Programme duration: 3 year fulltime PhD programme
The International Graduate School: Heritage Studies at Cottbus University offers an interdisciplinary PhD programme that aims at national as well as international prospective students.
The programme is a consequent further development of the highly successful Master’s degree in World Heritage Studies, implemented in 1999. This programme aims to develop, both qualitatively and quantitatively, international and interdisciplinary research on the protection and use of the heritage of mankind in all its representations. The graduate school collaborates closely with the network of UNESCO Chairs working on the issues of heritage.
The programme focuses on theory and practice-oriented research activities related to heritage in all its expressions and the relation between heritage and the transformation processes triggered by globalization. Dissertation topics should address one of the following five research areas broadly defined:
» Tangible Heritage in the Context of Global Change
The analysis of multifaceted issues related to tangible or built heritage that arise in the context of various aspects of globalization. Key words: global tourism and heritage; heritage as cultural practice; climate change and the construction/transformation of heritage; migration processes and heritage; immanent deterioration processes; development and heritage; etc.
» Intangible Heritage/ Religion/ Identity/ Diversity
The analysis of the formation and development of intangible heritage which includes intangible cultural expressions and practices as well as knowledge and ‘memory’ that are handed down from generation to generation. Key words: traditional religious and ceremonial activities; musical expressions and dances; safeguarding intangible heritage; cultural tourism; protecting cultural diversity; globalization and intangible heritage; relationships between tangible and intangible heritage and the inherent values of the different heritage programmes; function and impact of heritage institutions such as museums in the safeguarding and mediation of intangible heritage; etc.
» Sustainable Protection and Use of Heritage in the Context of Innovative Conceptions of Heritage
The analysis of UNESCO’s standards of economic, social, ecological and cultural sustainability which may conflict with each other, as the practice of World Heritage management frequently shows. Key words: marketing and heritage; limits and possibilities of participatory approaches in heritage; urban/regional development and the construction of heritage; etc.
In this focus area the diversity of heritage in cultural landscapes shall be examined, both in general and according to UNESCO’s concept. Key words: urban landscapes as heritage; cultural practices and landscape formation; culture and nature; land use and biodiversity; cultural landscapes and cultural diversity; (pre)historic human impact on landscapes; palaeo environmental change and evolution of cultural landscapes; etc.
» Mediation of Heritage Through Innovative Technologies / Memory of the World
Analysis of the strategic goals of UNESCO related to the Memory of the World programme, lifelong learning and computer-assisted learning. Therefore, theory and practice of innovative communication strategies for various forms of heritage shall be examined. Key words: Interactive learning; interpretation and dissemination through new media; different technologies for different target groups; value and benefit of the digitalization of heritage etc.
Application Requirements:
› Completed 
application form with annexes.
› Two passport photos.
› Proof of eligibility for admission including a certified copy of the university entrance certificate as well as a university degree qualifying for PhD studies or doctoral studies.
› Evidence of all completed degree courses and final exams (certified copies).
› CV.
› A 
research proposal with timetable of your project (max. 10 pp.); please pay attention to our guideline for research proposals
› Proof of English proficiency by TOEFL, minimum score of 550 points (paper based), 213 points (computer based) or 79 points (internet based); IELTS (minimum 6.5 points) or equivalent.
› List of own academic publications or other academic work.
› A letter of motivation (2 pp.).
› Two letters of reference by distinguished university professors.
Please note that you can submit your application at any time!
Please send your applications to:
To the Head of the
International Graduate School: Heritage Studies at Cottbus University
Prof. Dr. Marie-Theres Albert
Chair Intercultural Studies, UNESCO Chair in Heritage Studies
P.O. Box 10 13 44
D-03013 Cottbus
Contact:
