Dual PhD/DPhil Degree in Transcultural German Studies

With its German partner universities in Leipzig and Cologne, the dual PhD/DPhil degree program in Transcultural German Studies fosters intercultural competence and professional excellence across the Atlantic. The program offers interdisciplinary doctoral training in two rigorous academic environments, while providing intensive mentoring opportunities and comprehensive financial support. 

Incoming US-based students complete one year of doctoral coursework at the University of Arizona and a second year in Germany, either at the University of Leipzig or the University of Cologne, while financially supported through teaching and research fellowships. Students who begin their doctoral studies in Leipzig or Cologne pursue their second year of doctoral course work at the University of Arizona, where they teach alongside their US-based colleagues in the German Studies Department. Students complete their third year of coursework at their home institution. 

The Graduate Handbook, esp. section III, will guide you through the details of the program.

Prospective students need to fulfill the following prerequisites:

  • A Master’s Degree (or Magister) in German, German Studies, German as a Foreign Language, or equivalent field
  • A high level of competence in English and German (minimum Common European Framework rating of C1)

German Studies minor: PhD candidates in other disciplines may select a minor in German Studies. The German Studies minor for PhD candidates outside the Department of German Studies consists of 12 units. Up to 6 units may be transferred from a German Studies MA or its equivalent. The Director of Graduate Studies is happy to answer any questions about the PhD minor in German Studies.

Testimonials

Lee Gagum

PhD 2016

There were three reasons why I chose to pursue my PhD in Transcultural German Studies at the University of Arizona. The first reason was the opportunity to study at the University of Arizona in Tucson and at the University of Leipzig in Leipzig, Germany. I have had the opportunity to study not only under professors at both universities but also work and collaborate with them. Due to the uniqueness of the PhD program, I have been able to gain experience in teaching students in Germany and in the US. This is a valuable experience that has proved to be vital for my career and in my research. The second reason was my research topic. My dissertation explores the German literary influences in Manga and Mahwa. Central to the dissertation are the Grimm’s fairy tales. Remarkably, these tales have been in the Japanese reading culture since 1887 and have permeated the Japanese canon. My third reason for undertaking this program of study was the opportunity to pursue a dual degree and to receive doctoral degrees from the University of Arizona and University of Leipzig.