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Ph.D. program

The Kühne Logistics University (KLU) is a newly-founded research-oriented university. Its mission is to educate future leaders in logistics and management and to conduct research for the benefit of society. In particular, it seeks to advance scientific knowledge and to apply it in the interrelated fields of logistics, marketing, and leadership. As an integral part of this mission, KLU is committed to offering, in English, a unique and internationally-competitive Ph.D. program in logistics and its interrelated fields (e.g., marketing and leadership).

Target group

THE KLU is seeking highly talented candidates who want to pursue an academic career and are interested in doing research. THE KLU will screen every applicant to identify suitable candidates’ unique talents. 

Duration and course structure 

In accordance with international standards and practices, the program is composed of four years:

The first part (two years)

•  is devoted to course work: during the first year students are required to take at least four courses in methodology, including Operations Research, Statistics and Econometrics, Simulation, and Experimentation. The courses are taught at THE KLU by its own faculty, complemented by internationally distinguished scholars, and students may attend workshops or courses at cooperating universities. 
• In the second year, students take four advanced courses in their dissertation topic, which should be logistics, marketing and / or leadership. 
• At the end of the second year, every student must pass an examination that measures his/her depth of knowledge and comprehension of relevant methodologies, theoretical foundations and empirical evidence. Upon successful completion candidates are admitted to the second part of the Ph.D. program. 

The second part 

•  The Ph.D. candidate will be actively involved in research projects, with the faculty of KLU. The goal is to publish the results in highly-ranked academic journals. 
• The Ph.D. dissertation will consist of a collection of such research papers.  
• In addition the candidate can participate in joint research projects and will be involved in teaching. 
• The final requirement for the Ph.D. is the oral defense of the dissertation, which takes places at the end of the fourth year. 

The KLU Ph.D. program provides opportunities for students to work closely with faculty members, which enable them to develop the skills necessary to pursue their research and teaching careers.

Degree

During the start-up period the Kühne Logistics University cannot grant state accredited Ph.D. degrees in its own right. Up and until receiving this right which will be supported by hiring professors with strong research capabilities, THE KLU will admit students to its Ph.D. program only if there is a cooperating partner (e.g., from our program faculty) accepting a joint supervision including the examination at his or her university. Ph.D. students will receive a close supervision from a KLU professor and one non-KLU reviewer.

Admission requirements

Interested candidates will have to demonstrate their intellectual abilities, they have to 

•  hand in a master’s degree or equivalent from a recognized university and an excellent academic record 
• indicate their research interest (logistics, marketing or leadership) 
• outline their previous gained knowledge of subject related methodologies 
• hand in a comprehensive CV and academic transcripts 
• if available bring in results of tests such as GMAT or GRE taken within the last three years (not obligatory) 
• proof of your proficiency in English / Copy of TOEFL or IELTS score 

Application deadline

each June 30

Start of the program

each September

Contact

Applications should be sent to: 

Prof. Sönke Albers
 Dean of Research
 phd@the-klu.org

Tuition & Costs

Tuition fee 

• 8,000 euros annually (year 1 and 2)
• 4,000 euros annually (year 3 and 4) 

Applicants are strongly advised to seek financial support from external sources, which might be complemented by THE KLU to cover living expenses and tuition fees. 

Ph.D. scholarships 

The KLU is offering 

•  6 scholarships of annually 24,000 euro 
• outstanding candidates could receive additionally a tuition fee waiver 

Our support is very generous, because of our belief that investment in future scholars is an investment in our institution. Ph.D. students who are awarded a scholarship will receive the stipend tax-free, but will not be allowed to earn additional income. They will be expected to work full-time on their dissertation.

Further financial assistance 

Ph.D. students could also apply for the following financial assistance

• Brain Capital Financing Scheme
• Loans

Further content