Overview

Research

Which cognitive mechanisms and neural systems underlie the ability to exert volitional control over one’s actions and emotions? How is volitional control modulated by emotions and stress? Why does volitional control break down in daily self-control failures as well as in mental disorders such as addiction?

These are some of the core questions that are investigated in the Collaborative Research Centre in Volition and Cognitive Control at TU Dresden.

Programme Structure

Research topics include:

Neurobehavioral mechanisms of shielding and shifting of intentions
Neurocognitive processes supporting flexible voluntary action
The adaptive regulation of cognitive control in dual-task performance
Volitional control development in children
Volitional emotion regulation: The costs of control
Mechanisms of self-control: The role of anticipated emotions and future thinking in reward regulation
Brain states representing dynamics of meta-control

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 36 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-10-01 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-09-15 00:00:00
Starting 2027-04-01 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-03-15 00:00:00

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

90

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

67

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IELTS

6.5

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4.9/5 student rating

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Dresden, Germany

Disciplines

Neuroscience Cognitive Science View 3 other PhDs in Cognitive Science in Germany

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

90

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

67

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Generally, an academic degree on the level of master, Diplom, Staatsexamen, or Magister is required for enrolling as a doctoral candidate at a German university.

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Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at TU Dresden and/or in Germany, please visit Student Insurance Portal.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

Free
EU/EEA Applies to you

Applies to you

EU/EEA Nationals

Free

Additional Details

There are no tuition fees for participating in the PhD program.

Living costs

Dresden

Germany

756 - 1107 EUR / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find PhD's scholarship opportunities for Volition and Cognitive Control.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Research

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Student Insurance via Studyportals Partner

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

EU/EEA Applies to you

Additional Details

Living costs

Dresden

Funding

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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