Application deadline: May 20, 2016
Hochschule für Gestaltung
Schlossstrasse 35
63065 Offenbach am Main
Germany
The Hochschule für Gestaltung (HfG) Offenbach, University of Art and Design invites applications to its doctoral program for research in Art and Media Studies and Design Studies.
The PhD program at HfG Offenbach provides participants with the opportunity to pursue their individual research projects in a learning environment with a decidedly transdisciplinary focus. The program is based on an interlinking of scientific-theoretical and artistic-creative approaches and expresses the idea of a close exchange between art/design and science. Doctoral research projects at HfG Offenbach consist of a scientific research part and an artistic-creative part.
Why embark on a doctorate at an arts university?
In addition to university research on the arts, there is also a research program that develops in closer exchange with the arts. Here creative, artistic and design strategies, corresponding ideas and discoveries are not only interpreted, but within a meshwork of artistic-creative practice and scientific reflection they are themselves part of the research. Addressing both forms of knowledge has the potential to generate productive new insights. This is why HfG Offenbach offers graduates of art, design, media studies or related sciences the option to obtain a Doctor of Philosophy in a model that merges science with art.
HfG Offenbach
As an arts and design university of the State of Hessen, HfG Offenbach teaches some 600 students in the two departments: Art and Design. Studying at HfG Offenbach allows students to combine different artistic and creative subjects. Moreover, a comparison of art universities reveals an unusually high proportion of theoretical study.
Combination of science/theory and art/design
The close interlinking of scientific-theoretical and artistic-creative spheres at HfG Offenbach is also reflected in the doctoral degree. The research projects doctoral students tackle consist of a scientific part (two-thirds) and an artistic-creative part. These two parts are not separate, but enter into a complementary relationship with each other. Consequently, the research-based structure of the artistic-creative part and the artistic-creative inspiration of the theoretical work become evident.
In keeping with two-thirds/one-third division, doctoral students are supervised by two professors from scientific/theoretical fields of teaching and one professor from the artistic-creative fields of teaching.
Doctoral studies at HfG Offenbach
Complementary studies for doctoral candidates are up to three years. These studies should complement the individual research projects from the spectrum of scientific/theoretical subjects. Additionally, doctoral colloquiums take place on a regular basis. Supervision for doctoral students is provided by a specially appointed mentor.
Studio and library study areas are provided at HfG Offenbach for all doctoral students.
Positions for doctoral students
The university has set up three (art) and two (design) part-time research assistant posts, each of which is to be filled for three years by doctoral students at HfG Offenbach.
Entry requirements
In order to be accepted as a doctoral student candidates must generally have completed studies and gained either a Diplom, Magister Artium, Master of Arts or first degree in a humanistic or artistic-creative course of studies at a university or art university. Applicants who are already engaged in an artistic or academic career are especially encouraged to apply.
HfG Offenbach invites international students to apply. German reading and listening comprehension is required for acceptance.
The application is online. Applications must be received by May 20 following the application procedure explained on the website of the program.
Further information can be found at www.hfg-offenbach.de
Selected candidates must present their doctoral project to the doctoral committee at HfG Offenbach.
Admitted candidates will embark on the PhD program in October.
Contact: Nassima Sahraoui: [email protected]