Doctoral Training Program in the Learning Sciences (PhD or Dr. degree)

The state-of-the-art learning-sciences research is structured into eight research foci, so-called Expertise Teams (ET), each coordinated by interdisciplinary speaker groups. The MCLS Research Board Members and further MCLS members are involved in projects across the expertise teams.

Exemplary projects for each expertise team can be found here.

Representative MCLS publications are listed here.

ET 1: Neuro-cognitive mechanisms of adaptive control and plasticity

Adaptive mechanisms – as encountered in basic processes of perception and attention, in executive functions of action, and in complex memory as well as planning processes – allow cognitive systems to act in a goal- oriented manner in various contexts, including dynamic and conflictual environments. These mechanisms are the result of an ontogenetic acquisition process, which leads to continual change up to higher age. The research goal of this initiative is to explain these mechanisms of adaptation and their development-dependent changes, including their neurological implementation.
Speakers: Prof. Dr. Müller, Prof. Dr. Deubel and Prof. Dr. Leibold

ET 2: Conceptual Development and conceptual change

The development of conceptual knowledge during childhood and conceptual change in the context of learning and teaching across the lifespan are research foci of this initiative. Disciplines such as developmental psychology, subject-matter didactics, as well as research on learning and instruction analyze naïve theories and misconceptions as well as the effects of instruction both within and beyond the school setting. In this initiative, there will be also a focus on the neuronal correlates of conceptual change in the context of learning and teaching processes.
Speakers: Prof. Dr. Sodian and Prof. Dr. Neuhaus

ET 3: Emotion, cognition and learning

Research on the influence of emotion on cognition and learning represents a new field, which is experiencing a rapid surge of interest at an international level. Using multi-method strategies, which range from lab experiments to field research, the effects of emotions on basic cognitive processes and on learning in educational institutes are investigated.
Speakers: Prof. Dr. Pekrun, Prof. Dr. Maier and Prof. Dr. Frenzel

ET 4: Effective Instruction

Fostering human self-regulation is a central goal of education. Self-regulated individuals recognize problems, develop effective strategies for the solution of these problems, monitor their own learning processes, and regulate their emotions and motivation. Research in this initiative focuses on the basic mechanisms of self-regulation and addresses questions concerning the orchestration of self-regulation and other-regulation in learning environments, including for example, how individual or collaborative learning can be supported to foster self-regulation skills.
Speakers: Prof. Dr. M. Fischer , Prof. Dr. Neuhaus and Prof. Dr. Ufer

ET 5: Organizational learning and learning social systems

Through intra-organizational learning processes as well as through inter-organizational vertical and horizontal networking, the chances and risks associated with innovative action are becoming more predictable and more transparent. Organizational learning processes enable and support the generation, accumulation, communication, and the transfer of knowledge. Research foci comprise evaluation research from perspectives of social sciences and educational science, organizational research from the perspectives of social and organizational psychology, and social sciences research on networks.
Speakers: Prof. