The European Doctoral College

Strasbourg’s European Doctoral College supports doctoral researchers working on their thesis with at least two supervisors: one from the University of Strasbourg and the other from a foreign institution.  All members are registered in one of Strasbourg’s ten doctoral schools.

Cotutelle de thèse / Joint international supervision

Since 2011, joint supervision has to be undertaken as a cotutelle with a formal contract signed between the two research institutions. Applicants need a supervisor in both universities and are expected to share their time between the two institutions.

The European Doctoral College accepts candidates in all subjects. Around 35 doctoral researchers are selected each year to benefit from its support and funding. Doctoral training at the Doctoral College includes the Multicultural European Programme, a series of lectures taught in both French and English by international specialists which offers to investigate current issues and perspectives in the European context.

New members are selected by a committee (Commission de la Recherche) appointed by the University. Selection is based on the scientific quality of their research project.

Mission

The European Doctoral College seeks to:

  • Bring together talented European and non-European doctoral researchers who wish to have access to doctoral training in research subjects identified as leading collaborative projects between Strasbourg and foreign institutions.
  • Strenghten and further develop the above collaborative research projects.
  • Expand facilities directed to foreign (mostly European) academics.
  • Develop academic and research networks between the University of Strasbourg and other research institutions abroad (mostly in Europe).
  • Strenghten cooperation in the Upper-Rhine area at doctoral level by actively participating in relevant networks and structures such as PRES Alsace, EUCOR etc.
  • Improve professional insertion for doctoral researchers by offering general compulsory courses on European culture and institutions.
  • Develop quality assurance for doctoral researchers and advertise their transferable skills to economic players in the outside world.
  • Facilitate the coming together of doctoral researchers from all over the world whose projects might benefit from Strasbourg’s rich European background.
  • Serve as a direct contact for international organisations such as the European Universities Association (EUA) within the framework of the Bologna process, in order to advertise relevant information and good practice.

The halls of residence

The EDC’s halls of residence are located on the Esplanade Campus. The building, which is 8 stories high and topped by an over-arching copper roof, includes 100 studio apartments, 6 relaxation areas (balconies and lounge areas), an inner garden, a lecture hall, a music room, a fitness room, resource and seminar rooms as well as administrative offices. The building is fully equipped with Wi-fi internet access.

The halls of residence are mainly intended to accommodate doctoral researchers enrolled at the European Doctoral College, but are also open to other doctoral candidates enrolled at the University of Strasbourg as well as post-doctoral researchers, visiting researchers etc.
Facilities are also available for conferences, seminars and other activities for a university as well as a non-university public.

 

Important information

Find out more about admission, doctoral training and accommodation at the EDC at cde.unistra.fr