Management
Doctoral Study Programme
The Doctoral Study Programme prepares doctoral researchers for successful careers in academic research and other research-intensive professions within the social sciences. It provides advanced training in theory development, research design, and state-of-the-art qualitative and quantitative methods. Throughout the programme, doctoral researchers develop the expertise to analyse complex social phenomena, formulate original research questions, and make independent scientific contributions to their respective fields.
The curriculum combines structured coursework with the development of an individual research project. It consists of a core section, a specialization section, and the preparation of a compulsory dissertation proposal. All courses are held on campus and conducted in English. They are available through KLIPS following enrolment at the University of Cologne. An overview of the programme structure can be found here and in the respective module handbook. During the first year, doctoral researchers are expected to complete 30 ECTS credits.
Pursuing a doctorate is both an intellectually challenging and personally rewarding experience. Our programme offers a stimulating research environment that encourages curiosity, critical thinking, and scholarly exchange. If you are passionate about advancing knowledge in the social sciences and aspire to contribute to the international research community, we encourage you to apply.
Research Environment
The University of Cologne offers a vibrant and internationally oriented research environment that brings together expertise from across the field of management. Our faculty comprises the following departments: Accounting & Taxation, Business Education, Corporate Development incl. Business Ethics, Finance, Information Systems, Marketing, and Operations Management incl. Health Care Management. Together, they address pressing societal and managerial challenges through rigorous, interdisciplinary research.
Many of these activities are organized around Key Research Initiatives (KRIs), which foster collaboration across disciplines and methodological approaches.
Become a Doctoral Researcher at the WiSo Faculty
There are two main pathways to join our faculty as a doctoral researcher:
1. Apply for an Open Research Position
Throughout the year our departments advertise open research positions via Stellenwerk or on their respective department websites. These positions are mostly 75% TV-L 13 appointments and include a teaching component. As an employed doctoral researcher, you will receive a salary and full social security coverage. If you are interested in pursuing a doctorate within a specific department, please check the department's website for current vacancies or contact the department directly. Please note that the Cologne Graduate School (CGS) is not involved in the recruitment process for these positions.
2. Apply for a CGS Doctoral Scholarship
The annual application period for CGS scholarships runs from 15 December to 15 March, with the programme starting in October. Through its doctoral scholarships, the WiSo Faculty supports outstanding graduates with excellent academic potential. Scholarship recipients are assigned to one of the faculty’s Key Research Initiatives (KRIs) and are matched with a supervisor during the application process. Therefore, applicants do not need to contact potential supervisors before applying. The close connection between the scholarship programme and the KRIs promotes excellent doctoral training in the faculty’s core research areas while further strengthening these fields of research. CGS scholarship holders receive:
- €1,515 per month (tax-free) for up to three years
- A research budget of €3,000
- The opportunity to take on an additional research assistant position, if desired
Scholarships
We invite applications for scholarships to excellent students – in the top 10 percent – who hold a master’s degree (or equivalent) in management or economics or a related master’s degree.
Admission is based on previous academic performance, research potential, expertise and fit in terms of research interests. These students and their research projects will be part of the faculty's Key Research Initiatives “Design Evaluation of Organizational Practices” or “Private Firms, Institution, Markets & Economics Grwoth” or “Digital Health Care” or “Transition from Education to Emplyoment in Times of Change” or "Sustainable Smart Energy & Mobility". Candidates must hold a master’s degree or be very close to completion.
How to Apply
Deadline
Applications for the October 2027 intake can be submitted between December 15, 2026, and March 15, 2027, at 23:59 CET.
Application Documents
Applicants are required to submit the following documents as part of their application:
- Curriculum vitae (CV)
- Letter of motivation
A letter of motivation explaining your interest in the doctoral programme at the Cologne Graduate School (CGS). The letter should outline your academic goals, research interests, and potential dissertation topics. Please write your letter in English and limit it to a maximum of two pages. - University entrance qualification
A copy of your university entrance qualification (e.g., Abiturzeugnis or equivalent). - Degree certificates
Certificates of all completed university degrees (e.g., Bachelor's and Master's degrees or equivalent qualifications). - Academic transcripts
Official transcripts documenting completed coursework and grades. Where available, transcripts should include information on cohort ranking or academic distinctions. Applicants who have not yet completed their current degree should submit a preliminary transcript or grade report. - GMAT (optional)
Applicants may submit a copy of their GMAT test results as part of the online application to strengthen their application. Submission of these test results is not mandatory. - Proof of English language proficiency
Applicants must provide proof of English proficiency by submitting a TOEFL or IELTS test certificate. This requirement is waived for applicants from English-speaking countries and for graduates of degree programmes that were fully taught in English. In such cases, applicants must provide appropriate documentation, such as proof of citizenship from an English-speaking country or official confirmation from their university that English was the language of instruction. - Two letters of recommendation
Applicants must submit two letters of recommendation in English or German from academic referees who are able to evaluate their academic achievements, research potential, and suitability for doctoral study. At least one letter must be written by a university professor.
Documents that are not issued in English or German must be accompanied by a translation into one of these languages. At the application stage, translations do not need to be notarised. Applicants who are admitted to the programme will be required to submit notarised translations at a later stage.
Complete applications, including both letters of recommendation, must be submitted by the application deadline. Late or incomplete applications cannot be considered.
Application Procedure
Applications must be submitted online. The application process consists of the following two steps:
Step 1: Online application submission
Complete the registration form in the online application portal and upload all required application documents. Please note that, once submitted, your application details cannot be modified.
Step 2: Submission of letters of recommendation
After you have submitted your application, your referees will automatically receive an email containing a link to upload their letters of recommendation. You will receive an email notification once a letter of recommendation has been uploaded. Please ensure that both letters of recommendation are submitted by the application deadline.
After the application deadline, the Admissions Committee will review all complete applications and select candidates for the interview stage. Interviews will be conducted online via Zoom.
We kindly ask applicants to refrain from inquiries regarding the status of their application until the beginning of May. All applicants will be informed about the outcome of the selection process as soon as possible thereafter.
Funding & Fees
Funding
All admitted students receive a tax-free scholarship of €1,515 per month for a period of three years, beginning with the programme start in October. Please note that scholarship recipients are responsible for covering their own health insurance costs.
To support academic development, CGS provides up to €3,000 in research funding throughout the doctoral programme. Subject to paper acceptance and supervisor approval, these funds may be used for conference travel. They can also be allocated to research-related expenses, such as computer equipment (during the first year), books, or poster printing.
To promote equal opportunities, CGS offers an additional child allowance for scholarship holders with children. The allowance currently amounts to €400 per month for the first child and is paid in addition to the regular scholarship.
Fees
There are no tuition fees for doctoral researchers at the Cologne Graduate School. However, all students enrolled at the University of Cologne are required to pay a mandatory semester contribution ("Semesterbeitrag") each semester. This fee covers a range of student services and benefits, including public transportation.
Contact
Dr. Katharina Laske
office-cgs@wiso.uni-koeln.de
