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Free University of Bozen-Bolzano

PhD in

Linguistics

This PhD programme is offered jointly by the Free University of Bozen-Bolzano and the University of Verona. 

The PhD programme, offered jointly with the University of Verona, offers specializations in all aspects of linguistic analysis (phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, pragmatics, lexicon) as well as in the following research areas: sociolinguistics, dialogue analysis, conversation analysis, discourse analysis, language acquisition (both typical and atypical), language teaching, Germanic and Romance philology, and language policy. The programme offers an International Doctoral Track, in cooperation with the University of Marburg (Germany), which allows candidates to obtain  both an Italian and a German PhD.
The Bolzano-Verona programme collaborates with private research institutes such as Eurac Research in corpus linguistics and language technologies as well as with institutions active in the protection and promotion of minority languages. PhD projects can be proposed for all topics in linguistics compatible with the interests and expertise of members of the PhD board.  

The PhD programme focuses on multilingualism, language contact and dialectology, especially but not exclusively with respect to German and the Romance languages. These research topics are shared between the partner universities Bolzano and Verona. 

Languages of instruction are English (main language), German and Italian. 

At a glance

Duration of the programme: 3 years 
Courses will be taught in German, Italian and English 
Available positions: 7 with scholarship
Campus: Brixen-Bressanone 
Tuition fees: € 189 per year 

Programme structure

The goal of the PhD programme is to develop professionals who have mastered the contents and methods of their field of specialization at a high scientific level. Graduates will have competence in all domains of linguistic analysis sufficient for teaching at the introductory university level. They will also be able to extend their expertise to new fields of specialization. 

PhD coursework is offered at winter and summer schools as well as in specialized seminars and interdisciplinary courses.  
Instruction is in English, German and Italian and takes place at the Brixen-Bressanone, Bozen-Bolzano and Verona campuses. 

Each PhD student is assigned two supervisors who support their research project. PhD students may also acquire additional research methods developed by members of the PhD board in research projects (PRIN, DFG, SNF, PNRR), often in collaboration with local institutions.  

Research period abroad

In the interest of strengthening national and international scientific relations, the PhD programme encourages students to advance their projects by spending research time at other universities in Europe or overseas. To arrange research periods abroad, the PhD programme works through existing networks such as Erasmus partnerships at the PhD level and academic partnerships with universities such as Marburg (Germany) or Tromsø (Norway). On request, new contacts can be established in the form of cotutelle agreements.

People

PhD Programme Coordinator: Prof. Birgit Alber (photo)  
Student representative in the Lecturer's Committee: -- 

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Partner universities and institutions

The PhD programme has a bilateral agreement with the University of Marburg which simultaneously confers an Italian and a German PhD degree upon successful completion. PhD candidates selected for this International Doctoral Trackspend at least 6 months at the partner university.

Stakeholders:

  • ARLEF Agenzia Regionale per la Lingua Friulana, Udine - sponsor of a PhD fellowship for the 40th cycle
  • Region Trentino-Südtirol, Bozen-Bolzano, Trient-Trento - sponsor of a PhD fellowship for the 39th cycle
  • Eurac Research, Bozen - sponsor of a PhD fellowship for the 37th cycle
  • Bersntoler Kulturinstitut/Istituto Culturale Mòcheno, Palai en Bersntol/Palù del Fersina, Trient-Trento
  • Istitut Ladin 'Micurà de Rü', St. Martin in Thurn, Bozen-Bolzano
  • Istitut Cultural Ladin 'Majon di Fascegn', San Giovanni di Fassa, Trient-Trento
  • Istitut Cultural Ladin 'Cesa de Jan’, Colle Santa Lucia, Belluno 
  • Casa Editrice e centro di formazione Erickson, Trient-Trento
  • Biblioteca Capitolare, Verona

Academic stakeholders:

These are universities and research institutes interested in recruiting researchers at the postdoc level, principally those with which the members of the PhD board have active scientific relationships: the universities of Marburg, Trier, München (LMU), Köln, Konstanz, Stuttgart and Göttingen (Germany) Tromsø (Norway) Paris (France) and the State University of New York (U.S.A.)

Application and Admission

You can find key information to apply and gain admission to this PhD Programme. For detailed information browse the general and specific calls below.

In order to gain admission to the PhD programme, you will need to have obtained 300 ECTS credit points (Master degree): Master degree (all disciplines); Master degrees according to Italian law previous to the introduction of D.M. 509/1999; Master of Science/Arts or equivalent degrees obtained outside of Italy. 

Application deadline: 11/07/2024 (by noon, local time)
Admission interviews: 24/07/2024 (in presence at the Faculty of Education in Brixen-Bressanone, room A2.01 from 9:00 a.m. or via MS Teams: Candidates who make a motivated request by 11/07/2024 can participate in the admission interview online via MS Teams.)
Publication of ranking lists: by 05/08/2024

Confirmation of the PhD position - 1st Call

Applicants with scholarship: by 20/08/2024 by noon local time;
Applicants without scholarship: starting from 21/08/2024 until 30/08/2024 by noon local time.
Enrolment: Starting from 21/08/2024 until 31/10/2024

1st Call

Publication of the call: from 10/06/2024
Application deadline
: 11/07/2024 (by noon, local time)

CALL GENERAL PART (PDF): ENITDE
CALL SPECIFIC PART (PDF): ENIT – DE

Call - FSE+

Publication of the call: from 10/06/2024
Application deadline
: by 11/07/2024 (by noon local time)

CALL GENERAL PART (PDF): ENITDE
CALL SPECIFIC PART (PDF): ENIT – DE

Contact us by phone at +39 0471 012800 or send us an e-mail: phd@unibz.it