Overview

Objectives of the doctorate

The doctorate represents a transitional phase between a person's studies and their own research work and is a means of acquiring knowledge and skills relating to their own subject, as well as those that cut across other areas or have more to do with methodology. It is also an opportunity to build networks within the academic community.

It prepares a person for research-oriented work at either a university or in the outside world (wider society, finance, administration, etc.) and equips them to take on a wide variety of demanding professional duties and roles.

The core focus of a doctorate is the acquisition of academic skills by drafting a piece of academic work (dissertation). The Political Science program is offered by the University of Bern.

The Faculty of Business, Economics and Social Sciences consists of the Departments of Business Administration, the Department of Economics and the Department of Social Sciences. Besides teaching and research in the fields of Business Administration, Economics, Political Science, Sociology, and Communication and Media Studies, the Faculty of Business, Economics and Social Sciences is involved in various interdisciplinary research centers such as the Centre of Competence for Public Management (KPM), the World Trade Institute (WTI), the Center for Regional Economic Development (CRED), the Oeschger Centre for Climate Research (OCCR), the Centre for Development and Environment (CDE) and the Interdisciplinary Centre for Gender Studies (IZFG).

Programme Structure

The Political Science prepares a person for research-oriented work at either a university or in the outside world (wider society, finance, administration, etc.) and equips them to take on a wide variety of demanding professional duties and roles.

The core focus of a doctorate is the acquisition of academic skills by drafting a piece of academic work (dissertation).

Key information

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-02-16 00:00:00
- Apply before 2025-03-31 00:00:00
Starting 2026-09-15 00:00:00
- Apply before 2025-10-15 00:00:00

Language

English

Delivered

On Campus

Disciplines

Political Science View 4 other PhDs in Political Science in Switzerland

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

We are not aware of any English requirements for this programme.

Other requirements

General requirements

A necessary prerequisite for admission is a Master's degree (or equivalent degree) from a recognized university. Additionally, the Master’s degree must be no more than ten years old. Furthermore, a minimum overall grade in the Master's program must be achieved. For students at the Faculty of Business, Economics and Social Sciences of the University of Bern, this minimum grade is 4.75 (under the Swiss grading system). Moreover, at least 60 ECTS credits must have been obtained in the field of Business Administration.

Graduates with a Master's degree in Business Administration from a university of applied sciences cannot start a doctoral program in Business Administration at the University of Bern directly. In addition to the admission requirements mentioned above, they must first obtain a Master's degree from a university. For further information, please contact the Academic Student Advice.

Student insurance

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items, so make sure your student insurance ticks all the following:

Additional medical costs (i.e. dental)
Repatriation, if something happens to you or your family
Liability
Home contents and baggage
Accidents
Legal aid

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Tuition Fee

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International

400 CHF/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 200 CHF per semester
National

400 CHF/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 200 CHF per semester

Living costs for Bern

1655 - 2130 CHF /month

Living costs

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.