PhD / Dr. Phil.
We welcome research projects from all over the world. However, the Institute for Media and Communication Studies does not have a structured doctoral education. Earning a doctoral degree from the Institute for Media and Communication Studies at the Department of Political and Social Sciences can be accomplished through the "apprentice model" (independent research under supervision). You must find a supervisor who is an expert on the topic of your future dissertation and willing to supervise you. Every doctoral candidate has to organize financing independently. Freie Universität Berlin provides further general information on earning a doctorate (doctoral studies portal).
Please send your applications including your CV, degree certificates, an overview of your study accomplishments and a short exposé of your research project (ca. 5 pages) solely to phd@kommwiss.fu-berlin.de. On top of that it is extremely important that you name potential supervisor(s), explain how your research interest is situated within the research area of the professor(s) and why you would find it important to be supervised by him/ her. If all this information is provided, your e-mail will be directed to the supervisor. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Detailed Information
How to get accepted as a doctoral student at the Institute for Media and Communication Studies at Freie Universität Berlin:
The basic requirement for getting approved as a doctoral student by the institute is an outstanding degree in a field corresponding to your future doctoral thesis and the institute’s research areas. Applications and proposals may be submitted at any time of the year to the Institute for Media and Communication Studies, but you should keep in mind that during the periods from mid-February to mid-April and from mid-July to mid-October when courses are not in session, relevant staff will not always be available. Course sessions start in mid-October (winter term) or mid-April (summer term). You may write your thesis in English language, if your supervisor agrees. If you decide to write your dissertation in German but do not hold a German academic degree you will have to pass the DSH (Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang) or the TestDaF (Test of German as a Foreign Language).
Admission procedures in line with the doctoral regulations of the Department of Political and Social Sciences include two steps. First of all, you must find a supervisor (in German “Doktorvater” or “Doktormutter”) who is an expert on the topic of your future dissertation and willing to supervise you. After having found a supervisor you have to formally apply at the Doctoral Studies Office of the Department of Political and Social Sciences.
Step 1: How to approach the supervisor
It is not possible to apply for a doctorate without specifying your research project and stating your future supervisor. When first contacting the Institute for Media and Communication Studies via phd@kommwiss.fu-berlin.de, you have to name potential supervisor(s) and provide a short exposé of your research project (ca. 5 pages) and a short review of your experience in this field including detailed information on your academic qualifications and degree. It is especially important to explain how your research interest is situated within the research area of the professor(s) and why you would find it important to be supervised by him/ her. If all this information is provided, your e-mail will be directed to the supervisor.
It can be helpful to attach a letter of recommendation by a professor you have already worked with. If your academic degree and the research proposal are regarded sufficient and the professor has agreed to become your supervisor, you may send your formal application to the Doctoral Studies Office of the Department of Political and Social Sciences.
Step 2: How to finish your PhD application at Freie Universität formally:
The application to the Doctoral Studies Office of the Department of Political and Social Sciences must include:
1. Research proposal for your doctoral thesis ("Exposé" of 7 to max. 10 pages) including a short summary of the subject in question
2. Declaration of your supervisor, that he/ she has accepted you as a doctoral student
3. Completed form “Zulassung zum Promotionsverfahren“ (Admission to doctoral studies) and "Betreuungsvereinbarung" (Supervisory Agreement).
4. A CV in German or in English language
5. Certified copies of your exam and degree certificates
6. Proof of proficiency in German (for full enrolment without further tests, TestDaF level 4/4 or an equivalent is required) or in English language
» Further information on step 2
Please send your application by mail to
Early Career Support at the Department of Political and Social Sciences
Contact: https://www.polsoz.fu-berlin.de/en/nachwuchsfoerderung/ansprechpartner_innen/index.html
Ihnestraße 21 - Rooms 201 and 206
14195 Berlin
You can also arrange a personal appointment with the Early Career Support or write an e-mail regarding all formal aspects of the doctoral procedure to nachwuchsfoerderung@polsoz.fu-berlin.de.