Social Sciences
Doctoral Study Programme
The doctoral study programme prepares students in particular for a future career in research in Social Sciences. Graduates are able to understand overall and detailed processes and structures, analyze them theoretically and empirically using scientific methods, develop research questions independently and make their own scientific contributions.
The study programme comprises a core section, a specialization section and a compulsory proposal. 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 respective 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
Research and teaching in the Social Sciences at the University of Cologne are anchored in two internationally recognised institutions: the Department of Sociology and Social Psychology (DSS) and the Department of Political Science. Together, they provide an intellectually stimulating and interdisciplinary environment for doctoral research across a broad range of topics in sociology and political science.
The Department of Sociology and Social Psychology (DSS) conducts research on major societal challenges using state-of-the-art theoretical and empirical approaches. Its research covers topics including demography and social inequality, education and labour markets, consumer behaviour and financial decision-making, crime and deviant behaviour, as well as social networks and social trust. The ISS also plays a leading role in the collection of high-quality quantitative data and in the development and application of advanced quantitative research methods. The Faculty's Key Research Initiative Demography & Social Inequality further strengthens interdisciplinary collaboration in this field.
The Department of Political Science is internationally recognised for its empirical and analytical research on contemporary political challenges. Research focuses on topics such as European integration and international cooperation, political instability and conflict, democratic governance, social and economic inequality, and climate policy. Building on more than a century of academic excellence, the Department has established a strong international reputation, reflected not only in its research output but also in its English-language Master's programme and extensive international collaborations.
Doctoral researchers benefit from close supervision, active participation in research seminars and workshops, and integration into vibrant research groups. They are encouraged to contribute to ongoing research projects, present their work at international conferences, and engage with the broader academic community from an early stage of their doctoral studies.
The University of Cologne's Social Sciences are consistently ranked among the world's leading institutions in international subject rankings, reflecting the Faculty's commitment to research excellence, methodological rigour, and societal relevance.
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 four 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 doctoral scholarships from outstanding students in the social sciences and related disciplines. Eligible candidates are expected to have completed, or be close to completing, a Master's degree (or equivalent) and to rank among the top 10 percent of their cohort based on academic performance.
Selection is based on academic excellence, demonstrated research potential, methodological expertise, and the alignment of the candidate’s research interests with the research profile of the Faculty. Successful candidates and their doctoral projects will become part of the Faculty’s Key Research Initiative Demography & Social Inequality, an interdisciplinary research environment addressing major societal challenges through innovative theoretical and empirical approaches.
The scholarships provide excellent doctoral researchers with the opportunity to pursue their research within a stimulating academic environment, supported by close supervision, interdisciplinary exchange, and integration into the Faculty’s research community.
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.
Collaboration with the IMPRS-SPCE
The Cologne Graduate School (CGS) closely collaborates with the International Max Planck Research School on the Social and Political Constitution of the Economy (IMPRS-SPCE), one of Germany's leading international doctoral programmes in economic sociology and political economy.
The IMPRS-SPCE is a highly selective, fully international three-and-a-half-year doctoral programme jointly offered by the Max Planck Institute for the Study of Societies (MPIfG), the Faculty of Management, Economics and Social Sciences at the University of Cologne, and the Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Duisburg-Essen. The programme combines the strengths of a leading research university with the internationally renowned research environment of the Max Planck Society, providing doctoral researchers with outstanding opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration, international exchange, and academic development.
At the University of Cologne, Prof. Dr. André Kaiser, Prof. Dr. Clemens Kroneberg, and Prof. Dr. Christine Trampusch serve as faculty members of the IMPRS-SPCE and actively contribute to its research, teaching, and supervision.
Contact
Dr. Katharina Laske
office-cgs@wiso.uni-koeln.de
