The department of Classical Archaeology of the Freie Universität generally accepts applications for doctoral studies from candidates with relevant degrees from other German or foreign Universities.

Prerequisites:

Degree requirements: Upper class (above average mark) MA or Magister-level degree in Classical Archaeology or comparable degree (“in a subject relevant for the doctoral programme” (see § 3 (1) of the Promotionsordnung des Fachbereichs Geschichts- und Kulturwissenschaften (PhD Regulations). Equivalence of qualifications may have to be approved by relevant university bodies. In the case of international qualifications, it may be necessary to apply for a statement of comparability through the Central office for Foreign Education (ZAB) of the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs. Further Information.

Language requirements:

Good language skills in Latin and Ancient Greek at equivalent level to the German Latinum/Graecum (Certificate in Latin/Ancient Greek). English language proficiency at level B2, Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFRL), reading comprehension of one further subject-relevant academic language at level B1 (CEFRL). Proficiency at level C1 (CEFRL) in the language in which the dissertation is to be submitted.

In exceptional cases, and only after prior consultation with prospective supervisors, it may be possible to embark on a doctoral programme without fulfilling these language requirements, or by compensating lacking language requirements through equivalent skills in another language, on the basis of a duly substantiated request. This may be the case where a potential applicant’s native language is not German. Generally, however, the language skills outlined above are considered essential for successful doctoral research in Classical Archaeology. This is especially true with regard to competence in the Classical Languages.

 

Application Procedure

A habilitated staff member, i.e. at professorial level, of the department for Classical Archaeology, who carries the authorization to teach at the Free University (Full Professors, Honorary Professors, Privatdozent/innen), must agree to take on supervision of the doctoral research and dissertation project and act as first examiner.

As a means of quality control, the department has established an internal protocol: generally, applications are only accepted if accompanied by a concrete dissertation proposal including a project brief of c. 10 single or 1.5 spaced pages, outlining the proposed research. This exposé should evidence sound knowledge of the subject and significant preparatory work in the proposed research area. It must include:

• A concrete research question.
• An analytic, rather than solely descriptive, overview of the current state of research with up-to-date bibliography.
• An outline of theories and methods to be employed.
• An overview of materials and datasets to be used (including details regarding relevant fieldwork or museum/archive work if necessary. If so, the extent thereof and details whether access to relevant materials is possible or what permits will have to be applied for).
• A description of expected results.
• A bibliography.
• A detailed provisional schedule, including planned periods abroad for fieldwork or museum/archive stays as well as study-abroad periods.
• Financial planning: is the doctoral research to be funded by scholarships, grants or research/teaching assistant posts? If so, where would you/do you plan to apply for such funding?
• Statement why you chose Berlin for your doctoral research and what existing infrastructure, resources and networks you intend to use/become involved in.
• Reasoned suggestions who might be a suitable candidate as second examiner.

The project brief should furthermore include a CV, copies of relevant certificates and, if available, a list of publications. A commission of department members authorised to supervise and examine PhDs will use the submitted project brief as a basis to determine your acceptance as a doctoral student. There is no automatic right to be accepted as a doctoral student. Only following a decision in your favour will you be able to register as a doctoral student at the Freie Universität.

Doctoral Research

There are two routes towards a doctorate at the department of Classical Archaeology: through traditional individual doctoral studies (Einzelpromotion) or as part of a structured programme of doctoral studies in one of the Berlin graduate schools (e.g. Berlin Graduate School of Ancient Studies / BerGSAS).

The department, school and university DO NOT command internal funds to support doctoral research. However, it is generally possible to carry out doctoral studies without concrete funding such as a grant, scholarship or assistant post. Applications for funding including grants, scholarships or assistant posts are the sole responsibility of the doctoral student; supervisors and staff can provide further information on potential sources of funding and advise you in your applications. Grants or scholarships (for example through various foundations or bodies such as the Berlin Graduate School of Ancient Studies) are generally awarded only to outstanding applicants. In Germany, academic positions (Wissenschaftliche/-r Mitarbeiter/-in) that include the possibility to complete a doctorate (i.e. do not require a completed or at least submitted PhD as prerequisite condition) are advertised in only very rare cases.

With secured funding through a grant, scholarship or post, you can apply for acceptance into the Berlin Graduate School of Ancient Studies. It offers a structured programme of doctoral studies following one of currently five available routes. Membership of BerGSAS includes significant advantages and is highly recommended and supported.

Regularly, dissertations should be submitted after a three-year research period. The entire period of doctoral studies, including submission and examination process (disputatio) should normally be completed within a period of four years.

Dissertations may be submitted in German or English. Submissions in other languages may be possible upon separate reasoned application.

In cases where an applicant’s native language is not German and their first degree is from a non-German university, and they wish to submit a dissertation in German, they will need to provide evidence that they meet the language requirements of the university (German competence, proven by a certificate of completion of a DSH (German language proficiency test for admission to higher education) or equivalent examination. If candidates wish to submit their dissertation in another language, they need to provide evidence of proficiency in that language at C1 level (CEFRL) or proof of equivalent competence).

Applicants are generally expected to be resident in Berlin during their doctoral studies in order to take part in the daily life, activities and events of the institute, as postgraduates constitute a key part of its academic community. They are encouraged to attend classes and lectures given by their supervisors. While traditional individual doctoral studies do not follow a structured programme and students do not have to gain a specific number of credit points, membership of BerGSAS (or other graduate schools or research training groups) involves taking part in a structured programme that usually carries (a low number of) credit points. These structured programmes offer several advantages, such as constant exchange and discussion with peers, interdisciplinary networking opportunities and several activities and qualifications closely related to academic professional realities (such as participation in and organisation of workshops and conferences; classes and lectures specifically tailored towards doctoral students; organised international exchange programmes etc.).

As you begin your doctoral studies at the Freie Universität, your supervisor will meet with you to draw up a joint supervisor agreement. This is a binding requirement of structured graduate programmes and increasingly being required by foundations and other providers of doctoral grants for individual doctoral research. This agreement must also be signed by the second examiner, who should be decided on at an early stage. Second examiners may be from another subject, another university and even another country. They should be chosen early on, but carefully and with consideration of specific requirements of the chosen topic (an interdisciplinary research project, for example, would be ideally served by an interdisciplinary team of supervisors). In choosing the second examiner, it is important to adhere to the current doctorate regulations (Promotionsordnung), as laid down by the university.