Overview

This Environment and Society programme offered by Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU) Munich examines the complex relationships between ecological transformation, cultural systems, governance structures, historical developments, and societal responses. Bringing together perspectives from the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences, it encourages scholarly investigation of questions situated at the interface of nature and culture. Students pursue disciplinary specialization while engaging with cross-disciplinary dialogue, international networks, and collaborative academic communities.

Key Facts

Hosted by the Rachel Carson Center for Environment and Society, the programme supports original dissertation projects across a broad range of fields, including historical studies, political ecology, ethical analysis, anthropology, cultural studies, geography, and literature. Candidates participate in colloquia, workshops, research presentations, academic exchanges, and community-building activities designed to foster intellectual development and professional growth. Graduates are equipped to contribute to scholarship, policy discussions, environmental thought, and interdisciplinary research addressing contemporary ecological challenges.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Environmental History
Landscape History
Urban History
History of Science and Technology
Social-Ecological Relations and Systems
Historical Geography
Political Ecology
Environmental Ethics
Environmental Anthropology
Urban Anthropology
Political Anthropology
Cultural Studies

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 36 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-10-01 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-04-10 00:00:00

Language

English

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

München, Germany

Disciplines

Environmental Economics & Policy Environmental Sciences View 6 other PhDs in Environmental Sciences in Germany

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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

Copies of university degree(s) held;

Proof of higher education entrance qualification (high school diploma or equivalent);

Master’s thesis (if in a language other than English or German, please provide a table of contents and an exposé of max. 5 pages in English);

An academic curriculum vitae (including publications, if applicable);

A statement of purpose for your application to the program (up to two pages);

A research proposal (max. 5 pages, including bibliography, footnotes, and time table);

The name of a member of the Academic Board whose research interests match the dissertation project;

Name and contact information for two academic referees (university lecturers), able to give information about your suitability for the program and your academic potential.

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Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU) Munich and/or in Germany, please visit Student Insurance Portal.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

Free
EU/EEA Applies to you

Applies to you

EU/EEA Nationals

Free

Additional Details

There are no tuition fees for doctoral studies, only a semester fee of 97€.

Living costs

München

Germany

1078 - 1689 EUR / month

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