Doctoral Programme in Governance at the Hertie School of Governance

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.

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 may 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 arrange of doctoral trainings and workshops offered by our Berlin partner institutions and offered by the European network of leading universities in the social sciences within the CIVICA network.

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 offer of seminars and trainings offered by our partners and in our joint PhD programmes DYNAMICS, BGTS/ 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.

Application documents and information

The application has to be submitted via our online application portal. The following documents and information will be required for application:

• Completed online application forms
• Abstract of research proposal (max. 400 words)
• Research proposal (1,500-2,500 words excl. references)
• Curriculum Vitae (max. two pages)
• Letter of Motivation (max. 250-400 words)
• Transcripts and certificates of all acquired (or to be acquired) university degrees
• English proficiency proof (may be handed in after the deadline) 

In addition, we require two academic letters of reference (in English). These have to be uploaded by your referees via the application portal. We do not accept letters of reference sent by the applicant or reference letters via email. Reference letters must have an official letterhead and be signed by the referee. You will be able to find detailed information on how the submission of the reference letters works on the online application portal.