CGS offers four research-oriented doctoral programmes: management, economics and social sciences as doctoral study programmes and economic research as an integrated study programme. CGS is one of the few graduate schools worldwide that foster multi-disciplinary research and teaching that transcends conventional academic boundaries. The doctoral courses in each study programme can be combined with courses from other disciplines. The programme structure therefore promotes the exchange of ideas, methods and approaches for conducting innovative research projects.

Doctoral Study Programme

In the doctoral study programme in Economics each doctoral student is generally required to accumulate a minimum of 30 credit points (exceptions may apply to students in post-graduate programmes ("Graduiertenkollegs") or IMPRS students). The course programme consists of core, field-specific courses that are supplemented by a wide range of elective courses. You find all information about the course offer in KLIPS and the module catalogue Research in Management, Economics and Social Sciences.

The Faculty of Management, Economics and Social Sciences ensures optimal conditions for the supervision of doctoral projects. Our model involves the close cooperation of an advisory team. All admitted doctoral students are advised on the academic research of their project, in particular by their primary supervisor. The doctoral student contacts the prospective supervisor in advance to discuss the topic and reach an agreement before admission. During the first year, students and both supervisors sign a supervision contract supporting the relationship no later than twelve months after the doctoral student has enrolled.

Many doctoral students will be required to finish a dissertation proposal after the first year of conducting the research project. The dissertation proposal will be discussed with several professors in the respective research area, including professors in adjacent fields where possible.