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Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf
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Doctoral School: Cultural Conflicts – Conflict Cultures / Conflits de culture – Cultures de conflits

Pre-Bachelor

Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf Düsseldorf · North Rhine-Westphalia

About the Program

The doctoral school promotes interdisciplinary research, cross-disciplinary approaches, and integrated doctoral studies in the fields of cultural studies, media studies, literary studies, history, philosophy, art history, Jewish studies, and political science, which – viewed from a Franco-German perspective – deal with the relations of culture and conflict in a broad sense. The increasing disintegration of societies due to conflicts that are deemed as "cultural" (Islamist terrorism, climate-related issues, Identitarian movements, refugee crisis, etc.) has become an everyday reality all over the world. The dual connection between the concepts of "culture" and "conflict" is a highly charged and controversial field in theory and practice: The question of cultural conflicts and cultures of conflict that has been raised refers to the internal cultural conflicts and their forms of expression in art, language, literature, and history – both from a historical perspective and with regard to current phenomena – that have arisen as a result of cultural exchange, migration, flight, immigration, and the radicalisation of individual population groups. The discriminatory conditions of the cultural connection to Europe demanded "transversal" thinking, a constantly new localisation of minority culture, and clarification of the relationships between the paradigms of minority culture and the European. Thus, the approach of a "histoire croisée" accentuates the interdependencies beyond possible asymmetries in cultural relations; in particular, translational studies analyse the cultural translation achievements of the actors, whereby the categories of hybridity, conflict and contradiction, which play a major role in current cultural studies debates, are discussed in the projects of the doctoral candidates. This programme addresses not only successful mediation processes but also and especially the interferences and competitive relationships, the crises and the failures as well as those fruitful misunderstandings that accompany every transfer.
▶ Show the original English text
The doctoral school promotes interdisciplinary research, cross-disciplinary approaches, and integrated doctoral studies in the fields of cultural studies, media studies, literary studies, history, philosophy, art history, Jewish studies, and political science, which – viewed from a Franco-German perspective – deal with the relations of culture and conflict in a broad sense. The increasing disintegration of societies due to conflicts that are deemed as "cultural" (Islamist terrorism, climate-related issues, Identitarian movements, refugee crisis, etc.) has become an everyday reality all over the world. The dual connection between the concepts of "culture" and "conflict" is a highly charged and controversial field in theory and practice: The question of cultural conflicts and cultures of conflict that has been raised refers to the internal cultural conflicts and their forms of expression in art, language, literature, and history – both from a historical perspective and with regard to current phenomena – that have arisen as a result of cultural exchange, migration, flight, immigration, and the radicalisation of individual population groups. The discriminatory conditions of the cultural connection to Europe demanded "transversal" thinking, a constantly new localisation of minority culture, and clarification of the relationships between the paradigms of minority culture and the European. Thus, the approach of a "histoire croisée" accentuates the interdependencies beyond possible asymmetries in cultural relations; in particular, translational studies analyse the cultural translation achievements of the actors, whereby the categories of hybridity, conflict and contradiction, which play a major role in current cultural studies debates, are discussed in the projects of the doctoral candidates. This programme addresses not only successful mediation processes but also and especially the interferences and competitive relationships, the crises and the failures as well as those fruitful misunderstandings that accompany every transfer.

General Requirements

Specific requirements for this program are not in our database yet. The following are typical for this degree and language in Germany — always verify the exact requirements on the program's official page.

Academic qualification

A recognised higher-education entrance qualification (Abitur or equivalent). International applicants may need recognition via Anabin and, if not directly eligible, a Studienkolleg + assessment exam (Feststellungsprüfung).

Language

English proficiency (typically IELTS ~6.5 or TOEFL iBT ~90). Basic German is helpful for daily life.

Typical documents

  • Recognised diploma and transcript (certified translations)
  • Language certificate
  • Passport and passport photo
  • Tabular CV (Lebenslauf)
  • Letter of motivation (for many programs)
  • Application via uni-assist / VPD (for most international applicants)

How do I apply to Doctoral School: Cultural Conflicts – Conflict Cultures / Conflits de culture – Cultures de conflits at Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf?

Most international applicants apply via uni-assist (document verification + APS for some countries). Prepare your secondary/Bachelor diploma, transcripts, language certificate (DSH/TestDaF or IELTS/TOEFL), motivation letter and CV. Non-EU students also need a Sperrkonto (~11,904 EUR/year) for the visa.

  1. Check requirements — Verify your degree is recognised + meet language/grade thresholds.
  2. Get language certificate — TestDaF / DSH for German programmes, IELTS / TOEFL for English.
  3. Submit via uni-assist (non-EU) — Document review + APS if your country requires it (China, India, Pakistan, Vietnam, etc.).
  4. Apply directly or via uni portal — Some universities accept direct applications — check the official programme page.
  5. Open Sperrkonto + apply for visa — After admission, deposit 11,904 EUR, get health insurance, book embassy appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers about Doctoral School: Cultural Conflicts – Conflict Cultures / Conflits de culture – Cultures de conflits at Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf

Is Doctoral School: Cultural Conflicts – Conflict Cultures / Conflits de culture – Cultures de conflits at Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf taught in German or English? ▼

This Other programme is taught in English. Make sure to check the language requirements (e.g. TestDaF, DSH, IELTS or TOEFL) before applying.

How much does the Doctoral School: Cultural Conflicts – Conflict Cultures / Conflits de culture – Cultures de conflits programme cost? ▼

No tuition fee (only semester contribution). International students should also budget around 800–1000 EUR/month for living costs in Germany.

What are the admission requirements for Doctoral School: Cultural Conflicts – Conflict Cultures / Conflits de culture – Cultures de conflits at Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf? ▼

Typical requirements include: a recognised secondary/undergraduate degree, proof of language proficiency (English), and (for non-EU applicants) a uni-assist application plus financial proof (Sperrkonto ~11.904 EUR/year).

When is the application deadline? ▼

Application deadlines vary: winter semester usually closes on 15 July, summer semester on 15 January. Always confirm the exact deadline on the official university website.

Can I work in Germany while studying Doctoral School: Cultural Conflicts – Conflict Cultures / Conflits de culture – Cultures de conflits? ▼

Yes. International students may work up to 140 full days / 280 half days per year without additional permission. After graduation you can apply for an 18-month job-seeker permit.

How do I apply to Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf — directly or via uni-assist? ▼

Most German universities accept international applications through uni-assist for document verification. Some unis accept direct applications — check the programme page on the official site.

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