Curriculum for the LIFE Course Program

There are two parts to the academic program. The first consists of the program of study that your PhD requires. In addition, the following specific LIFE training is offered and required. All courses are taught in English.

1) Participation in four one- week long semi annual academies on LIFE Course research and theory. These academies are akin to conferences where fellows are expected to participate and faculty deliver lectures and feedback on the fellows’ work. You can participate by offering research at the academies through posters, informal presentations and/or formal presentations.These academies are offered twice a year. The location alternates between Germany and the United States.

2) Successful completion of seminars on research and theory in biological, psychological, sociological, educational, and anthropological/cultural aspects of the LIFE course offered at the University of Virginia.

Students participating in LIFE at the University of Virginia may also be interested in spending a semester or summer working with Berlin faculty on a collaborative research project and/or participating in other designated conferences or conferences being held in conjunction with our international partner institutions. Limited expenses for such activities are funded by the program and funds can be applied for after a student has completed one LIFE academy.

Beyond these requirements and opportunities, fellows receive invaluable contact with premier faculty in these fields and opportunities to forge their own professional collaborations.

About the Program | How to Apply