Bayreuth International Graduate School of African Studies (BIGSAS)

The University of Bayreuth is a hub of international and interdisciplinary research. African Studies have been a priority at the University of Bayreuth since its foundation in 1975. The Bayreuth International Graduate School of African Studies (BIGSAS) brings together African and European academic networks and fosters partnership not only between the University of Bayreuth and its six Partner Universities in Africa but also among universities in Africa. It provides creative and innovative training and research opportunities for doctoral students (Junior Fellows):

• multi- and interdisciplinary research with a multi-disciplinary mentorship
• specialist academic training in connection with employment-oriented transferable skills
• clearly structured individual research training
• individual career planning and coaching
• early integration into the international academic community
• assistance in academic and organisational matters

BIGSAS offers a Dr. phil. and Dr. rer. nat. as well as a double degree, joint supervision and a range of sandwich models. The professors (Senior Fellows) of the Graduate School work in 18 academic disciplines, among others anthropology, geography, history, law, linguistics, literature, media studies, religious studies, sociology and political science. The three Research Areas "Uncertainty, Innovation and Competing Orders in Africa", "Knowledge, Communication and Communities in Motion" and "Negotiating Change: Discourses, Politics and Practices of Development" formulate strategic research directions for the Junior Fellows and other members of BIGSAS. At the same time, they represent the research interests and profiles of the Senior Fellows. The training at BIGSAS is based on its own doctoral degree regulations.