Introduction
The Bremen International Graduate School of Social Sciences (BIGSSS) serves as a premier destination for international doctoral candidates in interdisciplinary social science research. Fully administered in English and jointly overseen by the University of Bremen and Constructor University, BIGSSS emphasizes structured doctoral education anchored in the thematic framework “Changing Patterns of Social and Political Integration.” It offers both self‑funded and DAAD‑funded tracks—most notably the CoPoDi, GSPSC, and GloWel scholarship cohorts.
Explore fully funded PhD programs at the Bremen International Graduate School of Social Sciences (BIGSSS). This article offers an authoritative, SEO‑optimized guide to BIGSSS’s academic offerings, DAAD scholarship lines, application criteria, visiting and postdoctoral options, and structured program details—ideal for aspiring international researchers in social sciences.
Academic Programs at BIGSSS
BIGSSS delivers a suite of English‑taught PhD programs under the overarching theme of Changing Patterns of Social and Political Integration, offering structured curricula, high‑level supervision, and interdisciplinary training.
Regular PhD Program
This foundational doctoral track comprises three principal research fields:
- Global Governance & Regional Integration – Examines multilateral decision‑making, supranational institutions, and policy coordination across regions.
- Welfare State, Inequality & Qualityof Life – Investigates the social policies, welfare regimes, and inequality dynamics that influence societal outcomes.
- Changing Lives in Changing Socio‑Cultural Contexts – Focuses on how socio‑cultural transformations, migration, and identity shifts affect human development.
These fields are supported by training at the BIGSSS Methods Center, which provides advanced instruction in both quantitative and qualitative research methodologies. Enrolled PhD candidates participate in seminars, doctoral colloquia, and transferable skills workshops and undergo periodic progress assessments to ensure steady advancement.
DAAD Graduate School Scholarship Program (GSSP)
BIGSSS participates in the DAAD Graduate School Scholarship Program, offering fully funded doctoral paths tailored for international scholars.
Key Scholarship Tracks
BIGSSS hosts three theme‑based cohorts under DAAD funding:
- CoPoDi: Contentious Politics in the Digital Age – Investigates how digital platforms shape protest movements, public discourse, and political mobilization.
- GSPSC: Global Dynamics of Social Policy and Social Cohesion – Explores welfare systems, solidarity mechanisms, and social integration across societies.
- GloWel: Global Inequality, the Middle Classes and the Welfare State – Analyzes inequality patterns, middle‑class formation, and welfare policy evolution globally.
These cohorts offer more than financial backing—they also include academic mentoring, integration into an international research community, and structured program alignment with BIGSSS’s overall curriculum.
Scholarship Benefits
- Monthly stipend: Approximately €1,200
- Duration: Up to 48 months(four years)
- Additional support: Includes health insurance, travel allowance, and access to German language courses if needed
For the 2025 and 2026 academic cycles, BIGSSS expects to offer two new CoPoDi scholarships annually.
A downloadable Call for Applications (PDF) details eligibility and procedures.
Eligibility & Application Process
To qualify for a DAAD‑funded PhD scholarship, applicants must meet the following core criteria:
- Academic credentials: Hold a Master’s degree—typically in sociology, political science, psychology, economics, or affiliated disciplines—with strong academic performance.
- Language proficiency: Demonstrate C1‑level English competency, for example via TOEFL or IELTS certifications.
- Residency restrictions: Applicants must not have resided in Germany beyond specified cutoff periods (e.g., prior to January 2024 for CoPoDi applicants).
Application Steps
- Submit your application package through the BIGSSS online portal or via designated email procedures.
- Participate in a selection interview, typically conducted in February or March.
- If shortlisted, receive nomination from BIGSSS to DAAD and complete a formal application via the DAAD system.
Candidates should prepare research proposals aligned to one of the program themes, alongside transcripts, letters of recommendation, a motivation statement, and proof of language proficiency.
Visiting & Postdoctoral
For scholars seeking short-term affiliation, BIGSSS provides several non‑funded engagement opportunities.
Visiting Scholar Program
International researchers may spend 2–6 months at BIGSSS, gaining access to academic resources, library facilities, and faculty mentorship. Note that this program does not include funding support.
Affiliated PhD, Adjunct PhD, and Postdoctoral Tracks
BIGSSS also welcomes doctoral candidates officially enrolled at other institutions to engage through Affiliated PhD or Adjunct PhD pathways, involving structured academic exchange.
