PhD Programme in Management and Social Science at EBS Business School EBS Universität für Wirtschaft und Recht in Germany

The EBS Doctoral Study Programme at EBS Universität für Wirtschaft und Recht offers a rigorous and internationally oriented PhD in Management and Social Science. Located in Oestrich-Winkel, Germany, the programme is taught entirely in English and spans four semesters, with entry available in both winter and summer semesters. The curriculum is designed to provide a strong theoretical and methodological foundation, supplemented by specialised electives tailored to diverse research fields within management and social sciences.

Mandatory courses cover advanced topics such as theoretical perspectives in management, qualitative research methods, survey design and measurement, advanced econometrics, and fundamentals of experimental design and analysis. Elective courses are offered during the annual Doctoral Summer School, and courses are typically delivered as intensive block seminars. The programme includes semi-annual proposal defences with supervisors, ensuring regular feedback and engagement in the research process. Candidates are also required to present a competitive paper at an international scientific conference and actively participate in internal research colloquia, fostering a vibrant academic community.

Internationality is a hallmark of the EBS experience, reflected in the curriculum, English-language lectures, and intercultural campus environment. The programme features specialist literature in multiple languages, courses led with foreign partners, and projects with collaborators in Germany and abroad. Language training is available through the EBS Language Center, offering courses in Arabic, Chinese, German, French, Hungarian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish.

Tuition fees for external doctoral candidates are 2,280 EUR per semester, with the semester contribution included. Internal doctoral candidates pay no tuition fees. The university does not offer funding opportunities for doctoral students. Accommodation support and personal guidance are provided to help students settle in and navigate their studies.

Applicants must first secure a promise of doctoral supervision from a senior professor at EBS Business School. Required application materials include a letter to the Doctoral Committee, GMAT (if required), CV, certified copies of academic credentials, an honorary declaration, and an English language certificate (C1 or TOEFL minimum 100 points). A dissertation proposal (maximum three pages) demonstrating relevance to EBS research topics is also required. The Doctoral Committee, which meets twice a year, makes the final admission decision.

Career support is available through the Career Services Center, academic career programmes, and individual coaching. The programme is structured to support research training, discussion, and professional development, preparing graduates for academic and industry careers in management and social sciences.

For more information and to apply, visit the official programme page or contact the Office for Doctoral Studies at EBS Business School.