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. Our PhD candidates undertake research in law, economics, data science, political science, sociology, public administration and related disciplines while engaging with diverse views.

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 other 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.

Each year we offer eight competitive PhD stipends to outstanding PhD candidates.

What we offer

Explore our PhD programmes

Disciplinary training and close supervision
Academic excellence and advanced skills training in an international and multidisciplinary setting
State-of-the-art research and methods to tackle today's challenges
A vibrant, close-knit and diverse academic community
Engage with leading scholars and practitioners in Berlin, Europe and around the globe
Academic careers in leading international universities, or research careers in international organisations

PhD placements

Where our PhD graduates work today

From postdoctoral research and professorships at universities to research in international organisations, explore where our graduates work today.

Supervision

Meet our faculty

Quality supervision of PhD candidates by our faculty members is a fundamental aspect of our PhD programmes. Find out more about potential supervisors and their areas of research for your PhD project.

Research topics

Dissertation topics and PhD defences

PhD researchers at the Hertie School write their dissertations in various disciplines, including law, economics, data science, political science, sociology and public administration.

CIVICA

Cooperation with leading doctoral programmes

In the framework of CIVICA, we work together with the doctoral programmes of esteemed social sciences institutions.

What our PhD researchers say

“I really enjoyed being part of an interdisciplinary cohort. It allowed for a great exchange of research perspectives and sharing the PhD journey with like-minded people.”
Anna Prisca Lohse | Germany | Alumnus - DocGov 2019 | Supervisor: Lukas Graf | Now works as a Postdoctoral Researcher at TU Berlin

“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 a Postdoctoral Associate, Data Quality in the Social Sciences, at LMU Munich

“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 | Alumnus - BGTS 2019 | Supervisor: Christine Reh l Now works as Academic Counsellor at Hertie School

“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