English: Graduate School of the Social and Behavioural Sciences (GSBS) University of Konstanz in Germany

International Programmes 2025/2026©paginationHomeBackPreviousNextGraduate School of the Social and Behavioural Sciences (GSBS)Graduate School of the Social and Behavioural Sciences (GSBS)University of Konstanz• KonstanzGalleryPreviousNextOverviewCourse detailsCosts / FundingRequirements / RegistrationServicesAbout the universityDegreeDoctoral degree in economics, linguistics, political science and public administration, psychology, sociology or statisticsCourse locationKonstanzTeaching languageEnglishLanguagesCourses and seminars are held in English.The doctoral thesis is written in English.Upon application, the doctoral thesis may be written in German, and the colloquium about the doctoral thesis may be conducted in German.Full-time / part-timefull-timepart-time (study alongside work)Programme duration9 semesters or moreBeginningWinter semesterAdditional information on beginning, duration and mode of studyDoctoral studies generally begin in October.Doctoral candidates have up to 12 semesters to complete the doctoral degree.The courses and seminars of the GSBS take place at the University of Konstanz.Full-time and part-time modes of study are possible.Application deadline15 Aprilfor admission in October (winter semester)Tuition fees per semester in EURNoneCombined Master's degree / PhD programmeNoJoint degree / double degree programmeNoDescription/contentTheGraduate School of the Social and Behavioural Sciences (GSBS)at theUniversity of Konstanzbrings together researchers from six disciplines – economics, linguistics, political science and public administration, psychology, sociology and statistics – to perform high-end frontier research in the social and behavioural sciences. Our doctoral candidates benefit from a structured training programme of courses and research seminars / colloquia, which provide them with the tools to complete their doctorate in line with the highest international standards. The GSBS also offers two optional interdisciplinary specialisations:decision sciencesinequality.One of these specialisations is linked to the Cluster “The Politics of Inequality”, which has been established in the framework of the third round of the Excellence Initiative. The “Decision Sciences” specialisation emanates from our very successful “Graduate School of Decision Sciences”, which was established in the framework of the second round of the Excellence Initiative in 2012 and has provided a basis for the development of the Cluster and the GSBS. The GSBS is also anchored to theresearch priority“Inequality and Conflict” of the University of Konstanz.The research of the GSBS investigates behaviour from both the micro and macro perspective. At the micro level, research questions address determinants and processes, which guide individual behaviour. At the macro level, questions on decision-making in collectives are explored, for instance, in groups, markets, societies or political organisations.The combination of six disciplines and two interdisciplinary specialisations in the GSBS provides the basis for fascinating synergies, as similar research questions are addressed from different perspectives. For instance, framing is particularly investigated in psychology and linguistics, but it also finds applications in economics and political science. The topic of culture attracts the interest of diverse fields, including sociology and economics. Likewise, the emergence of institutions is relevant to such fields as political science, sociology and economics. Synergies also emerge from sharing methods, such as statistical methods and methods for data collection. The GSBS provides coursework in the respective fields. Interdisciplinary courses are taught by lecturers from different fields and courses are offered concerning the necessary methods.Course organisationFor the successful completion of the GSBS doctoral programme, a total of 180 ECTS credits must be obtained. The courses, research seminars / colloquia and the defence of the doctoral thesis account for a total of 60 ECTS credits. The remaining 120 ECTS credits are allotted to the preparation of the doctoral thesis.At the beginning of the GSBS, doctoral candidates select either a discipline-focused programme of study in one of the participating disciplines (economics, linguistics, political science and public administration, psychology, sociology or statistics), or they select an interdisciplinary programme of study in one of the interdisciplinary specialisations (decision sciences or inequality).Within the framework of the GSBS doctoral programme, a total of 52 ECTS credits must be obtained in the following courses and research seminars / colloquia:Doctoral candidates must develop a concept for the doctoral thesis, which is included in the first progress report and presented at a colloquium. With the successful completion of this requirement, a pass is given for the first research seminar / colloquium (7 ECTS credits).Four courses (each worth 6 ECTS credits)Three research seminars / colloquia (each worth 7 ECTS credits)If an interdisciplinary specialisation is selected, three courses according to #2 above must be completed in the selected specialisation. One course must be completed outside of the doctoral candidate’s own discipline. If no specialisation is chosen, three courses according to #2 above must be completed in the doctoral candidate’s own discipline.The courses and research seminars / colloquia, according to #1, #2 and #3 above are graded with a pass or fail.The GSBS doctoral programme is structured into milestones.The first milestone is reached with the successful completion of #1 above. It is also recommended to complete courses in this phase. This milestone has to be reached by the end of the second semester (one year).The second milestone is reached with the successful completion of #2 and #3 above and by the submission of a progress report by the end of each academic year, which documents further work on doctoral thesis. This milestone has to be reached by the end of the sixth semester (three years).The third milestone is reached with successful completion of the following requirements:The submission of a progress report at the end of each further year, documenting further work on the doctoral thesisThe completion of the doctoral thesisThe defence of the doctoral thesis at the colloquium about the doctoral thesis (8 ECTS credits)This milestone has to be reached by the end of the 12th semester (six years).Upon application, active participation in a workshop