Postdoctoral scholars may apply to programs such as BIGSSS‑departs or the Affiliated Postdoc track—often connected to collaborative research clusters or funded external projects.
Program & Scholarship Summary Table
Program / Scholarship | Theme Focus | Funding & Duration |
CoPoDi (DAAD‑funded PhD) | Digital contentious politics | €1,200 per month; 4 years |
GSPSC (DAAD‑funded PhD) | Global policy and social cohesion | €1,200 per month; 4 years |
GloWel (DAAD‑funded PhD) | Inequality and middle‑class transitions | €1,200 per month; 4 years |
Regular PhD (non‑DAAD) | Governance, welfare, socio‑cultural transitions | Self‑funded or externally funded |
Visiting Scholar / PhD / Postdoc | Academic collaboration and research exchange | No stipend (external funding |
Why Choose BIGSSS?
BIGSSS is recognized for its global academic community, encompassing faculty and students from diverse international backgrounds. Its structured PhD curriculum ensures consistent training and evaluation, while the DAAD scholarship lines provide financial security and academic mentoring. The institution promotes interdisciplinary research combining political science, sociology, psychology, and economics, all supported within a high–calibre research environment affiliated with the University of Bremen and Constructor University. Aspiring scholars studying topics such as digital governance, welfare systems, migration, or identity transformation will find BIGSSS’s intellectual ecosystem especially conducive to their doctoral pursuits.
Upcoming Application Timelines
The next application cycle for the CoPoDi PhD scholarships is projected to open in mid‑ to late‑2024 for the 2025–2026 intake. Prospective candidates should begin preparing their proposals, transcripts, language certification, and recommendation documentation now.
A reminder: update this article annually—ideally by July of each year—to reflect new application cycles, stipend levels, or theme changes.
Insights, Actionable Tips & Linkable Value
- Statistic: DAAD‑funded PhD cohorts at BIGSSS admit approximately two international scholars annually per theme, underscoring the competitive nature of CoPoDi, GSPSC, and GloWel.
- Expert insight: Familiarity with digital political phenomena, welfare regime theory, or inequality metrics can strengthen proposal impact. Review relevant peer‑reviewed research (e.g., from German Institute for Global and Area Studies, University of Bremen research archives) to ground your topic in current scholarship.
- Actionable advice: Choose a supervisor whose research aligns directly with your proposal. Reach out early to discuss your topic and gain feedback.
- Backlink potential: Include references to authoritative sources such as DAAD’s official site (.de/.gov) or university research databases, which enhances credibility and linkability.
Conclusion
BIGSSS offers exceptional opportunities for doctoral training in social sciences, combining rigorous academic programs with DAAD funding, intercultural research communities, and structured supervision. Whether you seek to explore contentious politics, social policy dynamics, or inequality, BIGSSS empowers you to pursue research at the intersection of theory, methodology, and global relevance.
We will update this overview when the next application cycle opens—anticipated in mid‑2024—to ensure prospective applicants receive accurate stipend information, eligibility criteria, and deadlines.
For more details, please visit the official BIGSSS website (reference above) in due course.
References
- Official homepage of BIGSSS
- DAAD Graduate School Scholarship Program
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The CoPoDi scholarship at BIGSSS supports doctoral research on digital-age contentious politics, including protest movements, online activism, and political communication.
International applicants with a master’s degree in social sciences and C1-level English can apply for the DAAD GSSP at BIGSSS.
DAAD-funded PhD students at BIGSSS receive about €1,200 per month for up to four years, plus health insurance and travel support.
Applications usually open around mid-year, with final submission expected by early fall for the following academic cycle.
BIGSSS focuses on global governance, welfare state and inequality, and socio-cultural change in social science research.
No, all BIGSSS PhD programs are taught in English, but free German language courses are available for scholarship holders.
You must submit documents, attend an interview, and—if selected—complete a second application through the DAAD portal.
Yes, applicants from all countries except Germany can apply, provided they meet the eligibility and residency criteria.
No, BIGSSS PhD programs are full-time and require residency in Bremen, Germany, throughout the study duration.
BIGSSS scholarships combine full funding, expert supervision, and interdisciplinary training, attracting top-tier global applicants every year.
