نظرة عامة على البرنامج

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Introduction to the Full-time PhD Programme

The Full-time PhD programme on Innovation, Economics, Governance and Sustainable Development (IEGSD) at UNU-MERIT offers a world-class education, comprehensive training, and expert supervision to PhD candidates eager to explore the transformative effects of innovative technologies, public policies, and governance on global development outcomes.

Programme Information

The First Year of the Programme

In the first year, PhD fellows embark on their doctoral journey through a structured programme of required and elective courses, taught by leading scholars from UNU-MERIT and partner universities. These courses, delivered in English, span two semesters beginning in September. The first semester focuses on compulsory thematic courses, providing a solid foundation in the Institute's core research areas. In the current academic year, these include:

• Socio-economic Development
• The Economics of Innovation
• Inequality and Social Protection
• Policy Evaluation

After the First Year

After the first year, PhD fellows dedicate the next three years to conducting dissertation research and developing broader professional skills. Fellows are actively encouraged to engage in seminars and research activities organized by UNU-MERIT and to present their work at high-level international conferences, fostering academic and professional growth.

Core Research Areas

PhD fellows contribute to the core areas of the UNU-MERIT research agenda focusing on:

- Economics of Innovation and Technology

Topics include the microeconomics of innovation at the firm level, structural change, trade and industrial policy, the transition to sustainable and green technologies, circular economies, and the role of science in development.

- Public Policy and Governance

This area examines the impact of various public policies—including social, migration, labour, and food policies—on development outcomes. It also explores governance challenges in fiscal and foreign policy, the effects of corruption, and coordination issues in areas like migration and sustainable governance.

Selection Criteria

Admission Requirements

A Master's degree from a relevant academic field, including economics, political science, social sciences, and computational social sciences, with a strong academic background in one of the core disciplines of the institute. Documented theoretical and practical understanding of one or more of the topics of interest specified in the introduction. The position requires spoken and written fluency in English.

Desired Qualifications

• Knowledge of both qualitative and quantitative research methods
• Knowledge of the design, development or use of data, modelling and simulation methods and their application in a topic of interest
• Proficiency in academic writing

Personal Characteristics

We are searching for candidates who:

• Enjoy working independently as well as cooperating in interdisciplinary teams
• Have a sharp academic interest and curiosity
• Are willing to interact with societal stakeholders in shaping their research
• Are able to communicate information and results with clarity and ease, both orally and in writing
• Are in the earlier stage of their career

Application Process

Every year, we open a Call for applications in November, with a deadline for applications on 15 February. Applications are invited from highly motivated and talented fellows, especially from the Global South. Applicants for our full-time PhD programme must complete the online application form. In addition, applications must submit the following:

• Application letter (1-2 pages) concerning your motivation for undertaking a PhD as well as your reflections on your suitability and ambitions for the position
• Research proposal (2-3 pages) where you present the idea for the PhD project you would like to carry out, including theoretical and methodological approach
• A complete CV with information on education and previous research experience
• A copy of your passport (PDF or JPEG)
• Electronic copies of certified certificates and grades, and an explanation of the grading system

Tuition and Funding

To enrol in the PhD programme for the academic year, the following tuition fees apply:

• First year: €9000
• Subsequent years: €7000

The tuition fee includes all programme-related costs. This excludes books, specific research costs, travel costs, accommodation, and visa or residence permit costs.

The Full-time track of the PhD programme is mainly grant or scholarship based. Many of our PhD fellows join the programme with support from external organisations, national scholarships, or research grants.

Career Prospects

Our programme equips PhD fellows with the skills to thrive as professionals in diverse and challenging environments. Approximately 60% of our alumni continue in academia, while a large group secure positions within international organisations such as the European Union, United Nations, and World Bank. Others join leading policy research institutions.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Doctoral Trajectory FAQ

• What doctoral degree will I receive upon completion of the programme? Upon successfully completing the programme, you will receive a PhD degree from Maastricht University.
• Is there a list of experts or researchers and their respective research fields? A list of the staff members and research fellows and their research interests is available on the experts' list section of our website.
• Can an external professor be on my supervision team? According to the Maastricht University regulations, a supervisory team should consist of two to three people.

2. Admission Requirements FAQ

• Does my earned degree fulfil the requirements to apply for the programme? If for some reason you believe that your MA or MSc is not an accepted degree, please send the pdf documents to our PhD office.
• What are the English language requirements? As the website indicates, if you are a native speaker or studied in English for your BA or MA, you do not need a TOEFL or other proof.

3. Application Procedure FAQ

• What are the application deadlines? The application period for the Full-Time PhD Programme opens on 1 November and closes on 15 February.
• What should the research proposal include? The main objective of asking you to write a research proposal is to get a clear idea of your research interests and background.

4. Practicalities FAQ

• Do I need a visa to study at UNU-MERIT? If you are a non-EU citizen, you will need a student visa to study in the Netherlands.
• Can my family join me in Maastricht? Yes, your family can join you while you study in Maastricht.