or conference, involving a presentation and paper, may be recognised as a research seminar / colloquium according to #3 above.Upon application, a maximum of two courses or research seminars / colloquia, according to #2 and #3 above, may be replaced by long-term work on a third-party funded project or by independently taught courses.Key skills courses can be taken in addition, but they cannot replace the formal course requirements.A Diploma supplement will be issuedNoInternational elementsInternational guest lecturersLanguage training providedProjects with partners in Germany and abroadDescription of other international elementsTheLanguage Instituteoffers German language courses at all levels of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) from A1 (beginners' level) to C2 (near-native proficiency).Doctoral candidates have the opportunity to undertake study and research stays at our partner universities and research institutes.International guest lecturers from prestigious universities are invited to teach courses for the GSBS.Integrated internshipsDoctoral candidates have the opportunity to undertake study and research periods at selected partner universities and research institutes.Teaching/work obligations or opportunitiesDoctoral candidates have the opportunity to work as research or teaching assistants in the university departments and for research projects involved with the GSBS.Special promotion / funding of the programmeOther (e.g. state level)Course-specific, integrated German language coursesYesCourse-specific, integrated English language coursesNoTuition fees per semester in EURNoneSemester contributionThere are no tuition fees for doctoral candidates.Doctoral candidates enrolled in the GSBS pay the following fees each semester:Administrative fee: 80 EURStudent services fee: 115 EURStudent body fee: 14 EURTotal fees per semester: 209 EURFurther informationCosts of livingAverage monthly living costs for a doctoral candidate in Konstanz:Rent including utilities: 409 EURFood: 194 EURPhone, Internet, broadcasting fee: 29 EURClothing, laundry, personal hygiene: 40 EURLearning materials (books, copies): 28 EURMedical care, medicine: 97 EURLeisure time, culture, and sports: 60 EURHealth/nursing care insurance: 140 EURTotal: 997 EURFurther informationFunding opportunities within the universityYesDescription of the above-mentioned funding opportunities within the universityDoctoral candidates are generally financed by employment as research or teaching assistants by the participatingdepartmentsand research projects. The Cluster of Excellence "The Politics of Inequality" also offers doctoral positions for GSBS applicants. In addition, doctoral candidates are funded by scholarships.Further information about financial supportAcademic admission requirementsApplications are welcome from highly motivated graduates or pending graduates with an outstanding Master’s degree or equivalent, which is relevant to one or more of the following disciplines or specialisations of the Graduate School of the Social and Behavioural Sciences (GSBS):DisciplinesA1. PsychologyA2. StatisticsB1. LinguisticsB2. SociologyC1. EconomicsC2. Politics and Public AdministrationSpecialisationsD. Decision SciencesE. InequalityFurther information on how to apply.Language requirementsProof of English proficiency via one of the following English language tests is required for applicants whose native language is not English or who have not previously studied at a higher education institution, which has English as its official language of instruction:Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency (minimum: grade C)IELTS (minimum: band 6.5)TOEFL (minimum: 92 Internet-based points)Alternatively, your Master’s transcript may provide proof that you have obtained at least half of the credits required for your Master’s studies in modules taught in English.Application deadline15 Aprilfor admission in October (winter semester)Submit application toThe online application form and a full list of the application requirements are available here:https://www.gsbs.uni-konstanz.de/application/how-to-apply/.Possibility of finding part-time employmentDoctoral candidates can develop their teaching skills by working as tutors for tutorials of the undergraduate degree courses in the participating departments of the GSBS.The university administration and departments offer student assistant jobs. Job advertisements for work, both on and off campus, can be found on the following online platforms (in German):Jobbörse Seezeit: the job portal of our student servicesStudent Assistant Positions at the University | Database of the Careers Service: the job portal of our careers serviceJobs are also posted on the University’s noticeboards in the foyer and canteen areas, as well as in the departments.AccommodationVarious types of accommodation are available for doctoral candidates: apartments, flat shares or residence halls run by the university. Check out our websites, where we provide an overview of the different options as well as general tips. You can also contact the team of ourWelcome Centrefor advice on housing.Please note that it is important to begin your search for accommodation as early as possible, since our city and surroundings are very popular, not only with students, but also with families and outdoor enthusiasts. Since both Switzerland and Lake Constance border Konstanz, the available living space is limited and is not always inexpensive.Structured research and supervisionYesResearch training / discussionYesCareer advisory services and programmes for future professionalsThe GSBS offers various measures for the development of transferable skills. In cooperation with theAcademic Staff Development (ASD)service, a programme of workshops and seminars for young researchers at the doctoral phase and beyond is offered. This programme is aimed at competence development and career planning. Among the courses offered are academic writing, time management, negotiation, leadership and team development skills, social networking in a scientific environment, job application training and project management.Placement officers of the GSBS assist with career preparation. In addition, the GSBS offers training for the international academic job market.Support for international students and doctoral candidatesWelcome eventCultural and linguistic preparationVisa mattersHelp with finding accommodationSupport with registration proceduresGeneral services and support for international students and doctoral candidatesTheWelcome Centresupports international doctoral students, visiting