Heritage Studies

This structured doctoral programme examines cultural heritage through interdisciplinary research across conservation, planning, architecture, law, politics, and social sciences. Doctoral candidates work on advanced heritage-related research within an international context.

Academic requirements

The application includes a comprehensive research proposal. The research proposal topic must align with the research areas of the PhD programme.

Minimum GPA

At least German grade 2.3 according to the current official doctoral programme page.

English requirements

The official doctoral programme page requires proof of English proficiency. BTU lists accepted examples including TOEFL iBT 79, IELTS Academic 6.5, Cambridge Advanced grade B, or Cambridge Proficiency grade C.

Accepted bachelor fields

The official doctoral programme page requires a completed master's degree or equivalent in Heritage Studies, Architecture, Building and Conservation, Urban or Regional Planning, or a related field in the social sciences, law, or political science.

APS Certificate

Yes

Thesis required

Yes

Tuition fee

None

Semester contribution

373.80 EUR per semester for Summer Semester 2026 according to the current official BTU semester-fee page.

Funding info

Tuition: None Semester contribution: 373.80 EUR per semester for Summer Semester 2026 according to the current official BTU semester-fee page.

The structured doctorate prepares candidates for academic research and advanced expert roles in heritage studies, conservation, planning, and cultural-policy institutions.

• 1

  Cultural Studies – Organisation, Society, and the Arts (BA)

  Leuphana University Lüneburg

  Lüneburg · Bachelor of Arts · English

• 2

  Graduate School Practices of Literature (GSPoL)

  University of Münster

  Münster · PhD · German, English

• 3

  Iranian and Persianate Studies (MA)

  University of Göttingen

  Göttingen · Master of Arts · English

• 4

  Development, Environment, Societies, and History of South Asia

  Heidelberg University

  Heidelberg · Master of Arts · English

• 5

  Religious Studies

  Ruhr-Universität Bochum

  Bochum · Master of Arts · English