humboldt university of berlin phd in english

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Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin - Department of Social Sciences - Berlin Graduate School of Social Science

The BGSS seeks international applicants interested in completing a doctoral degree at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin. Outstanding academic records, first research experience and a strong dedication to becoming a researcher in the Social Sciences are expected.

Doctoral projects should correspond to the BGSS’ faculty’s research profile. Research and doctoral training at the BGSS concentrates on the comparative analysis of problems of social inclusion and democratic performance by addressing the following themes:

Inclusion Migration, Education, Work and Labor, Social Demography, Social Inequality and Change, Welfare State

Democracy Democracy and Political Institutions, Constitutionalism and Rule of Law, Political Behavior of Individuals and Collective Actors, Political Economy

Regular members are admitted graduate students who have successfully passed the international BGSS application process. During the three year doctoral program ( always starting in fall semester ) regular members fulfill the annual milestones of the structured training program.

Minimum Requirements

1. evaluation of eligibility.

• Please note: If one of these eligibility requirements is not fulfilled, the application will be rejected.

M.A. degree (120 CP, state accreditation) or equivalent (Magister, Diploma) in Social Sciences (Sociology, Political Science, and neighboring disciplines such as economics)

English language proficiency at C1-level or equivalent

Secured scientific funding (e.g. a scholarship, research and/or teaching position), covering living expenses for a duration of minimum 3 years. Self-funding is not possible.

Listing potential funding organizations is not sufficient. Instead, a letter of acceptance of one academic funding organization needs to be enclosed, including the amount of funding.

• A BGSS faculty member has confirmed willingness to supervise the thesis

2. Evaluation on quality and fit with BGSS faculty

Documentation of in-depth knowledge of quantitative or qualitative techniques of social science research

Exposé of doctoral project

Mission statement

Fit with BGSS faculty in terms of research topics, theories, methodology and empirical expertise

Application period

Decisions on admission are made in September in 2024. To be considered for this selection round, applications must be submitted by August 31st. We strongly recommend you to submit your application by June 15th, in order to have a smooth start in October 2024.

Application Documents (see detailed information )

The application is to be submitted via our online application platform . The following documents are compulsory and need to be uploaded (PDF - not write protected - or JPEG file format only):

• Mission Statement (500 words maximum)
• Curriculum Vitae
• Certificate of English Language Ability (TOEFL, IELTS, C-level etc.)
• Exposé of your doctoral project (5-10 pages)
• Copies of degrees and certificates (official transcripts, diplomas, including translations into German or English, if necessary)

For futher information please contact us via bgss (at) cms.hu-berlin.de

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About the University

International rankings, national rankings, tuition fees, application & admission, language requirements, program features.

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2744 Study programs

32 English Study Programs at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin

All important info for international students in germany (2024/2025).

Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin

Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, founded in 1810, is a testament to the classical ideal of higher education. As one of the oldest universities in Berlin, it was established on principles laid down by the scholar Wilhelm von Humboldt, emphasising the unity of teaching and research and the value of fostering holistic education. This pioneering vision has influenced the modern university system worldwide, making Humboldt-Universität a model for academic institutions globally. Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin is located in the heart of Germany's capital, seamlessly blending into the urban landscape. Its main building, an architectural landmark on Unter den Linden boulevard, symbolises the university's rich heritage and commitment to academic excellence. With a student body exceeding 30,000, Humboldt-Universität is a vibrant community where intellectual curiosity thrives.

The university offers a comprehensive range of academic programmes, including those in the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and medicine. It is particularly renowned for its faculties of philosophy, history, and quantum physics, among others, reflecting a broad spectrum of academic inquiry and research. Humboldt-Universität has consistently championed interdisciplinary approaches, fostering an environment where innovative ideas emerge at the intersection of diverse fields. Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin has established itself as a leading research university, as evidenced by its impressive performance in international rankings and its involvement in groundbreaking research projects. It is a member of the prestigious Berlin University Alliance, collaborating with other Berlin-based institutions to further enhance its research capabilities and academic excellence. The university's list of alumni and faculty includes numerous influential thinkers, including Nobel laureates and pioneering researchers. This legacy of excellence underscores Humboldt's enduring impact on global scholarship and public life. Moreover, its commitment to the Humboldtian model of education ensures that students not only gain knowledge but also develop the critical thinking and creativity needed to address complex contemporary challenges.

