PhD in Social and Behavioural Sciences
Join the Graduate School of Social and Behavioural Sciences at the University of Konstanz for interdisciplinary research and structured doctoral training.
Best for:Best for recent graduates or pending graduates with a Master’s degree in social sciences, behavioural sciences, or related fields seeking a structured, interdisciplinary PhD programme with strong research and teaching opportunities.
Overview
The Graduate School of Social and Behavioural Sciences (GSBS) at the University of Konstanz offers a structured PhD programme integrating six disciplines—economics, linguistics, political science, psychology, sociology, and statistics—with two interdisciplinary specialisations: decision sciences and inequality. This programme provides doctoral candidates with advanced training through courses, research seminars, and colloquia, fostering high-impact research in micro and macro-level behavioural studies. Candidates benefit from interdisciplinary collaboration, international guest lecturers, and opportunities for research stays abroad. The programme is designed to equip students with the skills to conduct cutting-edge research while meeting international academic standards.
What you'll do
- Develop and present a doctoral thesis concept during the first progress report and colloquium (7 ECTS credits).
- Complete four courses (each worth 6 ECTS credits) aligned with your chosen discipline or interdisciplinary specialisation.
- Attend three research seminars or colloquia (each worth 7 ECTS credits) to discuss and refine your research.
- Participate in interdisciplinary courses taught by lecturers from different fields to broaden your methodological and theoretical knowledge.
- Submit annual progress reports documenting advancements in your doctoral thesis.
- Defend your doctoral thesis in a colloquium at the end of the programme.
- Engage in teaching or research assistant roles to develop professional skills.
- Collaborate with international guest lecturers and participate in research stays at partner universities or institutes.
Requirements
Degree required: Master’s degree or equivalent in Psychology, Statistics, Linguistics, Sociology, Economics, or Political Science and Public Administration, or a relevant interdisciplinary field.
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English proficiency at B2 level or equivalent (e.g., IELTS Academic 6.5, TOEFL iBT 92, Cambridge English C2 Proficiency).
Instruction: English (with the possibility of writing the doctoral thesis or conducting colloquia in German upon application).
- Proven academic excellence with an outstanding Master’s degree or equivalent.
- Strong research skills and the ability to develop and execute a doctoral thesis concept.
- Proficiency in quantitative and qualitative research methods.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in interdisciplinary teams.
- Commitment to structured doctoral training and meeting academic milestones.
- Open to applicants from all countries.
- No minimum age requirement.
- No prior residency restrictions.
- Pending graduates with an expected Master’s degree by the start of the programme are also welcome.
Funding & terms
Programme and admissions
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- Intake
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- Duration
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- Tuition
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How to apply
Deadline: 15 February - 15 April (for the winter semester)
Applicants must submit their application online through the GSBS application portal. Required documents include a CV, a research proposal, academic transcripts, proof of English proficiency, and letters of recommendation. Detailed instructions and the application form are available on the GSBS website.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Research proposal or thesis concept
- Academic transcripts (Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees)
- Proof of English proficiency (B2 level or equivalent)
- Letters of recommendation (typically 2-3)
- Motivation letter
Contact
GSBS Application Office· Application Support
Create a free profile to unlock your personal match score, the full requirements, funding details and how to apply — in English or Persian.