International Programmes 2023/2024

Doctoral Programme in Modern and Contemporary History (ProMoHist) Doctoral Programme in Modern and Contemporary History

Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München • München

Degree
Dr phil in Modern and Contemporary History
Teaching language
  • German
  • English
Languages

Courses are held in German; papers are presented in German or in English. Participants can choose to write their doctoral thesis in either language.

Programme duration
6 semesters
Beginning
Winter and summer semester
Application deadline

Exact deadlines will be published on the webpage.

Tuition fees per semester in EUR
None
Combined Master's degree / PhD programme
No
Joint degree / double degree programme
No
Description/content

The doctoral programme in Modern and Contemporary History (ProMoHist) at the Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München is dedicated to the development of scholars and other professionals in the fields of academic and public history as well as in related areas such as publishing, education, and communication.

Applications are invited from candidates wishing to carry out innovative research in any field of modern and contemporary history (16th-20th centuries) covered by the Department of History's research expertise. This expertise spans subjects from nearly all major areas of modern German and European history to several fields of extra-European history. Core research interests include cultural history (e.g., the history of media, history of consumption), political history (together with international relations, politics, and political thought) and social history (incl. gender, networks, etc.). Jewish history and culture as well as the history of science and technology are further strong research units in Munich's history department. Munich's excellent research facilities are available to successful applicants, and Munich should be understood as the principal residence and place of work, if the subject of research or academic affiliations (e.g., in pursuing a cotutelle de thèse) do not suggest otherwise.

The three-year programme provides successful applicants with both training and supervision and will guide them through the process of earning a doctoral degree. It is devised to overcome many problems which frequently trouble young investigators, particularly postgraduates from abroad, when starting research for a doctoral degree in Germany. Successful applicants will be assisted in launching applications for scholarships to cover the costs of maintenance. Secondly, they are provided with information that will help them choose their supervisory team in Munich. Thirdly, the programme offers training courses on research skills to enhance the participants' methods and presentation. It hosts a research seminar and lectures by renowned historians. Students participate in inviting lecturers, chairing sessions, and organising workshops. Moreover, they are encouraged to network with scholars in their field and to present their findings at national and international scientific conferences. Particular emphasis is placed on mentoring and supervision. The supervisory team meets regularly with students to provide guidance and to give feedback on their progress.

Additional support is offered by the GraduateCenter.

Course organisation

In pursuing their degree, participants need to focus on their specific research project. To ensure this, little additional coursework is assigned. Each semester, students attend a research seminar with their respective supervisor and the programme's own research seminar, and they are requested to present two papers on their ongoing research per year. Moreover, they are advised to take a class in their specific field of history once a year and are free to attend lectures and courses that they may find helpful.

There is a range of training available for participants, offered both by the programme and by the university's graduate centre during the semesters. This training is designed to support students in successfully completing their doctorate and to develop their skills and expertise. Participants of the ProMoHist programme are encouraged to take the opportunity to present their research at conferences outside LMU, to invite guest lecturers, and to organise workshops on their subject.

A Diploma supplement will be issued
Yes
International elements
  • International guest lecturers
  • International comparisons and thematic reference to the international context
Course-specific, integrated German language courses
No
Course-specific, integrated English language courses
No
Tuition fees per semester in EUR
None
Semester contribution

Basic fee of 75 EUR + additional fee for the Deutschlandticket

https://www.lmu.de/en/workspace-for-students/abc-study-guide/semester-ticket/index.html

Costs of living

Living costs (including accommodation and health insurance) in Munich range from 800 to 1,000 EUR per month.

Funding opportunities within the university
Yes
Description of the above-mentioned funding opportunities within the university

LMU Travel Grant, LMU Completion Grant

Academic admission requirements

To be eligible for admission, applicants must have earned a Master's degree in history or in another relevant historical discipline, and they need to have completed the degree with very good marks. Other approved equivalent qualifications in related sciences and humanities may be recognised by the faculty as evidence of adequate academic education and experience. Apart from that, admission depends on the feasibility and originality of a proposed research project and the department's ability to provide ample supervision.

Language requirements

Excellent German language skills are required, and fluency in English is desirable. Depending on the subject of research, knowledge of other languages may be necessary.

Application deadline

Exact deadlines will be published on the webpage.

Submit application to

https://www.portal.graduatecenter.uni-muenchen.de/gc-application/promohist

Possibility of finding part-time employment

Munich's job market is strong. To find job opportunities, there are plenty of career services, job boards, job portals, and vacancy databases available.

https://www.s-a.uni-muenchen.de/jobboerse/index.html

Accommodation

The International Office helps visiting academics, PhD students, and postdocs who are travelling to Munich for a set period of time to find accommodation.

For further information, please visit the following link:

https://www.lmu.de/en/study/important-contacts/international-office/index.html

Rooms in shared flats are popular on the private market and reasonably priced at 400-600 EUR per month if located in central parts of Munich.

https://www.lmu.de/en/about-lmu/working-at-lmu/additional-services/lmu-gateway/new-international-doctoral-candidates/phase-1-preparing-your-move-to-munich/index.html

Structured research and supervision
Yes
Research training / discussion
Yes

Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München

University location

Activate map

To activate the map, click on the "Show map" button. We would like to point out that data will be transmitted to OpenStreetMap after activation. You can find out more in our privacy policy. You can revoke your consent to the transmission of data at any time.