Doctoral Studies at the Faculty of Business and Economics


The objective of the doctoral programme at the Faculty of Business and Economics is to prepare students for a successful career in research and teaching as well as in non-academic professions. For this purpose, in addition to academic research such as dissertation work, students develop specialised skills and techniques that demonstrate research-oriented training. This training prepares students with the ability to understand and apply scientific methods in economic sciences, and master their specialised research field.

Graduates will be in the position to build on current theories and methods of economic sciences. In addition, the doctoral programme fosters professional skills such as team work and interdisciplinary work. Using these skills, graduates will be able to critically reflect and apply the learned theories and methods to contribute to new scientific knowledge. As such, graduates are trained for leadership positions both within and beyond academia.

The doctoral programme at the Faculty of Business and Economics is accredited and modularised. It requires the completion of a total of 20 ECTS credits in the following areas:

  • a) Research competencies (10 ECTS)
  • b) Subject knowledge (4 ECTS)
  • c) Interdisciplinary and key qualifications (6 ECTS)


The doctoral programme requirements can be substituted or waived in the case that a student successfully completes a structured doctoral programme. The doctoral programme can also be completed on a part-time basis.

The doctoral programme in economic sciences is captured under the umbrella of the Göttingen Graduate School of Social Sciences (GGG). The GGG is responsible for PhD students and supervisors from the social sciences faculties (i.e. Faculty of Law, Business and Economics, Faculty of Social Sciences). It leverages the broad range of subjects of those faculties to offer doctoral students an array of methodological and interdisciplinary approaches as well as a variety of opportunities for specialisation. An example of an offer is a summer programme in methods, open to all doctoral students. The granting of doctoral degrees is however autonomous to each faculty.

Further information about the graduate school is available on the GGG website:


Regulations and forms concerning the doctoral programme can be found here.