Doctoral Programme in Governance

The Hertie School Doctoral Programme in Governance is a 6-semester structured doctoral programme based in Berlin, Germany, beginning in the winter semester. It is designed for candidates from the social sciences — including economics, law, political science, sociology, data science, and public administration — who want to pursue research on social, political, legal, and economic challenges in an international and multidisciplinary setting. The first year is dedicated to preparation through structured methods, research design, and skills seminars. From the second year onward, students progressively shift to independent thesis work, regularly presenting findings at colloquia and international conferences. Research stays abroad are available for those who wish to connect with scholars in their field. Throughout the programme, workshops and seminars on methodological skills, thesis writing, publishing, and career planning are offered. Each student works with a doctoral committee of three dissertation advisors who provide guidance and monitor research progress. Students working with data science methods have access to a dedicated PhD workshop in that area. Additional training is available through Berlin partner institutions and through the CIVICA network of European universities. The Hertie School is part of a research hub in Berlin and connected to the EU-funded CIVICA network of leading social science institutions across Europe. The programme is offered at the Hertie School in Berlin, Germany.