Requirements for Applications

Here you can find all information and documents you will have to provide with your application. Please read these instructions carefully since incomplete applications will not be considered for the program.

The candidate

This project in professional football is not necessarily confined to Germany but to those leagues for which relevant information is available that can be used for the research agenda (to be detailed during the first 6 months). Therefore, broader language skills might be advantageous, although the main language within the PhD program is English. The optimal candidate owns a combination of sport science and (basic) medical skills with some expertise in the area of head injuries. The highest university degree being obtained has to be on a master level or equivalent.

Academic Background

In order to be considered as an applicant for the program, candidates must have completed (or be in the process of completing) a Master´s degree or equivalent degree including a thesis in a field related to medicine, sports science, exercise physiology, human biology or neighbouring fields. In rare occasions, applications from excellent candidates with only a Bachelor degree may also be considered for the program.

Proof of proficiency in English for non-native speakers

Our primary language in the PhD program is English. For applicants who are non-native English speakers, it is necessary to demonstrate English knowledge by adequate results in an internationally recognized test (TOEFL or IELTS test). Submitting the detailed results of such tests is strongly recommended for non-native speakers. If your previous studies were taught in English or if you have already published in English on your own, we might accept this as a demonstration of language proficiency.

Research proposal

For scholarship application a proposal can be submitted, but it is not mandatory. However, for self- or non-funded PhD projects a detailed research proposal outlining the specific aims and methods as well as the timeline of the PhD is required. The proposal can be related to any research area within football, however it should be related to our general research interests. Please note that we cannot provide any guidance on the proposal before officially submitting the application as the quality of the proposal is a core evaluation criteria.

Proof of funding

For self-funded project application proof of funding is mandatory. Funding can be prooven e. g. by a scholarship from another University, a Federation or a private/governmental foundation. Please note that a individual bank account statement will not be accepted as proof. Students who want to conduct their PhD part-time while embedded in a clinic or the applied field of sport science do not have to show proof of funding.