You have questions regarding the application process? Some requirements for admission are unclear to you? Below, we have collected frequently asked questions. If the issue you would like to address is not included in our FAQs, please do not hesitate to contact the GSPoL coordinator, Dr. Anna Thiemann.

• Deadlines

  When is the application deadline?
  End of May for admission for the following winter term and end of November for admission for the following summer term. 

    
  Can I submit my application documents after the deadline?  
  Only the following documents may be submitted after the deadline in justified exceptional cases: reference letters, language certificates (provided that a sufficiently high level of proficiency can already be demonstrated, degree certificates (if the applicant provides a provisional certificate and transcript of records), and a supervisions agreement from the primary supervisor. An admission letter will only be issued after submission and verification of all required documents. 

• Doctoral Subject

  Can I freely choose my doctoral subject?
  No. As a rule, doctoral studies should be pursued in the subject studied at the bachelor’s and master’s levels. Exceptions may be granted if applicants demonstrate sufficient academic and personal suitability.
  The doctoral project should align accordingly and presupposes relevant subject-specific and language competencies. For example, PhD research in German Philology requires high proficiency in German as well as a solid academic background in the field.

• Language Skills

    
  What are your language requirements for admission?
  Admission to doctoral studies at the GSPoL requires proficiency in English at B2 level, proficiency in German at A1 level, and additional subject-specific language skills in accordance with Appendix A of the Doctoral Regulations. In addition, further language skills required by the subject of the doctoral project may be specified in the supervision agreement. German language proficiency should have reached at least B1 level by the end of the third semester.

    
  My language certificates are not yet available by the end of the application period. Can I submit them later?
  Language proficiency certificates may be submitted after the application deadline provided that applicants already possess a certain level of proficiency and can prove this with supporting documents. The letter of motivation should also clearly and convincingly explain how and why the required certificates will be available by September 30 (for admission to the winter semester) or March 30 (for admission to the summer semester) at the latest.

• Supervision

  How many supervisors does each doctoral candidate have at the GSPoL?
  Our PhD students are supported by an individual interdisciplinary advisory panel, which consists of three professors: a primary supervisor from the University of Münster who works in the same field as the doctoral candidate as well as two additional advisors. Key requirements for the selection of the second and third supervisors are the involvement of another university and of another field in literary studies.

    
  Do I need to have a supervisor at the University of Münster when applying to the GSPoL?
  The search for a suitable primary supervisor may take place before or during the application process. If no confirmation of supervision has been obtained by the time of application, applicants may propose a supervisor. It is not necessary to contact this person prior to submitting the application.

• Letters of Recommendation

  Should I include the letters of recommendation into my application?
  Letters of recommendation should be emailed separately by your professor.

     
  My professor needs more time to write his*her letter of recommendation. Can it be submitted after the application deadline?
  If a letter is not available by the end of the application period, it can be submitted later, before the first meeting of the admissions committee.

• Applying before the End of MA Studies

  I am currently finishing my MA program, but I will not receive my degree certificate before the end of the application period. Can I still apply? Which documents do I need to submit? When do I have to hand in my final certificate?
  Applicants who are in the process of finishing their MA program may still apply and submit a provisional degree certificate and transcript of records. The final certificate needs to be handed in before the beginning of the semester (October 1 or April 1) in order to be admitted to the PhD program.