PhD / Doctorate •

Degree

Doctoral degree in sociology or political science (Dr rer pol, Dr rer soc or Dr phil)

Doctoral degree or degree awarded by

University of Cologne or University of Duisburg-Essen

In cooperation with

University of Cologne , University of Duisburg-Essen

Teaching language

• English

Languages

Courses are usually held in English.

Full-time / part-time

• full-time

Programme duration

7 semesters

Beginning

Winter semester

Application deadline

We welcome applications to the IMPRS-SPCE programme once a year starting around 15 December.

The application deadline is 28 February.

Tuition fees per semester in EUR

None

Combined Master's degree / PhD programme

No

Joint degree / double degree programme

Yes

Description/content

The International Max Planck Research School on the Social and Political Constitution of the Economy (IMPRS-SPCE) is a three-and-a-half-year doctoral programme offered jointly by the Max Planck Institute for the Study of Societies (MPIfG), the University of Cologne’s Faculty of Management, Economics and Social Sciences and the Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Duisburg-Essen.

IMPRS-SPCE offers:

• The opportunity to work in a stimulating intellectual environment within an international research community
• Excellent courses in economic sociology and political economy for exceptionally talented graduate students
• Courses tailored to students' needs, in which you will learn the specific methods you need for your project
• Feedback from experienced research advisers
• Excellent research facilities
• Instruction in English
• Thesis may be written in English or German
• International learning and working experiences in dynamic Cologne, Germany
• Exchange with partner institutions in France (including a dual degree opportunity), Italy and the United States
• Financial support for up to 42 months
• Further funds for stays abroad, fieldwork, conference trips or transcription costs
• A six-month wrap-up postdoc upon successful completion of the programme allowing additional time for publishing or teaching and applying for postdoc positions

Students who attend our programme investigate the crucial intersection between the economy, politics, and society and develop new approaches in economic sociology, comparative political economy, and organisational studies. They work with talented faculty from some of Germany's most prestigious research institutions. Degrees are granted in political science or sociology.

We are a small, competitive programme that welcomes talented students from around the world. Candidates should hold a Master's degree or equivalent in political science, sociology, organisational studies, or related fields and possess strong English skills.

Course organisation

During the first year, students complete foundational course work to strengthen their theoretical background and methodological skills. The curriculum is devoted to enhancing students' theoretical and methodological knowledge. Course work includes three core courses, two elective courses, and two courses in research methods.     

Students also submit a first-year paper about their doctoral thesis. Students discuss their first-year paper in a joint workshop with the IMPRS faculty at the end of the first year.

During the first six months, all new IMPRS students work in an office at the MPIfG. After this period, students with advisers at the University of Cologne or the University of Duisburg-Essen move to the adviser's institution.

The second phase of the programme is dedicated to the research and writing of the thesis. These years provide a structure of guided independence, allowing students to concentrate on their research and receive feedback through exchange with peers, advisers, and other scholars.

Students have the chance to spend up to four months at the school's US-American, Italian or French partner universities or to pursue a double doctorate from the University of Cologne and Sciences Po, Paris.

There are several opportunities to present research in progress to peers and scholars. This refers to colloquium presentations as well as to participation in international conferences. A special highlight is the International Max Planck Summer Conference on Economy, Politics and Society, at which selected third year students have the chance to discuss their work with leading senior scholars in their field as well as with doctoral students from the IMPRS partner universities worldwide.

Students may participate in German language courses. They may also participate in our professional development programme, which includes courses on academic publishing, scientific writing in English, and computer programmes.

The IMPRS-SPCE does not grant academic degrees itself. Students usually submit their doctoral theses to the Faculty of Economics and Social Sciences of the University of Cologne or the Faculty of Social Sciences of the University of Duisburg-Essen .

