PhD at the Hertie School

PhD research that shapes tomorrow

Today’s challenges cannot be tackled from one perspective alone. At the Hertie School, international researchers from multiple social science disciplines come together to exchange views, questions and develop their own thinking.

Working together with distinguished faculty, our doctoral researchers pursue answers to today’s social, political, legal and economic challenges. Rigorous academic training, close supervision and institutional support, and the opportunity to develop professional skills prepare our PhDs for leading academic and non-academic careers.

The Hertie School is part of a vibrant research hub in the heart of Berlin and closely cooperates with leading doctoral programmes in the social sciences in Europe.

We offer 8 competitive scholarships each year to outstanding PhD candidates.

What we offer

Explore our PhD programmes

Structured PhD programmes with specific thematic foci
A combination of academic excellence and advanced skills training in an international and multidisciplinary setting
A vibrant, supportive, and diverse academic community, institutional support and close supervision by the Hertie School’s faculty
The opportunity to conduct research and engage with practitioners and scholars in Berlin, Europe and beyond
Academic careers in leading universities, or professional careers in public administration, NGOs or business

CIVICA

Cooperation with leading doctoral programmes

In the framework of CIVICA we work together with doctoral programmes in the social sciences at Bocconi University, the Central European University (CEU), the European University Institute (EUI), the National University of Political Studies and Public Administration (SNSPA), Sciences Po, the Stockholm School of Economics and the London School of Economics (LSE).

Supervision

Meet our faculty

At the Hertie School, our faculty members conduct research that shapes tomorrow. Quality supervision of PhD candidates by our faculty members is a fundamental aspect of our structured PhD programmes. Find out more about potential supervisors and their areas of research for your PhD project.

What our PhD researchers say

“I really enjoy being part of an interdisciplinary cohort. It allows for a great exchange of research perspectives and sharing the PhD journey with like-minded people.”
Anna Prisca Lohse | Germany | DocGov 2019 | Supervisor: Lukas Graf

“Pursuing a PhD at the Hertie School not only provided me with academic resources to become a competent, trained researcher, but also linked me to an amazing community of scholars and institutions that will help me thrive throughout my professional career.”
Luis Mejía | Mexico | Alumnus - DocGov 2016 | Supervisor: Kai Wegrich | Now works as Research Associate to the Office of the President at the Hertie School

“The Hertie School is a university in rapid development, and it's exciting to be part of the journey. The academic faculty is not only impressive and unique, but also determined to create the best environment for their students and PhD researchers.”
Maria Uttenthal | Denmark | BGTS 2019 | Supervisor: Christine Reh

“I benefited greatly from my doctoral studies at the Hertie School, specifically in terms of acquiring significant research capabilities that have both broadened and enhanced the research I am capable of conducting.”
Casper Hendrik Claassen | South Africa | Alumnus - DocGov 2017 | Supervisor: Johanna Mair | Now works as Research Fellow at Yonsei University's Institute for Welfare State Research, Seoul, South Korea