Overview

Moreover, it invites a critical reflection on the notions of inter- and transdisciplinarity. Working with and on concepts, areas of contact arise within which theories and practices of different disciplinary fields meet and enter a productive dialogue.

Program aims

The Interdiciplinary Cultural Studies ICS program from the University of Bern is primarily theory-oriented. It aims at a systematic incorporation of inter- and transdisciplinarity in the doctoral students’ projects as well as a critical reflection of both familiar and foreign research and knowledge cultures.

Programme Structure

The doctoral program ICS focuses on key concepts, theories and methods which are used across different disciplines of the Humanities and Social Sciences. Moreover, it invites a critical reflection on the notions of inter- and transdisciplinarity.

Working with and on concepts, areas of contact arise within which theories and practices of different disciplinary fields meet and enter a productive dialogue.

Key information

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-02-16 00:00:00
- Apply before 2025-03-31 00:00:00
Starting 2026-09-15 00:00:00
- Apply before 2025-10-15 00:00:00

Language

English

Delivered

On Campus

Disciplines

Area & Cultural Studies General Studies View 3 other PhDs in Area & Cultural Studies in Switzerland

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

We are not aware of any English requirements for this programme.

Student insurance

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items, so make sure your student insurance ticks all the following:

Additional medical costs (i.e. dental)
Repatriation, if something happens to you or your family
Liability
Home contents and baggage
Accidents
Legal aid

We partnered with Aon to provide you with the best affordable student insurance, for a carefree experience away from home.

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Starting from €0.53/day, free cancellation any time.

Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at University of Bern and/or in Switzerland, please visit Student Insurance Portal.

Other requirements

General requirements

In addition to having a degree required for a doctoral thesis supervised and written at the Faculty of Humanities of the University of Bern, you should meet the following requirements:

Your doctoral research project meets the standards of excellent research within your field.

It involves inter- or transdisciplinary elements which allow you to profit from the offered inter- and transdisciplinary programs.

Your command of German (at least passive knowledge) and English is sufficient to participate in the program

External applicants have a letter of invitation of a professor of the Faculty of Humanities.

Your first supervisor is a professor at the Phil.-hist. Faculty.

Only for applications for the doctoral programme Studies in the Arts: Your second supervisor is a lecturer with a PhD degree at the Bern University of the Arts (HKB).

Tuition Fee

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International

400 CHF/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 200 CHF per semester
National

400 CHF/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 200 CHF per semester

Living costs for Bern

1655 - 2130 CHF /month

Living costs

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.