PhD and scholarship program in Cooperative Security Leuphana Universität Lüneburg
HUMANISTIC. SUSTAINABLE. ENTREPRENEURIAL.
As a humanistic, sustainable and action-oriented university, Leuphana University of Lüneburg stands for innovation in education and science. Methodological diversity, interdisciplinary cooperation, transdisciplinary cooperation with practice and an overall dynamic development characterise its research profile in the core topics of education, culture, management/technology, sustainability and state. Its international study model with the Leuphana College, the Leuphana Graduate School and the Leuphana Professional School is unique in Germany and has won many awards.
PHD AND SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM IN COOPERATIVE SECURITY
The newly established Leuphana Center for Cooperative Security (LCCS) at Leuphana University of Lüneburg invites applications for its international doctoral program “Cooperative Security”, launching in April 2027.
This interdisciplinary program supports innovative PhD research on pressing global security challenges from the perspectives of political science/international relations, economics, law and psychology. As a doctoral researcher, you will join a vibrant international community at the forefront of 21st century security research, engaging with leading scholars and practitioners from Germany and around the world.
The program will be closely connected to the LCCS, which investigates the sources and consequences of security strategies at the state, societal and individual levels – and translates these insights into actionable recommendations for politics, business and society, with a particular focus on Germany in the European context.
Research focus
For the first cohort, we invite proposals that examine international dimensions of security, particularly:
- Emerging international security threats shaped by patterns of (asymmetric) interdependence in the political, economic, legal, cultural and cognitive realms
- Strategies adopted by state and non-state actors to address international security threats
- (Changing) international security outcomes, including norms, market and governance structures and institutions
- The interplay between cooperation and autonomy in addressing international security threats
Applications are welcome in the following areas:
- International Security
- (European) Migration Governance
- Economic Security
- International Law and Security
- Negotiation Psychology and Security
Our offer: a structured interdisciplinary PhD program
As a doctoral candidate in the “Cooperative Security” program, you are enrolled as a regular doctoral student at Leuphana University of Lüneburg. You will experience close mentorship as well as integration into an international research network. The first cohort will start in April 2027. The three-year program is structured as follows:
You write a dissertation and earn an additional 30 credit points as part of the Leuphana doctoral courses, with the additional opportunity to choose seminars focusing on various aspects of cooperative security.
Apply for our program
If you are a graduate with an excellent master’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field and have a strong interest in interdisciplinary security research, this program is the right choice for you. Outstanding applicants in each research area will be considered for excellence-based scholarships (a monthly stipend of € 1,850 plus child allowance for 3 years). Self-funded or externally funded candidates who meet the academic criteria are also encouraged to apply.
For more information regarding the program, the required documents and the application and admissions process, please visit our website. The application deadline is 30 September 2026.
We look forward to receiving your application and welcoming you to an ambitious and collaborative research environment.
Leuphana Graduate School
Universitätsallee 1, building 14
21335 Lüneburg
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