Unique to Humboldt-Universität is its central role in the intellectual and cultural life of Berlin. The university has been a focal point for historical events and academic movements, contributing to its dynamic and sometimes turbulent history. Today, it remains a beacon of academic freedom and intellectual debate, attracting students and scholars from around the world who are drawn to its legacy and innovative spirit. In summary, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin exemplifies the integration of research and teaching in an environment that honours its historical roots while continually pushing the boundaries of knowledge. Its commitment to academic freedom, interdisciplinary research and global engagement makes it an enduring symbol of excellence in higher education.

Application Deadlines

Winter Semester 2024/2025

Summer Semester 2025

Winter Semester 2025/2026

Open Programs

23 programs

30 programs

Application Modes

Application process.

TOEFL Scores

Cambridge Levels

5 (2 programs )

72 (2 programs )

B2 First (FCE) (13 programs )

7.5 (1 program )

100 (5 programs )

C2 Proficiency (CPE) (13 programs )

2-4 semesters

→ View all programs with online courses

Master of Science

Master of Arts

Master of Laws

Winter intake

Summer intake

Winter & Summer intake

List of English-taught Study Programs offered by Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin

Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin Berlin

Business administration.

Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin / Freie Universität Berlin / University of Potsdam Berlin / Potsdam

International relations.

Economics and Management Science

Show all 32 programs

Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin - Department of Philosophy - Philosophy, Science and the Sciences

Doctoral program.

The Research Training Group offers a structured doctoral program in ancient philosophy and science. Students in the program write dissertations, in German or English, which may be more philosophical or more philological in character. Research and dissertation projects focus on a wide range of authors and subjects. Dissertations in the Research Training Group involve both philosophy and some special science or other (including mathematics, medicine, and other disciplines that we might not today consider special sciences, such as grammar or divination). The program involves research courses, reading groups, tutorial supervision, international workshops, and intensive short courses. The language of instruction is English. The program has a teaching staff of several full professors as well as many additional faculty. In addition, it brings distinguished international scholars to Berlin.

As part of the Berlin Graduate School of Ancient Studies ( BerGSAS ), the program is embedded in a lively community of scholars and institutions all devoted to ancient studies. BerGSAS offers structured programs of doctoral studies and involves the participation of the Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, the Freie Universität Berlin and a number of non-university research institutions.

The international Ancient Philosophy & Science Network (APSN)

Students of the program are automatically part of the international Ancient Philosophy & Science Network (APSN) founded by the Graduate Program. Its international partners are among the foremost departments in the world for ancient and late ancient philosophy and science. (Find more information here )

Unfortunately, there will be no further calls for applications for predoctoral students and doctoral candidates as the funding period of the Research Training Group is coming to an end in 2023.

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Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin - Humboldt Graduate School

Humboldt graduate school.

Humboldt Graduate School is the center for the strategic support of early career researchers at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin.

Our mission is to improve and develop the conditions for early career researchers. To this end, we foster exchange with graduate schools and service facilities within and outside the HU and are active in national and international networks.

Our aim is to prepare early career researchers for leadership roles within and beyond academia. To this end, we offer an interdisciplinary qualification program as well as various advisory and networking services.

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Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin

Berlin graduate school of british studies.

The Berlin Graduate School for British Studies is located at the Centre for British Studies, an interdisciplinary teaching and research institution at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin. It seeks to bring together researchers with an excellent degree in a subject which is related to British Studies (history, art history, law, political science, sociology, economics, ethnology and/or anthropology, literature and culture) and who want to write an original interdisciplinary PhD thesis with a focus on the UK – preferably from a comparative or cultural exchange-studies perspective. Excellent knowledge of spoken and written English is essential. The Graduate School focuses on interdisciplinary British Studies projects. The aim of the School is to familiarise scholars with basic methods and research techniques of different disciplines which are typically used for PhD projects, but which the researchers have not acquired in their prior studies. In this way, they are enabled to position themselves between two or more disciplines and to systematically reflect this position on a meta-level. The course programme mirrors these objectives. It draws on an interdisciplinary network of international academics, research institutions, NGOs, museums, and parliamentary organisations in the UK and Ireland. The Centre’s international and interdisciplinary Berlin Britain Research Network offers intellectual input and structural support. Visiting scholars are welcome.

