Curriculum

The PhD program usually lasts three to four years and comprises compulsory and elective courses worth 18 ECTS credits. Students can choose from a wide range of workshops and courses offered by the GSDE and other graduate schools at the University of Bern. The program can be customized as long as the required minimum number of compulsory courses is attended. In addition to thematic and methodological workshops, an annual GSDE Summer School is offered, where doctoral students can present their own projects and discuss them with each other and with invited experts. 

Compulsory courses (14 ECTS)

• 4 thematic workshops (1 ECTS each)
• 2 methodology courses (2 ECTS each)
• Participation in at least 3 annual GSDE Summer Schools (2 ECTS each)

Elective courses (4 ECTS)

Can be compiled from the following courses in consultation with the GSDE coordinator:

• Courses offered by other graduate schools and doctoral programs
• Transferable skills courses offered by the Academic Careers Office
• Participation in conferences with presentation of research results