Doctoral Studies in European Governance and Politics

Applications are welcomed from candidates wishing to pursue doctoral studies in Political Science and Political Theory focused on European Governance and European Comparative Politics. Successful candidates will work closely with their doctoral supervisor in the development and execution of their individual research project.They will also benefit from a broad range of disciplinary and interdisciplinary training, seminar and conference opportunities offered both by the University of Luxembourg and trough our extensive international network of partners.

Entry Requirements

Candidates seeking admission to the doctoral programme must hold (or expect to hold prior to the date of commencement of their PhD studies) a good Master’s degree in Political Science, in Political Theory or a cognate subject.

Preparing Your Application

The first stage in preparing your application should be to consult the research fields of the Research Group for European Governance to determine whether your intended research topic corresponds to one of the areas in which the unit is able to offer supervision. You should also consult the individual web pages of the Research Group for European Governance faculty members authorised to supervise PhD theses:

1. Dr. Philippe Poirier, Holder of the Chair in Parliamentary Studies
2. Dr. Patrick Dumont, Professor in Political Science
3. Dr. Jörg Gerkrath, Professor in Public Law
4. Dr. Luc Heuschling, Professor in Constitutional Law
5. Dr. Raphael Kies, Researcher in Political Science
6. Dr. Lukas Sosoe, Professor in Political Theory
7. Dr. Johan Van Der Walt, Professor in Philosophy of Law

The subject proposed must clearly fall within one of the research fields of the Research Group for European Governance; supervision cannot be offered outside of these areas, regardless of the general merits of the application.

The Preliminary Application Process

Having identified an appropriate research topic, you should then prepare a preliminary application in either English or French. This should consist in: 1). A CV detailing your previous academic achievements, as well as relevant professional experience (where appropriate) and 2). An outline research proposal of approximately 5-10 pages in length. The outline proposal should: identify your research question; suggest the research methodologies/approaches which you will employ; address how your interests fit within the research fields of the Research Group for European Governance; and give a clear indication of the scholarly literatures which you work will seek to engage. This proposal should then be sent to the central e-mail address, governance@uni.lu, so as to ensure its consideration by all potentially interested supervisors.

You will normally receive a decision on your initial application within four weeks of its submission during University terms. At this stage, you will either receive a decision that we are unable to proceed further with your application or a conditional offer of acceptance. A conditional offer is an agreement in principle by a member of faculty to supervise your PhD work, and to support your formal application both for admission to the University as a research student and, where applicable, for financial support.

Admission to the University

The general University admissions process for prospective doctoral students is detailed at: you wish to enrol in the doctoral programme. Doctoral candidates at the University of Luxembourg may also have the opportunity, under a ‘co-tutelle’ arrangement, to register with another university or approved research institute, potentially allowing for the award of a joint degree. Once an initial acceptance has been secured, you may wish to discuss this option with your designated supervisor.

The main source of funding for doctoral students are scholarships (Aides à la formation-recherche) offered by the national research council (Fonds National de la Recherche). Details of the application process may be found at: http://www.afr.lu/.  Please note that your application must be made through the University, and not sent directly to the Research Council. You should thus ensure that your application is submitted by the specified University deadline (normally the 10th of the month, prior to the FNR deadline of the 15th) so as to allow for the timely completion of all necessary procedures.

Project-based doctoral studentships and assistantships will also periodically be available. Interested candidates should reply to individual advertisements for these positions as opportunities arise. Please note that there is no provision for a general or rolling consideration of applications for such positions, and applications should thus not be submitted outside of specific competitions.

Degree Regulations

The award of doctoral degrees by the University of Luxembourg is governed by national legislation. Please click here for the full legal text: Grade de doctorat de l'Université du Luxembourg.