Spokesperson: Prof. Dr. Gesa Stedman

Coordinator: Corinna Radke

Tel +49 (0)30 2093 99050 [email protected]

Application

There are currently no vacancies.

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Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin

English studies.

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Our particular interests include Medieval and Early Modern literature and culture, the 18 th -century, Modernism, Postmodernism and life writing as well as Gender and Postcolonial Studies. These interests are reflected in our research as well as in the Bachelor and Master programmes we offer, including the degrees in BA English, MA English Literatures and MA Education. In addition the department is also involved in the MA European Literatures as well as the BA and MA Gender Studies degrees.

• Staff English Studies  

Associated degree courses:

• MA English Literatures
• Normal 0 21 MA Education English
• MA European Literatures
• Gender Studies (BA, MA)

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Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin - Department of Philosophy

Department of philosophy, ancient philosophy & history of knowledge (prof. beere), history of analytical philosophy (prof. beaney), classical german philosophy (prof. rosefeldt), logic and philosophy of language (prof. niebergall), ancient & contemporary philosophy (prof. wilberding), philosophy of mind (prof. pauen), philosophical anthropology (prof. keil), practical philosophy and didactics (prof. meyer), practical philosophy/ ethics (prof. schmidt), practical philosophy and social philosophy (prof. jaeggi), theoretical philosophy / history of philosophy (prof. perler), history of ancient science (prof. graßhoff, prof. ossendrijver), philosophy of science and nature (prof. müller), political philosophy & environmental ethics (jun.-prof. wollner), s ocial  philosophy / critical theory    (prof. k. lepold), theoretical philosophy / metaphysics                    (prof. a. loets), feminist philosophy  (prof. m. müller), hu on the internet.

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Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin - Faculties at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin

Faculties at humboldt-universität zu berlin.

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Faculty of Humanities

Faculty of Language Sciences

Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences

Faculty of Life Sciences

Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences

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Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin

Completed university degree.

In order to study a master's degree programme at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, you must have successfully completed an initial university degree (e.g. bachelor's degree) that is accepted by German universities or you must be in the final examination stage of your initial university degree. If you are in the final examination stage at the time of application, your previous university must confirm when you are expected to graduate.

You can find out whether your foreign university and your educational qualifications are formally recognised in the anabin database .

You can find the relevant subject-specific entrance and admission requirements (ZZR) in the degree programmes offered .

If you have any questions about the subject-specific entrance and admission requirements, please get in touch with the contact person for the relevant subject listed for the degree programme.

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Politics Department continues successful Cooperation with Humboldt University in Berlin

Ten years ago, the Politics Department first enabled graduate students to take a seminar and participate in a workshop in Berlin.  Initiated by Kim Lane Scheppele (SOC) and Jan-Werner Müller (POL) in 2013, the cooperation with the renowned law school and the Institute of Social Sciences at Humboldt has allowed annual cohorts of students from different disciplines to tackle topics such as defending democracy against anti-democratic actors, and the meaning of the digital age for democracy.  The seminars have frequently dealt with topics where the contrast between the US and Germany can be particularly instructive, such as free speech.  Students are encouraged, but not required to present at a workshop with leading faculty from both universities and other parts of the world. Since 2021, the cooperation has been financed by PIIRS, but POL has continued to administer it. “We have robust structures in place to enable our students to experience a different academic culture and also to form lasting academic relationships with fellow students in politics and law,” said Amanda Kastern, who successfully oversaw the cooperation for the past decade.

Jan Mueller analyses mass assemblies on squares and their association with democracy

Long-time manager, Amanda Kastern, to leave Politics

Melissa Lane’s newest book, Of Rule and Office: Plato’s Ideas of the Political, receives attention in four national political podcasts

• Fourth International
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• About the WSWS

“Hands off Students’ Rights”: Student parliament at Humboldt University rejects law targeting critical students

Iysse at humboldt university 26 april 2024.

