PhD Programme in Economics (with integrated M.Sc. Economic Research)
On-Campus
Phd programs
PhD
Full Time
Doctoral positions and scholarships
OPEN
The Cologne Graduate School in Economics, Management, and Social Sciences at the University of Cologne (CGS) offers a two-stage PhD programme in economics. It offers education and supervision for acquiring a PhD in all major fields of economics and related fields in management.
Students holding a Bachelor's degree enter via the first stage of the PhD programme: an exclusive 2-year Master of Economic Research with max. 15 students. This programme provides students with knowledge of theoretical principles and methods for conducting innovative economic research. Upon successful graduation, students can enter the second (PhD) stage.
Students holding a Master's degree in Economics or related fields can directly apply to the PhD stage of the programme. These students complete a one-year course work programme (where credit transfers from their previous master studies may be possible) and can then enter the three-year dissertation phase of the programme.
About the Programme
The PhD Programme in Economics offers education, funding and supervision for research in all major fields of economics and related fields in management. It is a challenging and rigorous full-time programme in a friendly, supportive environment dedicated to excellence in teaching and research. Courses equip students with the theoretical foundations and methods needed to conduct innovative and high-quality research. Students have the opportunity to participate in research seminars, workshops and soft-skill courses, and they will be part of a vibrant and international research network, e.g. via the DFG-funded cluster of excellence ECONtribute: Markets & Public Policy, initiated by the Universities of Bonn and Cologne, and the Center for Social and Economic Behavior (C-SEB).
Our PhD programme prepares students for academic positions at universities and institutions around the world as well as for top-level positions in internationally-orientated companies.
The programme is taught in English.
About the University of Cologne
The University of Cologne is one of the oldest and most prestigious European universities. It has produced several Nobel and Leibniz Prize winners and is part of the only economic cluster of excellence in Germany. Founded in 1388, the University of Cologne is a leader in many disciplines and a member of many international networks. The Faculty of Management, Economics and Social Sciences (also known as “WiSo Faculty“) is part of the University of Cologne and has over a century of experience in educating new generations of business professionals, economists, social analysts and political experts. As one of Germany’s largest educational institutions, the WiSo Faculty regularly ranks among the top providers of economics and business education.
How to Apply
Please visit the programm's website for the application procedure. The application deadline for the MSc Economic Research programme starting in October 2025 is March 31st, 2025, with applications possible from mid January 2025. The application deadline for admission to the PhD stage of the programme starting in October 2025 is March 15th, 2025. Early admission for outstanding candidates is possible.
Funding and Tution Fees
Students are fully-funded during the PhD stage. Grants are available for excellent students in the MSc Economic Research. There are no tuition fees.
Albertus Magnus Platz
50923 Köln , Germany
