Embracing Transformation PHD and Scholarship Programme

Master's graduates with a passion for transformation processes have the opportunity to participate in a unique university-wide research endeavour that combines both disciplinary and interdisciplinary seminars, workshops and conferences related to international transformation research.

The unique and internationally competitive doctoral programme provides cutting-edge methods and advanced theories in the hub science Psychology of Transformation as well as the following five interdisciplinary Key Subject Areas:

• Climate Futures in Digital Cultures
• Companies as Drivers of Sustainability Transformations
• Democratic Resilience
• Organizing in Times of Crises
• Toward a Regenerative Society

I. PHD and Scholarship Programme

Three-year PHD Programme

In our new international PhD Programme, “Embracing Transformation”, doctoral candidates have the unique chance to pursue a PhD degree examining transformation knowledge and processes from an interdisciplinary perspective within an intellectually inspiring environment that brings together the international and regional expertise of its many partners and networks.

As a PhD student in the doctoral programme “Embracing Transformations”, you are enrolled as a regular student at Leuphana University. You can either apply for one of the highly competitive scholarships (see below) or bring your own financial support and join the programme. The start of the cohort will be April 2026; the exact details of the programme will be finalised until then. The following general elements will be part of the three-year PhD programme.

II. Curriculum

Dissertation plus 30 Credit Points as part of the Leuphana doctoral courses with the opportunity to choose seminars focusing on various aspects of transformation. The Leuphana doctoral courses consist of the following six modules:

• Engaging with Research Ethics
• Discussing Research Methods
• Discussing Research Perspectives
• Practicing Research for Science and Society
• Research Forum I and II

COMMUNITY, FEEDBACK AND TRANSFER ELEMENTS

• Kick-off retreat at the beginning of the programme
• Mid-term writing and progress retreat
• Final conference

CAREER SUPPORT ELEMENTS

• New and exclusive professional programme on “Transformative Leadership and Responsibility”
• General workshops and seminars for careers in academia and beyond

CROSS-CUTTING INPUT AND NETWORKING OFFERS
“Embracing Transformation” will be enriched by international visiting lecturers, research fellows and practitioners who will provide regular lectures and workshops in their field of transformation expertise. In addition, all doctoral candidates at Leuphana are eligible for coverage for research expenses up to €4.000 annually through the Graduate School's Qualification Fund.

III. About the Application

Application Period

The application deadline is until 1 October 2025.

Application Documents

• A qualified research proposal of the envisaged dissertation project.
• Curriculum Vitae including possible publications, conference participations etc. referring to either one of the core research areas and/ or transformation research.
• Letter of motivation stating your interest in participating in the interdisciplinary research project.
• Master's degree certificate and corresponding transcript of records.
• In some Key Subject Areas: further subject-specific requirements as listed in the application portal.
• If already applicable: copy of your enrollment for Leuphana's doctoral studies. Please note: Enrollment for doctoral studies at Leuphana is a prerequisite for the final granting of the scholarship.

Submit your Application now

IV. About the Scholarship

• Doctoral Scholarships: Commencing in April 2026
• Monthly Stipend: €1.850 with additional child allowance
• Research Funding: Eligibility for Coverage of research expenses up to €4.000 annually through the Graduate School's Qualification Fund
• Exclusive Programme: Programme participants are offered extracurricular workshops on “Transformative and responsible leadership” with international experts, qualifying for a variety of academic positions and careers beyond academia
• Office Space: Access to dedicated office space withing Leuphana's outstanding campus facilities, including the central building and the newly established Graduate House.

V. For more information

For more information, please enter here

VI. Contacts

• Interested students may contact o[email protected]
• Phone: 560-3201
• Attention in person at the International Relations Office from Monday to Friday from 8 am to 4 pm.
• Find us on social networks as @dri_utp