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Wirtschafts- und Sozialwissenschaftliche FakultätCETEUS

Writing a Dissertation at the Jean Monnet Chair of

Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Wessels

 Focus of doctoral research:

  1. General guidelines: the topic of the dissertation has to be linked to the European Union (EU). The work has to be theory-led and conform to high methodological standards.
  2. We particularly welcome dissertation projects touching on key research areas of the chair, namely the institutional architecture of the EU, the external action of the EU and EU economic governance.

 

Formalities:

  1. The doctoral student must show a graduation with very good results (at least 2,0 or equivalent).
  2. The doctoral student has to demonstrate excellent knowledge of EU politics and be familiar with the key research areas of the chair.
  3. The doctoral student has to send an email including a motivation letter, a first outline of the thesis and a CV to Prof. Wessels.
  4. The doctoral student has to present (first ideas on) his topic to Prof. Wessels during the regular office hours.
  5. In order to register as a doctoral student at the University of Cologne, the applicant needs a written confirmation of Prof. Wessels that the latter accepts her/him as his doctoral student.
  6. It is expected that the doctoral student is aware of the specific examination regulations which apply to her/him. In general, the doctoral student will pursue a doctoral degree as part of the Faculty of Management, Economics and Social Sciences graduate school. This PhD programme includes mandatory coursework.
  7. We highly recommend writing the dissertation in English.
  8. The doctoral student has to participate actively and regularly in the PhD colloquium (“Oberseminar”). In particular, she/he has to present her/his dissertation project on a regular basis and she/he has to take over the role of a discussant for other presentations.
  9. It is common to defend the doctoral thesis in public.

 

Additional offer:

According to prior agreement, the chair offers the possibility to gain additional capabilities and experiences in academia, for example through teaching activities or co-operation in ongoing research projects of the chair.

 

Selected doctoral theses:

  • Tekin, Funda (2012): Differentiated Integration at Work. The Institutionalisation and Implementation of Opt-Outs from European Integration in the Area of Freedom, Security and Justice, Baden-Baden

  • Nasshoven, Yvonne (2011): The Appointment of the President of the European Commission. Patterns in Choosing the Head of Europe's Executive, Baden-Baden.

  • Klein, Nadia (2010): European Agents out of Control. Delegation and Agency in the Civil-Military Crisis Management of the European Union 1999-2008, Baden-Baden.

  • Umbach, Gaby (2009): Intent and Reality of the European Employment Strategy. Europeanisation of National Employment Policies and Policy-Making?, Baden-Baden.