International elements

• Study trips
• International guest lecturers
• Integrated study abroad unit(s)
• Language training provided
• Training in intercultural skills
• Courses are led with foreign partners
• International comparisons and thematic reference to the international context

Integrated study abroad unit(s)

Not integrated, but possible

Special promotion / funding of the programme

• IMPRS

Course-specific, integrated German language courses

No

Course-specific, integrated English language courses

No

Tuition fees per semester in EUR

None

Semester contribution

The Max Planck Institute and our partner universities in Cologne and Duisburg do not charge tuition. The University of Cologne and the University of Duisburg-Essen only charge a small enrolment fee, which entitle students to certain services. Presently, this is approx. 280-320 EUR per semester. Enrolment entitles students to a public transportation pass that is valid on all regional trains and buses.

Funding opportunities within the university

Yes

Description of the above-mentioned funding opportunities within the university

Due to different remuneration policies at the MPIfG and the University of Cologne and of Duisburg-Essen, doctoral students receive different forms of payment, depending on each doctoral student's place of work. The place of work is bound to whether the supervisor of the student's choice is based at one of the universities or at the MPIfG. IMPRS-SPCE students will either receive a scholarship or an employment contract. 

Students with scholarships currently receive a monthly payment of 1,568 EUR, and tax offices will usually recognise this as tax-free. Scholarship holders must purchase their own health insurance, which is not included in the scholarship. 

Students with employment contracts receive a monthly gross payment of about 2,670 EUR in the first year, which yields a net payment of about 1,750 EUR. Health insurance and social benefits like unemployment and pension contributions are included in this employment contract.

Academic admission requirements

Candidates should hold a Master's degree or equivalent (with a minimum of 120 ECTS) in political science, sociology, organisational studies, or related fields and possess strong English skills.

Students with foreign degrees may be admitted if their degrees are equivalent to a German "Diplom", "Magister" or MA. 

Proof of having earned the required degree must be received by the end of September in the year that the applicants wish to enrol in the programme.

Language requirements

Courses are usually held in English.

Knowledge of German is not mandatory for completing the programme. However, IMPRS-SPCE students are strongly encouraged to learn some basic German in order to participate more fully in life at the institute, the university, and the city.

The thesis may be written in English or German.

Application deadline

We welcome applications to the IMPRS-SPCE programme once a year starting around 15 December.

The application deadline is 28 February.

Submit application to

Please apply online: How to Apply | International Max Planck Research School on the Social and Political Constitution of the Economy (mpifg.de)

Accommodation

Usually private accommodation

Structured research and supervision

Yes

Research training / discussion

Yes

Support for international students and doctoral candidates

• Specialist counselling
• Welcome event
• Tutors
• Cultural and linguistic preparation
• Visa matters

General services and support for international students and doctoral candidates

• Meet and greet with alumni
• Mentoring programme
• Coaching

The International Max Planck Research School on the Social and Political Constitution of the Economy (IMPRS-SPCE) is an international doctoral programme offered jointly by the Max Planck Institute for the Study of Societies (MPIfG) and the Faculty of Management, Economics and Social Sciences at the University of Cologne as well as the Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Duisburg-Essen.

Research at the IMPRS-SPCE focuses on the crucial intersection between the economy, politics, and society. Our doctoral students work with renowned faculty from some of Germany's most prestigious research institutions and develop new approaches in economic sociology, comparative and international political economy, and organisation studies. Students at the IMPRS-SPCE can complete part of their studies at one of our five partner universities in France, Italy, or the United States, or another academic institution abroad. Our international exchange programme gives junior researchers the opportunity to benefit from meeting and working with some of the most distinguished scholars in their fields.

With its unique curriculum of seminars, colloquia, international conferences and summer schools, and the opportunity to contribute actively to the intellectual life at the MPIfG and the two partner universities, the School creates an environment in which students operate at the highest academic level, can build essential professional skills, and make the best possible start to a successful research career. Graduates from the programme have won prestigious awards such as the German Thesis Award and the Otto Hahn Medal. The IMPRS-SPCE prepares its graduates for careers in academia. While most alumni successfully pursue careers at universities, some also go on to work in the private sector, government, associations, and international organisations.

The IMPRS-SPCE is located in Cologne, which is the fourth-largest city in Germany and home to over one million people, among them around 100,000 students attending its many colleges and universities. The high quality of Cologne's educational institutions and a relaxed way of life attract students from Germany and countries around the world to this interesting city on the Rhine.

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