The IMPRS NeuroCom is a PhD programme and offers its students an outstanding interdisciplinary three year training with the aim of providing multidisciplinary training in both cognitive science and neuroscientific methodologies. For this purpose, faculty members with diverse backgrounds, for example, neurobiologists, neuropsychologists, cognitive scientists, medical researchers, computer scientists, physiciststo name but a few, are involved in both the teaching and supervision of the doctoral students as they complete their PhDs. Students who complete the doctoral programme will have the ability to communicate across these diverse disciplines, and will be able to start a successful career in neuroscience research and beyond.
Fundamental knowledge covering all four modules is imparted in the form of lectures, courses, and seminars run at the MPIs and the University of Leipzig. In addition, research and work is organized around various series of colloquia, annual summer schools, which take place in Leipzig or London, and final-year exchange programmes. The teaching and supervision language at the IMPRS NeuroCom is English.
Key Features
- 3-year doctoral programme
- structured curriculum
- excellent research conditions
- close collaboration with supervisors
- financial support
- English as working language
- international and interdisciplinary learning and working environment
- no tuition fees
Research Fields
Module I: Verbal Communication: Language
- Audition and Attention
- Audition and Speech
- Language
- Communication
Module II: Foundations of Social Cognition and Emotions
- Social Cognition and Emotions
Module III: Neuroscience: Basic and Clinical
- Neuroanatomy and Connectivity
- Neurology
- Psychiatry
Module IV: Methods: Physics of Neuroimaging and Computational Neuroscience
- Computational Neuroscience
- Biophysics
- Neuroscience Methods
Theses Supervision and Thesis Committee
With the start of the thesis, a Theses Committee is assembled, which is composed of the supervisor(s) and two advisors. The supervisor and the doctoral student decide jointly on the IMPRS Faculty members to act as advisors. The thesis committee meets at least once per year to monitor and evaluate the progress of the research project, and to ensure that a highquality thesis is completed within the given time. It formulates recommendations for the continuation of the project, and identifies required skills to be learned in additional required training courses. Apart from meetings, the student can approach their advisors at any time.
| Supervisor | The supervisor performs the scientific function of supervising the PhD project with regard to its contents. Students carry out their research work in the supervisor’s laboratory, discuss and present their work in meetings with the supervisor, as well as in their research group meetings on a regular basis. |
| Advisors | The function of the advisors is to support the PhD project by giving academic counseling and advice. The advisors may be approached if there are problems regarding either the project or the supervision of the student. The advisors are expected to ensure a good standard of supervision, as well as a satisfactory student performance – that is to say, they embody a “safety net” for both the students and the school. |
The degree is awarded by the University of Leipzig. Depending on the educational background, the PhD project and the University Faculty, the degree is either Dr. phil., Dr. rer. nat., Dr. rer. med., or Dr. ing. With the awarded degree, students also obtain a certificate of the IMPRS NeuroCom, stating their successful participation and its programme.
The students are required to write a dissertation thesis that is either monographic or cumulative. For the latter, the student is required to have at least two publications of which the student is the first author. These publications must be accepted by a peer-reviewed journal by the time the thesis is submitted. If there is more than one author, each author has to state in writing the extent of their contribution.
The IMPRS NeuroCom applies the Credit-Point-System practiced and supported by all participating faculties at University of Leipzig. Students must complete a minimum of 10 Credit Points during their PhD programme to be able to submit their thesis and apply for the doctoral degree examination.
The IMPRS NeuroCom aims to recruit and educate excellent young scientists who wish to extend their knowledge and research experience in a structured and demanding research programme, in order to pursue a successful career in cognitive neuroscience. The school is intended for students possessing a very good Master’s (or qualified equivalent) degree in disciplines such as computer science, engineering, linguistics, mathematics, medicine, neurobiology, cognitive neuroscience, neurology, physics, psychiatry, psychology, or related fields, awarded by an internationally recognized university-level institution. Research experience is essential for successful candidates. The applications are evaluated by IMPRS faculty members. Interview selection is based on academic qualifications, personal references, recommendation, research experience and interests, and suitability to the programme. Our call for applications usually opens in October and closes in December/ January. Application will be assessed and the applicant will be notified in March. Usually, the interviews take place in April/ May. The programme commences in Autumn.
Apply Online
Application deadline is: January 4th, 2016
As all activities of the school are conducted in English, we ask you to submit your application in English. Only complete applications will be considered.
FUNDINGS:
Doctoral students in the IMPRS NeuroCom receive funding of approximately €1,100 per month from either third party funding, IMPRS funding, or university and departmental funds.
There are no tuition fees. Enrollment at the University of Leipzig is optional. The enrollment fee is approximately €190 per semester. Living costs vary depending on personal spending habits. Doctoral students are required to have German health insurance coverage.
Required Documents
1. Cover letter explaining the motivation and reasons for pursuing a PhD at the IMPRS NeuroCom and describing the personal research interests and academic goals
2. Research Field into which you wish to be accepted, and (if applicable) preferred supervisor
3. Curriculum Vitae (CV) including activities and experiences relevant to the studies
4. Two names of academic referees supporting your application
5. Title and abstract of the master’s thesis (or equivalent thesis)
6. Master’s degree (or equivalent degree)
7. Official academic transcripts of course work and other relevant academic certificates
8. Certificate of proficiency in English (non-native speakers only). Also acceptable is course work in English either at the home university or at a university abroad.
9. List of publications (if applicable)Please email these documents as one PDF-file to a preferred supervisor or the IMPRS co-ordinator.
Please make sure you arrange your attachments according to the suggested order.
Please be aware, that only complete applications will be considered.
All documents that are not in English or German have to be translated by an officially approved translation office.
2. Research Field into which you wish to be accepted, and (if applicable) preferred supervisor
3. Curriculum Vitae (CV) including activities and experiences relevant to the studies
4. Two names of academic referees supporting your application
5. Title and abstract of the master’s thesis (or equivalent thesis)
6. Master’s degree (or equivalent degree)
7. Official academic transcripts of course work and other relevant academic certificates
8. Certificate of proficiency in English (non-native speakers only). Also acceptable is course work in English either at the home university or at a university abroad.
9. List of publications (if applicable)Please email these documents as one PDF-file to a preferred supervisor or the IMPRS co-ordinator.
Please make sure you arrange your attachments according to the suggested order.
Please be aware, that only complete applications will be considered.
All documents that are not in English or German have to be translated by an officially approved translation office.
If the Master is not completed yet
Students may apply before receiving their Master’s degree (or equivalent degree). In this case, they need to indicate the expected date of their degree, and they must submit their most current academic transcripts. The degree must have been awarded by the time the student starts the IMPRS NeuroCom programme.
Language Requirements
Language Requirements
Candidates are expected to be proficient in written and spoken English. Because the teaching and supervision language at the IMPRS NeuroCom is English, German language skills are not mandatory. For PhD applicants a minimum score required for a TOEFL paper-based test is 550. The minimum score for the TOEFL computer-based test is 213, for internet-based test 79–80. For IELTS the overall band score should be 6.5.
