FAQs

How does the application procedure work?

Before officially applying for the Doctoral Program, it is necessary that each candidate finds a supervisinig professor at HHL. Please get in touch with a professor to discuss your research plans and educational background before you hand in your application. After you have received your letter of acceptance from an HHL professor you can start applying for the Doctoral Program online via >> study.hhl.de.

How do I find the right supervisor for my dissertation?

Please take a look at the main focuses of research of the professors at each of the >> Chairs.

Who is eligible for admission to HHL - Leipzig Graduate School of Management as a PhD-student?

• graduates with an academic degree in Business or Economics following a course of at least eight semesters (Bachelor + Master or Diplom) at an academic university or university of applied sciences (approx. 300 ECTS points should be achieved in the field of business or economics)
• from university graduates an overall grade "good" or higher is expected; from graduates of a university of applied science an overall grade of "very good" is expected
• an adequate command of the German and English language is necessary
• you should not have already been awarded the degree of Dr. rer. oec. or a similar Doctorate in Business or Economics by another academic university
• you should not have already taken but been unsuccessful in a doctoral examination procedure for the degree of Dr. rer. oec. or a similar Doctorate in Business or Economics at another academic university.

Exceptions to the admission requirements can be found in the >> Doctoral Statutes (in German).

When can I begin studying for my doctorate?

It is possible to begin your studies at the start of any term. 

Are there any deadlines for applications?

You can apply at any time.

What documents do I need to complete my application?

Once you have found a supervisor, you need to apply online via >> study.hhl.de. The following documents, which will then be assessed by HHL's Doctoral Committee are necessary for your application:

• above average graduate degree qualifying for research in management or economic
• CV/Résumé showing applicant's previous academic/professional performance
• Letter of acceptance of your supervisor (after a personal interview with a professor at HHL, including the acceptance of the research proposal by your supervisor)
• Letter of recommendation from employer or previous academic advisor
• Proof of proficiency in English (e. g. TOEFL, etc.)

 We are offering a rolling admission, which allows you to start in your preferred term.

How is the Doctoral Program structured?

The Doctoral Program is designed on a part-time basis and is particularly of interest to professionals seeking to combine their job with a postgraduate degree. The structure of the Doctoral Program is determined by course work in form of lectures and seminars, independent research and participation in doctoral forums and research colloquia.
The regular duration is three years (12 terms) including the acceptance and defense of the dissertation:

• Year 1: compulsory and elective courses during approximately 2 weeks and 5-7 weekends (Friday & Saturday full day); Summer School (one week) and
  Research Colloquium (presentation of research paper, 1 day)
• Year 2: Summer School (one week) and Doctoral Colloquium (presentation of dissertation, 1 day)
• Year 3: acceptance and defense of dissertation

Parallel to the courses, seminars and colloquia candidates have to work on their dissertation throughout the 3 years of the program. All seminars offered require students' attendance in Leipzig.

Furthermore, it is possible to spend an optional term abroad at one of HHL's >> partner universities.

What type of courses are offered?

Compulsory courses are Philosophical Underpinnings of Management Research and Economic Analysis and Policy. Among the elective courses are Econometrics, Methods of Management Research, Methods of Multivariate Analysis, Introduction to the Case Method, etc.

All courses are held in English to allow international students to actively participate in the program.