PhD in Learning Sciences at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München in Germany

The Doctoral Training Programme in the Learning Sciences at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (LMU Munich) offers an interdisciplinary PhD opportunity for students interested in advancing research on the conditions, processes, and outcomes of learning. The programme is designed to support excellent students in designing and conducting state-of-the-art dissertation projects within the multidisciplinary field of learning sciences, drawing on perspectives from psychology, educational science, medicine, mathematical education, neurosciences, economics, sociology, language education, and computer science.

Courses are held solely in English, with additional relevant course offers in German available for doctoral candidates proficient in German. The programme duration is six semesters, beginning in the winter semester. The curriculum includes content-related courses, methodology courses, courses on key qualifications (such as scientific writing, teaching, and ethics of research), colloquia, retreats, and special guest lectures. Systematic interdisciplinary supervision ensures the quality of doctoral research, and students are integrated into relevant scientific communities with support from the GraduateCenter.

Graduation requirements include completion of two content courses, two method courses, two key qualification courses, two colloquia, and two retreats. Students must submit a target agreement outlining their doctoral study plan by the end of the first semester, and two interim evaluations by the end of the second and fourth semesters. The core of the doctoral studies is conducting empirical research, including planning, conducting, and data analysis phases, culminating in thesis writing.

International elements include guest lecturers and the possibility to work with international supervisors. The programme does not offer combined Master's/PhD or joint/double degree options. Tuition fees are not required, but a semester contribution (85 EUR plus Deutschlandticket fee) applies. Living costs in Munich range from 1,000 to 1,200 EUR per month, and the International Office assists with accommodation for visiting academics and doctoral candidates.

Funding opportunities within the university include the LMU Travel Grant and LMU Completion Grant. Doctoral students are encouraged to apply for research positions within MCLS initiatives. Academic admission requirements include a Master's degree or equivalent pertinent to the learning sciences, a good or excellent academic record, strong methodology and research skills, and proficiency in English (minimum B2 CEFR; TOEFL or IELTS accepted). Applicants must submit an MCLS recommendation letter, a reference letter from a previous professor, certified copies of academic certificates and transcripts, a research proposal, letter of motivation, CV, and proof of English proficiency. Previous studies conducted in English are also accepted.

Application deadlines are 1 March for online applications (all students) and 31 May for hard copy applications (international students). Applications should be submitted online, with professors uploading recommendation and reference letters via the platform. International applicants must also mail hard copy documents to the programme coordinators at LMU Munich. For further information, visit the programme website or the DAAD application link.