Applicants to the ASCoR PhD program are expected to have rigorous methodological and substantive knowledge relevant to research on communication science and, in particular, to the PhD vacancy to which they apply. A Research Master (i.e., 2-year Master program consisting of at least 60 ECTS in methods and statistics) degree is not required for entering the PhD program but is generally considered a plus. The same goes for having obtained a Master’s degree in Communication Science. As entry requirements vary from project to project, it is above all important that there is a good fit between the candidate’s skills and project-specific requirements. Therefore, candidates with a Master in a discipline related to communications science (e.g., psychology or social sciences) or a discipline closely related to the focus of a particular PhD project, are generally encouraged to apply. 

Transfer program

In the exceptional case in which a candidate is considered the most suitable applicant for a certain position but lacks specific methodological or substantive knowledge, a tailormade transfer program (consisting of max. one 6 ECTS course taken at the Graduate School of Communication Science) can be followed at the start of the PhD trajectory. The selection committee will decide whether this is necessary and if so, which course will need to be taken.

The three options to enter the ASCoR PhD Programme are listed below:

Applying to an advertised project

Every year a number of specific PhD research projects are advertised. These projects come with a stipend or salary, and a tuition waiver. Vacancies are announced on the website of the University of Amsterdam: PhD vacancies.

Submitting your own research proposal

Since the number of advertised vacancies with tuition waivers is limited, ASCoR also admits excellent students into the program on the basis of their own research proposal. The proposal should fit the ASCoR research programme. You are expected to show that funds are available to cover living expenses for the duration of the project and for project costs. Moreover, you have to find a professor who is willing to supervise your project. When these conditions are met you may submit your research proposal

More information on the contents of your research proposal can be found in the FAQs under the header: What are the guidelines for a research proposal? Please keep in mind that students submitting their own research proposal are not eligible for a scholarship or any other form of funding from ASCoR, and that a tuition fee will usually apply.

PhD research visit

If you are a PhD candidate at another university, in the Netherlands or abroad, we welcome your application for a research visit to ASCoR. PhD research visits at ASCoR preferably last at least 3 months and can last up to one year. ASCoR requires that the home university and supervisor(s) support the visit. If you would like to apply for a research visit to ASCoR, please download the PhD research visit application form, which also includes relevant information on submission requirements, facilities and costs.

PhD Application

If you would like to pursue a PhD project at ASCoR, please complete the Application form for PhD positions and ensure to include all documents listed in the checklist (Section C of the application form). Please return the completed ASCoR PhD application form to the ASCoR Secretariat by email. 

PhD Research Visit Application

Download the PhD Research Visit application form which includes a checklist, as well as background information on our programme and general information about the city of Amsterdam, costs and housing.