Doctoral Program

The Max Planck Institute for the Study of Societies (MPIfG) offers qualified graduate students an attractive research environment at the International Max Planck Research School on the Social and Political Constitution of the Economy (IMPRS-SPCE), a PhD program offered jointly with the Department of Management, Economics and Social Sciences of the University of Cologne and the Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Duisburg-Essen.

As Germany's first graduate program in economic sociology and political economy, the IMPRS-SPCE welcomes outstanding doctoral students of political science, sociology, and organization studies from Germany and abroad. Its research explores the social and political foundations of modern economies and examines the interrelation between economic and social action. The School combines approaches from economic sociology, comparative and international political economy, and organizational sociology; it also has an international impact on the development of these fields of study.

International cooperation is a feature of the day-to-day work of the IMPRSSPCE. The students, many international, benefit from stays at IMPRS-SPCE partner institutions abroad, where they meet leading scholars in their fields. With its unique curriculum of seminars, colloquia, and summer schools, and the opportunity to contribute actively to the intellectual life of the MPIfG and the two partner universities, the School creates an environment in which students can build essential professional skills and make the best possible start to a research career.

Doctoral degrees are usually awarded by the University of Cologne and the University of Duisburg-Essen. Students at the IMPRS-SPCE may also acquire a French doctorate by entering the joint doctoral program (cotutelle de thèse) with Sciences Po in Paris.

Applicants must hold a master's degree (or equivalent) in a discipline relevant to the School's program (sociology, political science, economics, organization studies, or a related field). The IMPRS-SPCE aims to have a high share of international students.

The deadline for applications is February 28 for positions starting on October 1. For program details please go to imprs.mpifg.de.