The aim of this doctoral programme is to provide an academic degree (Ph.D.) for artists and designers who have already completed a master's or diploma degree at an art or design university. Per exam regulations, the four-year study programme is completed with a Ph.D. thesis, which consists of a scientific and an artistic or design component, evaluated in equal measure. The Faculty of Art and Design thus offers a dual qualification with a practical and academic degree, which is unique in Germany. Both qualifications can be used in teaching and research as well as in curatorial practice, cultural and scientific management, institutional education and culture, and similar fields. In addition, the doctoral program offers the opportunity to pursue a doctorate in collaboration with the University of Music FRANZ LISZT Weimar.

Mentoring system and study programme

Per study regulations a, each student is personally supervised by at least two university professors (or senior lecturers) for the entire duration of their studies, with one mentor representing the academic methods and the other the artistic or design methods. One of the two mentors must be from the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar, the second mentor may come from another university. No renumeration is available for external mentors. In certain cases, particularly interdisciplinary ones, where external expertise is required, additional mentor(s) may be brought in. The four-year study programme (curriculum) primarily serves to accompany and support the research at highest academic standards, and, ultimately, to develop foundational research competences and skills in the field of artistic research or design research. The curriculum primarily consists of graduate seminars, graduate colloquia, and key qualifications, including workshops, conferences, and continuing education.  

Application and start of studies

Admission to the study programme is stipulated in the Entrance Examination Regulations and requires close artistic or creative and academic involvement with the teaching and research activities of the Faculty of Art and Design in general and the teaching and research focuses of the respective mentors in particular. The application deadline is usually 31 March of the year. The doctoral programme begins in the winter semester. 

If you have any questions, please contact Katarina Steinbiß, phone: +49 (0)3643-58 31 98 or e-mail: katarina.steinbiss[at]uni-weimar.de.  

Please submit applications in writing addressed to the Chair of the Ph.D. Graduation Commission. Applications are accepted exclusively on the online platform, available at the following link:

www.uni-weimar.de/campusportal/bewerbung