Pursuing a doctorate

Eine junge Frau hält ein paar Bücher in ihrem Arm und geht durch eine Bibliothek. Im Hintergrund lernen Studenten an Einzeltischen.

Credit: Anna Logue

Individual Doctorate

The “traditional” individual doctorate is recommended for all those who wish to have as much freedom and independence as possible.

Studierende sitzen in einem Seminarraum an Tischen und blicken nach vorne. Auf den Tischen liegen Notizblöcke und Mäppchen.

Credit: Anna Logue

Stuctured Doctoral Programs

Doctoral programs provide structured academic training with fixed periods of study, team supervision, and secure funding – perfect for all those who value clear structures and security.

Please note:

Which path to a doctorate is suitable for you – an individual doctorate or a doctorate within a structured doctoral program – largely depends on your field of study and the preference of your supervisor: At the University of Mannheim, it is possible to pursue a doctorate in a structured doctoral program in Economics, Business Administration, Political Science, Psychology, Social Data Science and Research Methodology, and Sociology. In addition, all schools and departments – with the exception of the Department of Economics – generally also offer the possibility of pursuing an individual doctorate. If you are interested in pursuing a doctorate at the University of Mannheim and already have a professor in mind as your supervisor, we strongly recommend that you establish contact at an early stage and find out about the possible paths to a doctorate offered at the respective chair.