researchers, post-docs and new professors. As a family-friendly university, the Centre also supports each student's family in planning, preparing and realising their stay in Konstanz. Information and specific assistance in all non-academic areas is provided. TheInternational Officeand theLanguage Instituteoffer orientation on living in Konstanz and intensive language courses to assist newcomers in settling into their new surroundings.Further informationSupervisor-student ratioEach doctoral candidate is allocated two academic supervisors and an external adviser from another department or university.University of KonstanzUniversity of Konstanz – aerial view© University of KonstanzWould you like to study at one of the best research universities in Germany? Then the University of Konstanz is the right place for you. We offer you excellent study conditions in a beautiful location between Lake Constance and the Alps. For us, excellence in studies and teaching also means cultivating close cooperation. We encourage our students to take part in discussions and get involved in research from the start.Our university is currently home to some 11,000 students enrolled in around 120 different degree programmes in the fields of mathematics and natural sciences, humanities, politics, law, and economics. With students from more than 90 countries around the world, we are proud to call our university an international community.The University of Konstanz is a campus-based university: you will get to know other students quickly, come into contact with other departments and feel at home right away. Our university has an open-door policy: professors are very accessible and happy to help you with any questions or issues you might have.We will give you a very warm welcome and support you in every stage of your stay. We have an excellent supervision ratio and top advisory services. You will learn in small groups and work across disciplines. We promote innovative teaching methods and strategies such as transfer formats or virtual classrooms and support lecturers in further developing their teaching. Our Advanced Data and Information Literacy Track (ADILT) complements all study programmes by teaching the fundamentals of computer science and data processing methods, along with their legal foundations. Additionally, it provides reflection on their relevance for society.In Konstanz, you will find optimal conditions for research, studying, and teaching.The University of Konstanz has set the following five research priorities:Human | Data | SocietyCollective BehaviourCultural Dynamics and Social TransformationMolecular Principles of LifeInequality and ConflictWe want to give you the best possible opportunities to develop personally and professionally. You will have many opportunities to put your own ideas into action – whether you conduct research or start a spin-off. The idea behind our "creative.together" concept as a University of Excellence is that close communication and a strong sense of community enhance the creative potential of our university members at all levels. We bring together our different backgrounds and disciplines to create something truly extraordinary. At the same time, you will enjoy an extraordinarily beautiful environment with a historical city, lake, and nearby mountains as well as excellent sports facilities.Find out more about ouruniversityandstudent life in Konstanzon our website.University locationKonstanz is situated in south-west Germany in the federal state of Baden-Württemberg, and it shares its border with the Swiss town of Kreuzlingen. It is beautifully located on the shores of the Rhine River and Lake Constance, central Europe's second-largest lake, where the borders of Austria, Germany, and Switzerland converge. The lively university city, with about 86,000 inhabitants, among them more than 15,000 students, is the economic and cultural centre of the Lake Constance region. Take a stroll through the shopping mall and the historical centre, with its department stores and small specialist shops. Take a break in one of the many cafés, restaurants, ice cream parlours, pubs, and wine bars. Konstanz is not only a popular tourist destination but also an attractive business location (light industry, commerce, high technology). It is a very safe place to live, and it offers a high quality of life, with its excellent infrastructure and its diverse range of cultural and recreational facilities. Konstanz has a long and rich historical tradition. The first settlements were erected in Konstanz Bay in 2000 BC, and the city was given its name "Constantia" by the Romans in the fourth century AD. Konstanz has a well-preserved medieval town and numerous historical buildings from the Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque periods.Konstanz has the perfect location for all kinds of outdoor leisure activities. The region has an excellent network of routes for walking, cycling, and in-line skating tours. The beaches are a major attraction for relaxing in the sun and swimming in the lake or the Rhine. The lake offers various water sports, such as sailing, canoeing, and diving, and the nearby Alps provide year-round enjoyment for skiers, snowboarders, hikers, and climbers. Konstanz is the home of the oldest running theatre in Germany and of the famous Southwest German Philharmonic Orchestra. There are several museums, art galleries, and art centres offering a broad spectrum of events: art and documentary exhibitions and concerts in all genres of music. Konstanz is also an ideal starting point for excursions to many attractions in Germany, Switzerland, Austria, and Liechtenstein. On the city's doorstep are the famous gardens of Mainau Island and the Island of Reichenau, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can take boat trips to beautiful towns around the lake, such as Meersburg, Überlingen, and Lindau. The lakeside town of Friedrichshafen is the home of the Zeppelin, and the Austrian city of Bregenz is renowned for its summer festivals, featuring spectacular opera and musical performances on a floating stage in the lake. A boat trip along one of the most beautiful parts of the Rhine takes you to the magnificent Rhine Falls at the Swiss town of Schaffhausen. From Konstanz, you can easily reach major cities, such as Zurich, Basel, Strasbourg, Stuttgart, Munich, and Milan.Activate 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 mapContactUniversity of KonstanzGraduate School of the Social and Behavioural Sciences (GSBS)Justine OverallPO box: Fach 146Universitätsstraße 1078457 KonstanzE-Mail:EmailWeb:Course website