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On Wednesday, the student parliament (StuPa) at Humboldt University (HU) in Berlin voted by a large majority against the reintroduction of a regulatory law at Berlin’s universities. The adopted motion stated that the Berlin Senate’s draft law “stands in the tradition of the expulsion of politically unwelcome students” during the Nazi era and aims to criminalise “legitimate democratic protest culture at universities.” The StuPa therefore encouraged the student council, the legally recognised student representative body, to “agitate against the reintroduction of the regulatory law.”

The International Youth and Students for Social Equality (IYSSE) has described the regulatory law as an attempt to whip universities into line and to reintroduce the principle of thought crimes. A week ago, around 500 students demonstrated in Berlin against the de-registration clause. It is of great significance that the HU StuPa has now also rejected this attack and thus defended the right of students to protest against war, genocide and capitalism on campus.

HU President Julia von Blumenthal, on the other hand, publicly supported the Senate’s initiative in advance, and advocated the reintroduction of a stricter regulatory law. On Wednesday, she appeared before the student parliament to reaffirm her anti-democratic position in the face of critical questions.

In her speech, Blumenthal made it explicitly clear that expulsion and other regulatory measures could be applied to take action against lecture hall occupations and political assemblies that were not coordinated with university management. As an example, she cited the occupation of the Institute of Social Sciences on the occasion of the dismissal of the popular sociology lecturer Andrej Holm in 2017. She said that management wants to take legal action against such and other “protests that are not within the limit of criminal liability,” regardless of the courts. These powers were to be “framed in accordance with the rule of law” and “applied proportionately,” she claimed absurdly. 

Subsequently, the StuPa deputy Gregor Kahl for the IYSSE responded in a speech to the President’s remarks:

Dear Ms. von Blumenthal, You have publicly announced and confirmed once again that you would like to reintroduce the right to regulate students, including the possibility to expel students under certain pretexts. The wording in the bill is so vague that students can already be expelled due to forms of political protests such as unauthorised lecture hall occupations or prohibited slogans.  This is not an oversight, but the deliberate political thrust of this measure. It aims directly at silencing the widespread opposition to the genocide in Gaza in the universities. In addition, the law is intended to create the conditions for criminalising any student opposition to war and the right-wing policies of the government.  Anyone who has doubts about this assessment or considers it exaggerated should take a look at the events in the United States. There, mass protests against the massacre in Gaza are currently taking place at many of the country’s most prestigious universities, with tens of thousands taking part. Hundreds of peacefully protesting students were arrested and dozens were expelled. At NYU alone, police have arrested 130 students and supporters. Democratic and Republican leaders are now even calling for the use of the National Guard against our fellow students – the same National Guard that in 1970 wounded 13 Kent State University students with firearms and killed four of them during protests against the US invasion of Cambodia.  Ms. von Blumenthal, when you last spoke in front of the student parliament in February last year, I addressed the crucial role that Humboldt University has played for years for German war propaganda. I asked you what you will do to protect critical students from right-wing violence. You never responded to me. In the meantime, security for students has not improved, but deteriorated. Right-wing groups and individuals have a free hand to destroy student material at this university and foment a climate of intimidation. And now, a year later, it must be noted that not only do you continue to do nothing to defend students against right-wing attacks, but with the reintroduction of the regulatory law, you are carrying out the sharpest attack on the democratic rights of students so far. While a professor at this university can state that “Hitler was not vicious” and the Holocaust was “basically the same” as “shootings during the Russian civil war,” it is to be made possible to expel students in the future if they oppose the politics of war and genocide.  You speak of dialogue and exchange here in the student parliament, but you refuse to engage in any serious dialogue. Instead, you threaten to kick critical students out of the university. You have not even ruled on an official complaint that has existed for years against Mr Baberowski for physically assaulting one of our deputies and insulting and threatening others, although you are legally obliged to do so. With this balance sheet, I do not expect you to address these points. That is why I appeal to all Members who are here today to vote against the regulatory law today. This attempt to transform Berlin’s universities into subservient forgers of military cadre must absolutely be stopped. And I call on all fellow students to protest against this. We must turn to the international working class, the vast majority of the population, to repel these attacks – in the US, in Germany and around the world.

