IMPRS-SPCE Doctoral Program 2026

🌟 About the Program

The Max Planck Institute for the Study of Societies (MPIfG) offers graduate students an exceptional research environment through the International Max Planck Research School on the Social and Political Constitution of the Economy (IMPRS-SPCE). This program is a joint PhD initiative with:

• The Faculty of Management, Economics and Social Sciences at the University of Cologne.
• The Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Duisburg-Essen.

As Germany’s first graduate program in economic sociology and political economy, the IMPRS-SPCE welcomes outstanding doctoral students in political science and sociology from Germany and abroad. Research at the School focuses on:

• The social and political foundations of modern economies.
• The interrelation between economic and social action.
• Combining approaches from economic sociology and comparative and international political economy.

🎁 Benefits

Students of the IMPRS-SPCE Doctoral Program enjoy the following benefits:

• Active contribution to the intellectual life of the MPIfG and its partner universities in Germany.
• Opportunities to spend time at the School’s partner institutions abroad.
• The possibility to earn a French doctorate through the joint doctoral program (cotutelle de thèse) with Sciences Po in Paris.
• A unique curriculum that includes:
  • Seminars
  • Colloquia
  • Summer schools
• Development of essential professional skills to kickstart a successful research career.

📜 Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the IMPRS-SPCE Doctoral Program, applicants must meet the following requirements:

1. Hold a master’s degree (or equivalent) with at least 120 ECTS in a discipline related to the School’s program, such as:
   • Sociology
   • Political Science
   • Economics
   • Related fields
2. Fulfill the admission requirements for doctoral study at the degree-awarding universities:
   • University of Cologne
   • University of Duisburg-Essen

📅 Application Date and Process

• Application Deadline: 15 February, 2026
• To apply, visit the official application portal.
• Direct link to the application form.

🔗 Contact Information

For more details about the program, visit the Max Planck Institute for the Study of Societies IMPRS-SPCE Doctoral Program page.

This is an excellent opportunity for aspiring researchers in sociology, political science, and related fields to advance their academic careers in a world-class research environment. Don't miss the chance to apply!

• MPRS-SPCE students benefit from the opportunity to contribute actively to the intellectual life of the MPIfG and its two partner universities in Germany and to spend time at the School’s partner institutions abroad.
• Students may also earn a French doctorate by entering the joint doctoral program (cotutelle de thèse) with Sciences Po in Paris. With these opportunities and its unique curriculum of seminars, colloquia, and summer schools, the IMPRS-SPCE is an environment in which students can build essential professional skills and make the best possible start to a research career.