Doctoral Study Programme

The doctoral study programme in management at the University of Cologne prepares students for a career in academic and applied research. The program trains the doctoral students in development of new theories, the use of state-of-the-art empirical methods, and the identification of novel questions and ideas. We want to develop the new generation of scientist and business thinkers. Graduates should be able to conduct independent research and become thought leaders in their fields.

The study programme comprises a core section, a specialization section and a proposal of the dissertation idea. You find all offered courses in KLIPS once you are enrolled as a doctoral student at the University of Cologne. An overview of the doctoral study programme’s module structure can be found here or in the module handbook. Doctoral students are supposed to accumulate 30 ECTS within the first year.

Going through a doctoral programme is a profound and enriching intellectual and personal experience. If you enjoy asking new questions and push the academic boundaries, you should consider applying to our programme.

Research Environment

We are a diverse faculty. The management group includes Accounting, Business Pedagogy, Corporate Development, Ethics, Finance, Health Management, Information Systems, Marketing, and Supply Chain Management. We deal with cross-disciplinary issues such as digital transformation, analytics and sustainability.

We integrate some of these interests into three Key Research Initiatives (KRIs): Analytics & Transformation, Behavorial Management Science (BMS) and Sustainable Smart Energy & Mobility (SEEM). The first initiative focuses on the increasing use of data and algorithms to aid decision making and how business and society are changing as a result. A strong background and interest in analytics, econometrics, computer science with an application to management would fit the initiative well. The second initiative BMS aims at advance our understanding of how management practices influence the behaviour of people in organisations and affect organisational performance. A sound knowledge of econometrics and organisational behaviour or behavorial economics or psychology is essential to become part of this group. The third initiative SSEM explores the interdependent transition to sustainable energy and mobility from an interdisciplinary perspective, ranging from artificial intelligence to economics to social behavior.

More generally, we encourage applicants to look at the specific research topics studied by researchers at the management group. We cover a wide range of themes and research areas, but do so by tackling specific topics. A doctoral student does individual work, but as part of a larger team, typically one or more professors and other post-doctoral researchers. We advise candidates to find current papers and ask themselves if they would like to work on those or similar topics or extend them into new directions. When we consider applications, we are looking at potential and fit with our research areas. That means, we are looking for applicants with excellent academic credentials who can carry the research forward and eventually take the torch to new horizons.

Becoming a Doctoral Student at our WiSo-Faculty

Most students currently going through their doctoral studies fund their studies and find their supervisor by applying either to

•  open research positions at a chair/department or
• a CGS scholarship

1.) Open research positions are announced both via Stellenwerk or on the chair/department's homepages throughout the year. These are mostly 75% TV-L 13 positions and include some teaching load. Doctoral students are covered by social security. In case you are interested in a research position at a certain chair/department, please have a look for open positions on the chair's/department's homepage or contact the department's office.The CGS ist not involved in this hiring process. 

2.) With the CGS scholarships, the WiSo Faculty supports outstanding graduates. Scholarship holders are assigned to the faculty’s four Key Research Initiatives (KRIs) and find their supervisor during the applications process. Hence, applicants are not required to contact potential supervisors beforehand. The link between scholarships to the KRIs is intended to foster excellent scientific education in the core research fields of the faculty and to additionally strengthen these areas. CGS scholarships are endowed with €1515 per month for three years that are tax-free plus a research budget of €3000. Typically scholarship holders can take up an additional research assistant job if they want. The application period for the scholarships is December 15ths - March 15ths every year and the process is organized as outlined here or here.

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 "Behavorial Management Science" or "Analytics & Transformation" or "Sustainable Smart Energy & Mobility". Candidates must hold a master’s degree or be very close to completion.

Be part of the Cologne experience!