During the debate on the student parliament’s position, by which time the president had left, Kahl stressed that the law was directed against any form of student opposition to right-wing government policy. The push must be seen in the context of the reactions to the mass protests in the United States and Germany’s return to a policy of war and genocide.

The president’s attempt to disguise the regulatory law in her speech as an instrument in the fight against violence and sexual assault was decisively rejected by several speakers. With the exception of RCDS and Jusos, the youth organisations of the Christian Democratic Union and Social Democrats respectively, all student lists voted against the law at the end of the debate.

• Powerful rally in front of Berlin’s Humboldt University against the genocide in Gaza 14 December 2023
• Stop the Juso motion in support of the genocide in Gaza! Attend the next Student Parliament meeting at Humboldt University! 1 November 2023
• Berlin’s Humboldt University censors criticism of genocide in Gaza 25 October 2023
• IYSSE protest against war propaganda at Berlin’s Humboldt University generates strong support and media coverage 21 September 2023

IMPRS Coordinator and Science Manager (f/m/d)

The Max Planck Institute for Gravitational Physics (Albert Einstein Institute, AEI) is the world's largest research institute specializing in General Relativity and beyond. The institute is located in Potsdam and Hannover. For our location in Potsdam, we are looking for a temporary position in full-time for two years for a

Science Manager and Coordinator of the International Max Planck Research School (IMPRS) "Gravity at the Extreme: From Theory to Observation" . 

The IMPRS Coordinator and Science Manager (f/m/d) will work at the interface between science and administration. The wide range of tasks will include supporting the scientific leadership team of the IMPRS, as well as, the overall coordination of the IMPRS, including interactions with the partner universities (Potsdam University, the Humboldt University in Berlin, University of Maryland, and the Yukawa Institute for Theoretical Physics) and the AEI-Hannover site, building up an AEI alumni network, and organizing events at the AEI-Potsdam.

• Organization and coordination of the scientific and administrative affairs of the IMPRS
• Integrating and coordinating the existing programs and activities of the IMPRS and its   University partners
• Organizing the IMPRS educational curriculum (e.g., lecture days/weeks, courses, lectures)
• Organizing the annual Thesis Advisory Committee meetings for the graduate students
• Being the point of contact for all administrative matters for the graduate students
• Managing the graduate-student recruitment process 
• Maintaining the IMPRS website
• Developing a mentoring program, connecting our graduate students and alumni
• Developing a network of alumni of the AEI
• Organizing events at the AEI-Potsdam (e.g., events for or with alumni, Institute anniversary)

Your qualifications

• Degree in natural sciences or
• Degree in higher education and science management 
• Experience in the tasks listed above
• Experience with students from diverse backgrounds
• Excellent oral and written English and German language skills

Your personal profile

Your precise and efficient working methods, cooperative and solution-oriented attitude, and high sense of responsibility should contribute to the professional work of our institute. You are flexible, able to work under pressure, have excellent communication and teamwork skills, and have a friendly and professional demeanor. You should be interested in the research activities of the Institute and have a good understanding of its concerns.

We offer an interesting and varied job in an international working environment, numerous training and development opportunities, and an excellent working atmosphere in a friendly, committed team. The institute promotes a healthy work-life balance by offering all employees flexible working hours, a family support service, cooperation with a nearby international kindergarten, as well as an in-house parent-child office and nursing room. Salary and benefits are commensurate with qualifications and are based on the German public service wage agreement (TVöD) up to wage group 13. The position is limited to 2 years.

We value diversity and therefore welcome all applications - regardless of gender, nationality, race, ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, age, sexual orientation or identity.  For more information about the Institute, please visit www.aei.mpg.de . If you have any questions, please contact Dr. André Schirotzek at [email protected] .

Have we sparked your interest? Then we look forward to receiving your online application. Please upload your complete application documents (cover letter, curriculum vitae, certificates) in English language as a single PDF file to our application portal .

The deadline for full consideration is May 31 st , 2024.  

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