Hertie School’s PhD programme reaccredited by German Science and Humanities Council

Following a comprehensive evaluation process, the German Science and Humanities Council has recommended the reaccreditation of the Hertie School to award PhD degrees. The decision now has to be implemented by the Berlin Senate, the authority in charge. In its official statement, the council concluded that the Hertie School “fully lives up to its institutional claim as a university entitled to confer doctorates in all areas”. The public policy school received the right for another five years.

“We are delighted about the positive evaluation and the renewed trust the German Science and Humanities Council has placed in us,” says Hertie School President Cornelia Woll. “We are dedicated to the highest level of research training and proud to offer PhD candidates an excellent work environment that will prepare them for a successful career, both inside and outside academia.”

Outstanding research achievements at an early career stage

Among other things, the council praised the school’s outstanding research achievements and the range of courses available to the PhD researchers. In addition to excellent working conditions, the Hertie School received praise for its solid administrative and financial support. According to the council, another special asset was the equivalent number of female professors and PhD researchers, something that is still absent at most other German universities. 

Besides renewing its mandate to offer PhD education, Director of PhD Programmes Dr Annika Zorn says the reaccreditation also gives the university an important tool to network with other research institutions. “The right to award doctorates puts us on the map of research universities around the world,” says Zorn. “We are proud to continue doctoral education at the Hertie School and cooperate with long-held and new partners in Berlin and internationally.”

The Hertie School’s PhD programme: interdisciplinarity and close supervision

With an interdisciplinary approach and a focus on innovative research methodologies, the PhD programme at the Hertie School prepares doctoral candidates to make a meaningful impact on public policies. “At the Hertie School, international PhD researchers from multiple social science disciplines come together to find answers to today’s social, political, legal and economic challenges – in close collaboration with our faculty,” says Zorn. “After spending a few years at our school, our PhD graduates move on to academic and other careers, building bridges to universities and international institutions all over Europe and around the world.”

About the German Science and Humanities Council

The German Science and Humanities Council is an independent institution responsible for evaluating and advising on academic matters, particularly in the fields of science, research and higher education. One of its responsibilities is the evaluation of research institutions and advising the respective regional governments on an official reaccreditation process. The council’s assessments and recommendations play a crucial role in maintaining and enhancing the quality of academic institutions in Germany. 

More information can be found in a press release by the German Science and Humanities Council or in the full evaluation report (both in German).