Doctoral researchers who participate in the training structure of the BGSS International Doctoral Program complete their doctoral degrees in either Sociology or Political Sciences as awarded by the Faculty of Arts and Humanities III of Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin. Members of the program are prepared for careers in social sciences research or related fields.

The promotion of young researchers is centered on two themes: “Varieties of Democracy” and “Varieties of Inclusion.” The systematic training program provides individual supervision for researchers and requires members to achieve regular progress milestones throughout their dissertation. Additional extracurricular support is provided by BGSS management. As such, the program fosters the achievement of an optimal outcome for individual projects throughout all stages of the process.

In addition to the three year doctoral program, the BGSS offers a one year “Introductory Year”. It conveys the methodological and theoretical foundations intended to support students in preparation of their doctoral projects. After the successful defense of the project, students have the option to continue their research in the context of the international doctoral program.

There are flexible options available to financially support members of the international Doctoral Program as well as the Introductory Year.