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PhD program

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Take your research and career to the next level with a PhD. ESMT Berlin's structured PhD studies provide an intellectually stimulating and academically rigorous environment for you to make the most of your research. With our vibrant international community and focus on real-world impact, it's the ideal environment to progress your career. 

Overview

Benefits

  • Rigorous training in state-of-the-art methodology in preparation for your independent research.
  • Access to ESMT’s world-class faculty and the Berlin science community.
  • Close collaboration and supervision by ESMT professors.

Profile

  • Successful applicants must have obtained a Master’s in Economics or Business Studies and have performed exceptionally well in their studies.
  • Applicants from related fields (such as industrial engineering, statistics, or quantitative social sciences) may also fulfill the admission requirements if they have an interest in economics or business studies.

Highlights

  • ESMT’s PhD program addresses outstanding candidates with a strong desire to conduct their own research projects. Participation is free of charge.
  • PhD positions will be offered alongside part-time Research Assistant employment. View current vacancies.
  • ESMT offers support to cover the costs related to research, including conferences and overseas visits.
  • Awarded degree: PhD or Dr. rer. oec.

PhD curriculum (180 ECTS)

x
Qualification phase
Year 1-2

  • Methodological and research-oriented training in mandatory course work. 
  • Selection of research area and supervisory support. 

60 ECTS from qualification courses, soft skill courses, and presentation of a scientific article.

  • Methodological and research-oriented training in mandatory course work. 
  • Selection of research area and supervisory support. 

60 ECTS from qualification courses, soft skill courses, and presentation of a scientific article.

Year 1-2
From year 2
x
Dissertation phase
From year 2
  • Own research, electives, and further development of soft skills and teaching. 
  • Participation in seminars and conferences, presentation of dissertations.

120 ECTS for the dissertation and the defense colloquium.

 

 

  • Own research, electives, and further development of soft skills and teaching. 
  • Participation in seminars and conferences, presentation of dissertations.

120 ECTS for the dissertation and the defense colloquium.

 

 

PhD curriculum (180 ECTS)

Year 1-2
x
Qualification phase
Year 1-2

  • Methodological and research-oriented training in mandatory course work. 
  • Selection of research area and supervisory support. 

60 ECTS from qualification courses, soft skill courses, and presentation of a scientific article.

  • Methodological and research-oriented training in mandatory course work. 
  • Selection of research area and supervisory support. 

60 ECTS from qualification courses, soft skill courses, and presentation of a scientific article.

From year 2
x
Dissertation phase
From year 2
  • Own research, electives, and further development of soft skills and teaching. 
  • Participation in seminars and conferences, presentation of dissertations.

120 ECTS for the dissertation and the defense colloquium.

 

 

  • Own research, electives, and further development of soft skills and teaching. 
  • Participation in seminars and conferences, presentation of dissertations.

120 ECTS for the dissertation and the defense colloquium.

 

 

Requirements

An individual study plan, which determines the selection of courses to be taken, must be agreed upon in writing with the supervisor within two months after enrollment in the PhD Program and approved by the PhD Council.

The content of the required coursework should guarantee that ESMT PhD candidates obtain the necessary training to conduct research independently and at the highest levels. This typically requires the mastering of a broad set of research methods commonly applied in the area of management.

Integration into Berlin's scientific community

You can choose from a variety of PhD courses typically (but not only) offered by the Berlin School of Economics (BSoE). The courses are not limited to management science, allowing candidates to choose from topics in economics, machine learning, analytics, and data science.

ESMT is a founding member of the Berlin-wide structured doctoral BSoE PhD program which candidates can choose to enroll in as an alternative to the ESMT PhD program.

For candidates enrolled in the BSoE program, ESMT offers financial support through stipends and travel allowances. Applications for the BSoE program must be made directly via the Online Portal.

Instats

Develop your research skills, mostly in the quantitative areas, currently offering a series of seminars on using generative AI for various research tasks.

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