portfolio.

Language requirements:
Teaching in the doctoral programme is conducted in German and English. With the  publication of the new study and examination regulations , the following language requirements apply:

Either

  • very good knowledge of the German language (at least level C1 GER)
    • Proof of native language proficiency (acquisition of the higher education entrance qualification or a higher education degree in a German-speaking country) or
    • Proof by means of one of the following certificates:
      • DSH-2 or TestDaF, at least 4 x TDN 4
      • or equivalent proof
  • and good knowledge of the English language (at least level B2 GER)
    • Proof of native language proficiency (acquisition of higher education entrance qualification or a 1st professional qualification in an English-speaking country) or
    • Proof by means of one of the following certificates:
      • IELTS Band 6,5
      • TOEFL Internet-based Score 85 or better
      • Cambridge Certificate B2 First (FCE)
      • or equivalent proof

or

  • very good knowledge of the English language (at least level C1 GER)
    • Proof of native language proficiency (acquisition of a university entrance qualification or a university degree in an English-speaking country) or
    • Proof by means of one of the following certificates:
      • IELTS Band 7,0
      • TOEFL Internet-based Score 108 or better
      • Cambridge Certificate C1 Advanced English (CAE)
      • or equivalent proof
  • and good knowledge of the German language (at least level B2 GER)
    • Proof of native language proficiency (acquisition of a university entrance qualification or a university degree in a German-speaking country) or
    • Proof by means of one of the following certificates:
      • DSH-1 or TestDAF, at least 4 x TDN 3
      • or equivalent proof

Important: Please submit a current language certificate with your application documents which shows that you will reach the required language level by the time of your matriculation at the latest.

Please apply up to and including 31 March of the year via our Bauhaus.CampusPortal with the following details and documents:

  • A convincing exposé describing an innovative doctoral project with a specific research question and a corresponding methodological positioning at the intersection between an artistic or creative and academic discourse;
    An exposé is considered convincing if it is recognisable that there is an intensive artistic or creative and scientific examination of the teaching and research focus of the respective mentor.
  • Work plan and timetable that shows that the project can be expected to be completed within four years;
  • Documentation of a selection (portfolio) of previous artistic or creative work and, if applicable, exhibition catalogues, a list of exhibitions and public presentations, press and project reports;
  • publication list of own publications;
  • Proof of successful completion of a appropriate university degree by uploading the relevant certificates. Certificates and documents that are not issued in German or English must be submitted together with an official translation;
  • complete curriculum vitae in tabular form with list of educational and professional achievements;
  • proof of language proficiency (see above);
  • stating your specialisation in art or design;
  • nomination of at least two mentors, one of whom must be a professor of the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar, and their written confirmation (declaration of mentorship
  • optional: A short cover letter explaining the motivation to apply to the Ph.D. programme of the Faculty of Art and Design at the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar can optionally be attached.

Admission to the Doctoral Programme in Art and Design is decided by the Ph.D. graduate admissions committee based on a set of quality criteria. After the first round, a selection of applicants will be invited to a fifteen-minute interview with the Ph.D. graduate admissions committee. Generally, 12 to 15 applicants are accepted each year. Criteria for selection include excellent professional qualifications, high visibility, willingness and ability to work on a long-term research project, innovative methods, a clear depiction of the relationship between theory and practice in own work, and a high degree of critical reflection especially regarding overarching research interests of the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar.

We kindly ask for your patience during the admissions process.

For further information concerning the application, please contact:
Jun.-Prof. Dr. Alexandra Toland: alexandra.toland[at]uni-weimar.de
or Katarina Steinbiß: katarina.steinbiss[at]uni-weimar.de

Application deadline:
The digital application can be uploaded from – Attention NEW – 1 February until 31 March of the respective year.

Promovieren im Ph.D.-Studiengang »Kunst und Design« an der Fakultät Kunst und Gestaltung

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