Online-start-up Programme

The BGHS supported international Master graduates from partner universities interested in a doctorate in history, sociology, anthropology, or political science.

With its Online Start-up Programme, that started in the summer semester 2021, the BGHS wanted to support international Master graduates interested in a doctorate in history, sociology, anthropology, or political science. Moreover, the BGHS wanted to intensify the already existing cooperation of Bielefeld University with international partner universities. In a four-month online training programme, six to nine excellent Master graduates got the opportunity to elaborate the topic of the dissertation, prepare a conclusive research proposal, and discuss it with their peers and scholars of Bielefeld University and the other participating universities. Subsequently, the participants may apply for the doctoral degree programmes coordinated by the BGHS and/or for scholarships, doctoral positions, and funding programmes in Germany or worldwide.

The BGHS Online Start-up Programme offered to Master graduates from the partner universities:

• Regular online research colloquia with peer researchers, scholars of Bielefeld University and partner universities and BGHS staff,
• individual consultation on the doctoral project by chosen supervisors,
• online workshops by external trainers (e.g. “Writing a research proposal”, “Good Scientific Practice"),
• information about the German academic system and funding opportunities, and
• the possibility to participate in the BGHS study programme and other BGHS events.

Participating Master graduates agreed to:

• have a supervisor at the partner university and at Bielefeld University,
• participate actively in all events and tasks of the programme,
• prepare and present a poster that summarises the most important points of the research project, and
• join in lively discussions in a respectful academic environment.