Doctoral candidates conduct independent research or participate in structured programs on topics such as journalism, political communication, or strategic communication. Close supervision, methodological training, and international networking prepare them for academic careers or leadership positions.
The Institute for Communication Science and Media Research (IfKW) at LMU offers doctoral candidates the opportunity to pursue their studies in one of Europe's leading research environments in the field of communication science. Doctoral candidates work independently on a scientific project that contributes to the advancement and further development of communication science research.
Internal doctoral program: The doctoral program is carried out independently under the supervision of a private lecturer (habilitated) or a professor at the IfKW. This can be done through a project or chair position. In this case, you are employed at the IfKW, which means you teach and conduct research here. You can find open positions on the LMU job portal. You can also contact professors on your own initiative (e.g., to jointly apply for funding).
External doctoral program: A doctoral program can also be completed externally, independently financed (e.g., through a scholarship or professional activity outside the IfKW). Supervision is also provided by a private lecturer or professor.
To assess whether a doctoral program at the IfKW is right for you, it is worth contacting the chairs directly—take a look at the various research areas that interest you.
The range of topics is broad and based on the institute's research areas – from journalism, media, and public relations research to political communication and media psychology to strategic communication and digital transformation. In addition to a very good university degree (master's or equivalent) in communication science or a related subject, admission requirements include a confirmation of supervision, which is usually based on an exposé describing the planned research. For further information, please contact the Examination Office of the Faculty of Social Sciences or the respective departments.
Further information can be found in the Doctoral Regulations 2025 (PDF, 111 KB).
See also Doctoral Regulations 2016 (PDF, 108 KB)
The IfKW supports doctoral students through close academic supervision, collegial exchange in research colloquia, methodological workshops, and access to international networks. In addition, there is the opportunity to participate in the institute's research projects, conduct your own courses, and contribute to the scientific community through conferences and publications.
We also have an active and committed mid-level faculty, where we discuss common questions, concerns, and resource needs—and support each other in academic life at the same qualification level.
There are many different paths to a doctorate, and the same applies to information about the process and potential contacts. We look forward to supporting you on your academic journey.
The institute and its degree programs thrive thanks to the people who work and conduct research here. Take a look around to see what kind of research is being done and whether the IfKW is right for you.