Structured doctoral education

Doctoral education at the Hertie School is organised as a structured programme. During the first year, PhD researchers prepare for their research and thesis writing with dedicated methods, research design and skills seminars. During the following years an increasing amount of time is allocated to independent work on the thesis. Researchers regularly present their research findings at colloquia or international conferences. To connect with leading scholars in their field of studies they may undertake research stays abroad. Courses in the structured doctoral programme start in early September each year.

Stipends

The Hertie School does not charge tuition fees for its doctoral programmes. Each year we offer eight competitive three-year stipends of 1450 euros per month plus a monthly health insurance contribution of up to 200 euros.

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PhD workshops and support

Throughout the doctoral journey, we offer seminars and workshops to our PhD researchers to enhance their methodological skills, support their thesis writing, develop their publishing and professional skills and support their career planning. PhD researchers will find a well-functioning support structure at the Hertie School. Further, each candidate works with a doctoral committee which eventually comprises three dissertation advisors who provide intellectual guidance and monitor the candidate’s research progress.

PhD researchers working with data science methods have the opportunity to develop their methodological skills throughout the doctoral journey with a dedicated PhD workshop on data science. Further, PhD researchers are able to get dedicated PhD trainings on methods and advanced theories and research by our faculty in so-called PhD mini courses. Find out more about some of our current trainings and our support infrastructure here.

In addition, PhD researchers benefit from a wide array of doctoral trainings and workshops offered by our Berlin partner institutions and by the European network of leading universities in the social sciences within the CIVICA network.

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Cooperation and networks

The Hertie School is part of a vibrant research hub and cooperates with Berlin's world-class universities and research institutes. Our doctoral researchers benefit from a broad range of seminars and trainings offered by our partners and in our joint PhD programmes DYNAMICSBGTS/ SCRIPTS and BSE. The Hertie School further closely cooperates with top PhD programmes in the social sciences in Europe in the context of the EU-funded CIVICA project: Bocconi University, Central European University (CEU), European University Institute (EUI), Sciences Po, Stockholm School of Economics, The London School of Economics (LSE) and National University of Political Studies and Public Administration (SNSPA).

The Hertie School attracts international scholars and practitioners to its activities, providing our researchers with opportunities to meet experts in their field of research.

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Graduate prospects

Many of our PhD Graduates move into academic careers at leading universities worldwide. Further, Hertie School PhD Graduates undertake careers in international organisations and public institutions, many in research positions. You may find out more about our PhD Graduates here.

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Curriculum

Year 1

Year 2 + 3

Finish