PhD in the Natural Sciences

100% Online & Flexible

Study at the doctoral level from anywhere in the world. The program supports theory-driven and ethnographic research through personalized supervision, small seminars, and a global intellectual community.

Rigorous & Research-Driven

Grounded in sustained reading, disciplined writing, and original inquiry. Students work under close supervision by a world-leading expert in their field.

Debt-Free Education

Pursue advanced research without tuition debt. Many students save on relocation and living costs, and many PhD candidates are paid to teach courses.

Global Community

Join a global intellectual community spanning continents and disciplines. Build lasting scholarly networks through seminars, research groups, and conferences.

Program Structure

Curriculum

Academia & Research

Teach and research at R1 Universities or colleges.

Public Policy

Shape policy at NGOs, government agencies, and international organizations.

Cultural Institutions

Lead at museums, foundations, and cultural organizations.

Consulting

Apply critical thinking skills to strategy and management consulting.

Writing & Publishing

Pursue careers in journalism, publishing, and content creation.

Education

Teach at secondary or post-secondary institutions.

Find out if this PhD program is a good fit for you.

Schedule a meeting with one of our PhD researchers or graduates.

Track Record

So far all GCAS PhD Graduates have either a job placement at University or have advanced their careers via promotion.

100%

have secured university teaching positions or received promotions.

What are the admission requirements?

Applicants should hold a Master’s degree in a relevant field (or equivalent). We consider applicants from diverse academic backgrounds, and admission is based on your research proposal, academic record, and fit with our faculty expertise.

How long does the program take to complete?

The PhD program is designed to be completed in 3 years of full-time study, requiring approximately 1,500 research hours per year. Part-time options may be available for students who need additional flexibility.

Is the program fully online?

Yes, the program is 100% online, allowing you to study from anywhere in the world. You will have regular virtual meetings with your supervisor, participate in online seminars, and have the option to attend in-person intensives in locations like Florence, Paris, and Berlin.

What is the total cost of the program?

The total tuition for the 3-year PhD program is €18,000 before your scholarship. On average the total cost for the PhD program is about 12,000€. Every accepted student receives tuition reduction scholarships, and many PhD candidates may have opportunities to teach courses for additional income or tuition credit.

How do I choose a supervisor?

During your first year, you will be paired with a world-leading expert in your field based on your research interests and proposal. We work closely with you to ensure the best possible match for your academic goals.

Is the degree accredited?

Yes, GCAS offers EU-accredited degrees recognized across the European Higher Education Area through our partnership with Woolf. Our graduates have gone on to teach at universities worldwide.

When can I apply?

Applications are open year-round. We review applications on a rolling basis, so you can apply whenever you’re ready to begin your doctoral journey.