PhD in German

À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ student smiling. Text reads: Thinking about a PhD in German? Think À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ

The PhD program in German Studies at the University of À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ is designed to prepareÌýcandidates for a wide range of employment opportunities both within and outside academe.

TheÌýmulti-foci approach of this innovative program of studies encompasses applied linguisticsÌý(sociolinguistics,ÌýSLA, CALL), literary and media/film studies and fosters productiveÌýindependent learning and scholarship. Program participants are encouraged to take anÌýinterdisciplinary approach to their studies, during the course of which they will attain a criticalÌýknowledge base in the core areas of German Studies.

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Professional development and training forÌýacademic and non-academic careers are an integral part of the program. The Department ofÌýGermanic and Slavic Studies encourages allÌýPhDÌýstudents to spend at least a term of study at oneÌýof our partner universities in Germany.

AllÌýPhDÌýstudents teach a variety of undergraduateÌýcourses and are encouraged to develop a strong teaching portfolio from the first term in ourÌýprogram onwards.

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Teacher training workshops and seminars are an integral part of our program,ÌýandÌýPhDÌýstudents are assisted in obtaining the "Certificate in University Teaching" or the "Certificate in University Language Teaching" from the University of À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ'sÌýCentre for Teaching Excellence.

I'm interested in second language acquisition and teaching, teaching language and culture, language learning materials, and language education in the digital transformation.

Erica Swyers, PhD German

Typical timeline

Ìý Activity Milestone
Term 1
  • 2 courses
  • Teaching assistantship (includingÌýTAÌýseminar)
 Ìý
Term 2
  • 2 courses
  • Research or teaching assistantship (includingÌýTAÌýseminar)
 Ìý
Term 3
  • Preparation for Qualifying Examinations
 Ìý
Term 4
  • 2 courses
  • Research or teaching assistantship
  • Preparation for Qualifying Examinations
 Ìý
Term 5
  • Preparation for Qualifying Examinations
  • Prospectus preparation
  • Oral Qualifying Examination
Term 6
  • Research or teaching assistantship
  • Prospectus preparation
  • Written Qualifying Examination
Term 7
  • Dissertation writing
  • Research or teaching assistantship
  • Prospectus discussion
  • Language requirement completion
Term 8
  • Dissertation writing
  • Doctoral Colloquium 1
Term 9
  • Dissertation writing
  • Research or teaching assistantship
 Ìý
Term 10
  • Dissertation writing
  • Research or teaching assistantship
 Ìý
Term 11
  • Dissertation writing
  • Research or teaching assistantship
  • Doctoral Colloquium 2
Term 12
  • Dissertation submission, defense, revisions, final approval
  • PhD!

Please note:

  • PhDÌýcandidates normally perform TA or RA duties (as part of their funding package) in two out of every three terms. The RA/TA-free term can be in the fall, winter, or spring term, depending on the teaching needs of the department.
  • Depending on the student's program of study and research interests, it is possible to take graduate level courses offered by other departments. Department approval from the Graduate Officer is required.

Degree milestones:

  • six graduate courses after the MA;
  • GER 600 (Methods of Research) as one of the six courses (waived if the student has taken a similar course in a previous program of study);
  • minimum overall average of 78% in the courses presented inÌýfulfillment of the degree requirements;
  • reading proficiency test in a language other than German or English;
  • two qualifying examinations;
  • a prospectus and prospectus discussion;
  • a semi-annual doctoral colloquium;
  • the dissertation and dissertation defence.

Additional information

  • For additional information, please visit the Guidelines page