International Programmes 2025/2026©paginationHomeBackPreviousNextDoctoral Training Programme in the Learning Sciences (DTP-LS)Doctoral Training Programme in the Learning SciencesLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München• MünchenOverviewCourse detailsCosts / FundingRequirements / RegistrationServicesDegreePhD Learning Sciences(alternatively Dr phil, Dr rer nat, Dr med; not recommended for international students)Course locationMünchenTeaching languageEnglishLanguagesCourses are held solely in English.Additional relevant course offers in German language may be taken by doctoral candidates proficient in German and will be acknowledged by the programme.Programme duration6 semestersBeginningWinter semesterApplication deadlineAll students – online application:1 Marchfor the following winter semesterhttps://www.lmu.de/psy/de/studium/doctoral-training-program-in-the-learning-sciences/International students — hard copy applicationin addition to online application:31 May for the following winter semester (Please send documents to the programme coordinators.)https://www.lmu.de/psy/de/studium/doctoral-training-program-in-the-learning-sciences/Tuition fees per semester in EURNoneCombined Master's degree / PhD programmeNoJoint degree / double degree programmeNoDescription/contentThe Doctoral Training Programme in the Learning Sciences aims to support excellent students in designing and conducting state-of-the-art dissertation projects in the multidisciplinary field of the Learning Sciences. The programme focuses on conditions, processes, and outcomes of learning with research perspectives ranging from psychology, educational science, medicine, mathematical education, neurosciences, economics, sociology, and language education to computer sciences. The quality of the doctoral research is ensured by systematic interdisciplinary supervision. Furthermore, a wide array of activities is offered to the doctoral students, including content-related courses, methodology courses, courses on key qualifications (e.g. scientific writing, teaching, ethics of research), and special guest lectures. The Doctoral Training Programme in the Learning Sciences aims to integrate its students into the relevant scientific communities.Additional support is offered by theGraduateCenter.Course organisationTo fulfil the graduation requirements of the PhD in Learning Sciences, the following courses need to be taken before the submission of the doctoral thesis:two content coursestwo method coursestwo key qualification coursestwo colloquiatwo retreatsThe following documents need to be submitted in addition:A target agreement to outline the plan for the doctoral studies is to be submitted by the end of the first semester.Two interim evaluations to evaluate the progress of the doctoral studies are to be submitted by the end of the second and fourth semester.The most important aspect of your doctoral studies is conducting your doctoral research (including thesis writing). The doctoral research typically includes one or more empirical studies with planning, conducting, and data analyses phases.International elementsInternational guest lecturersDescription of other international elementsPossibility to work with international supervisors (to be discussed with first supervisor)Course-specific, integrated German language coursesNoCourse-specific, integrated English language coursesNoTuition fees per semester in EURNoneSemester contributionBasic fee of 85 EUR + additional fee for the Deutschlandtickethttps://www.lmu.de/en/workspace-for-students/abc-study-guide/semester-ticket/index.htmlCosts of livingLiving costs (including accommodation and health insurance) in Munich range from 1,000 to 1,200 EUR per month.Funding opportunities within the universityYesDescription of the above-mentioned funding opportunities within the universityLMU Travel Grant, LMU Completion GrantAcademic admission requirementsWe are happy to welcome new students with the following qualifications:successfully completed university studies with a Master's degree, "Magister", "Diplom", or equivalent degree pertinent to the learning sciencesgood or excellent degree from previous studiesvery good knowledge of methodology and research skillsvery good skills in oral and written Englishresearch interest in the field of learning sciencesFor the online application, thefollowing documentsare required:MCLS recommendation letter issued by anMCLS memberonereference letter issued by a previous professor/instructor(must not be your potential supervisor)a certified copy of the Bachelor's and Master's certificate (or equivalent) and of the respective transcripts of recordsresearch proposalletter of motivationCV with up-to-date informationproof of English proficiencyImportant note: The MCLS recommendation letter (point 1) and the reference letter (point 2) are two independent criteria! A complete application comprises two separate letters, issued by two different professors (one from a potential supervisor and one from a previous professor). The documents must be uploaded to the online application platform by the professors using the upload form by 15 March (They will get an e-mail notification with the request to upload the respective document).Language requirementsInstruction and research are carried out in English. If your native language is not English, you are required to take a test of English proficiency (for example, the Test of English as a Foreign Language [TOEFL] or the International English Language Testing System [IELTS]) and enclose a photocopy of your test results with your application. Previous studies conducted in English are also accepted. The minimal level of English proficiency that is required is B2 CEFR.Application deadlineAll students – online application:1 Marchfor the following winter semesterhttps://www.lmu.de/psy/de/studium/doctoral-training-program-in-the-learning-sciences/International students — hard copy applicationin addition to online application:31 May for the following winter semester (Please send documents to the programme coordinators.)https://www.lmu.de/psy/de/studium/doctoral-training-program-in-the-learning-sciences/Submit application toOnline applicationfor programme admission(all applicants)Additionalhard copy applicationfor university admission (international applicants only, submission via postal mail):LMU MunichDoctoral Training Programme in the Learning Sciencesc/o StudiengangskoordinationLeopoldstr. 1380802 MünchenGermanyPossibility of finding part-time employmentDoctoral students are encouraged to apply for research positions within the MCLS initiatives.AccommodationThe International Office helps visiting academics, PhD students, and postdocs who are travelling to Munich for a set period of time to find accommodation.Rooms in shared flats are popular on the private market and reasonably priced at 500 to 800 EUR per month if located in central parts of Munich.https://www.lmu.de/en/about-lmu/working-at-lmu/additional-services/lmu-gateway/new-international-doctoral-candidates/phase-1-preparing-your-move-to-munich/index.htmlSome more helpful information regarding accommodation can be found here:https://www.lmu.de/en/workspace-for-students/student-life/housing/index.html.Structured research and supervisionYesResearch training / discussionYesSupport for international students and doctoral candidatesWelcome eventLudwig-Maximilians-Universität MünchenUniversity locationActivate mapTo activate the map, click on the "Show map" button. We would like to point out that data will be transmitted to OpenStreetMap after activation. You can find out more in ourprivacy policy.You can revoke your consent to the transmission of data at any time.Show mapContactLudwig-Maximilians-Universität MünchenDepartment of PsychologyDavid SachsLeopoldstraße 1380802 MünchenE-Mail:EmailWeb:Course website