PhD Programmes at the Graduate Institute, Geneva

Professor Andrea Bianchi, Director of Studies at the Graduate Institute, discusses what makes the Institute so unique and shares his thoughts on academic excellence.

PhD programmes at the Institute require a four-year commitment, with the first three semesters in residence. During the first two semesters, you will take theoretical and methodological doctoral seminars before presenting a preliminary thesis at the end of the third semester, with the defence of your thesis taking place at the end of the eighth semester. Our PhD programmes meet the established requirements for accreditation in Switzerland. The courses are taught in English, however the thesis could be written either in English or French.

We offer six disciplinary PhDs: PhD in Anthropology and SociologyPhD in International EconomicsPhD in Development EconomicsPhD in International HistoryPhD in International Law and PhD in International Relations/Political Science.
 

how to apply

PHD IN ANTHROPOLOGY AND SOCIOLOGY
 

  • Four-year programme
  • Provides students with theoretical perspectives and methodological tools to explore the social and cultural systems that influence policy interventions
  • Involves a year of coursework and preparation followed by extensive fieldwork and a dissertation
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PHD IN DEVELOPMENT ECONOMICS
 

  • Four-year programme centered around a research dissertation
  • A crucial field at the heart of policy debates
  • Fieldwork opportunities in developing countries
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PHD IN INTERNATIONAL ECONOMICS
 

  • Four-year programme centered around a research dissertation
  • Stimulating collegiate work atmosphere
  • Trains students to undertake innovative research 
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PHD IN INTERNATIONAL HISTORY & POLITICS
 

  • Four-year programme
  • Combines coursework, seminars, preliminary thesis and doctoral thesis
  • Equips students with the analytical, conceptual and methodological tools to successfully complete original book-length research
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PHD IN INTERNATIONAL LAW
 

  • Designed for outstanding students with a strong commitment to international law
  • Research supervision available for a wide range of topics
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PHD IN INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS / POLITICAL SCIENCE
 

  • Stand-alone four-year PhD programme or Fast-track master’s/doctoral program allowing students to complete a master’s and PhD within five years
  • Designed to prepare students for a research-focused career in international relations
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The Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies in Geneva is pleased to announce the opening of 30 fully funded 4-year PhD positions in our 5 departmental programmes in Anthropology and Sociology, International Economics or Economics of Development, International History and Politics, International Law, International Relations and Political Science. 

The deadline for application is 15 January 2022. Each of the six 4-year PhD packages distributed by each department will combine 2 years of full scholarship followed by 2 years of teaching assistantship.
 

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