Study Programme
Philosophiae Doctor (Ph. D.) "Social and Economic Sciences" - Executive Summary

The objective of the study programme Doctor of Social and Economic Sciences (Ph. D.) is to prepare the students for academic and professional life by providing a relevant field scientific background and offering a professionally qualifying degree. After graduation the students will be ready to take leadership positions on all levels of management or administration in different fields, or to work as free lancers. The programme is geared to the model of a "specialised all-rounder" and is based on imparting and developing scientific and methodical insights in all functional areas of the respective fields and all associated subject areas.

The intended learning outcomes of the programme concerning the standards and criteria as well as the level and orientation corresponds fully with the following requirements: To gain general competencies, such as the capacity for developing own ideas, combined with logical thought and reasoning, the ability to acquire and process information, the ability for critical reflection and project-based work, creativity, the ability to perform supervision tasks, the ability to communicate information, ideas, problems and solutions, and a positive attitude towards life-long learning, is guaranteed by the programme. General professional competencies, like the ability to work together as part of a team, a solution oriented attitude in the sense of being able to define and analyse independently complex problematic situations in science based professional practice, and the ability to develop and apply effective strategies to solve them, as well as to develop a sense of social responsibility in connection with the professional practice, will be achieved while studying the programme. Specific professional competencies at the level of a newly high qualified professional additionally will be gained by the students.

The proposed programme is both academic and professionally oriented doctoral programme with 180 ECTS points in English language. Upon successful completion of the examinations the academic degree "Doctor Philosophiae" (Ph. D.) is awarded. Within the European Union this academic grade can be used as "Dr." (without any addition) alternatively without any further nostrification.

The Doctoral programme has a total duration of six terms (semesters) and is completely modularised in its structure. It is formally divided into the following units: From the first until the third term respective generally oriented science courses are offered. They are mainly focused on the basic parameters, functional aspects and relevant topics of the specific fields. These courses are designed to gain and set up general academic knowledge. The fourth to the sixth term is dedicated to finalise the Ph. D. thesis, accompanied by the courses "Epistemology" and "Thesis Coaching".

10 ECTS points per module, 60 ECTS for the Ph. D. Thesis; overall 180 ETCS points.

The institution, as a fully oriented distance education institution, is acting internationally with various partners in different countries. It has a very innovative character and is a novelty in the world of higher education. Different international locations are involved in offering the programme.

It is possible, to study the programme both on a full-time and a part-time basis. As the different modes of provision make equally different demands a number of requirements for quality, the consistency of the curriculum, the tutoring, the qualified staff and the admission requirements are ensuring, that the quality is provided for each mode of provision.

The workload of the programme meets the legal requirements.

The structure and contents of the intended curriculum are in line with the qualifications of the incoming students for doctoral programmes. Predefined conditions are set by the institution for individuals, who do not meet the stated requirements.

The educational process, the student counselling, learning assessment, and evaluation and testing are regulated detailed.

The total teaching staff of the institution, i.e. currently 39 professors, associate professors, assistant professors and lecturers involved in the programme are qualified by definition of the generally acknowledged quality assurance procedure for higher education in various countries. They are actively in charge there, with long lasting professional experience. They have successfully completed the different levels of qualification (Bachelor, Licentiate Degree, Master, PhD and postdoctoral qualification) and are appointed on this basis. Furthermore they have distinguished themselves internationally in their respective fields of expertise through research work and scientific publications, and have, in cooperation with companies and other organisations, proved their competence in the practical context.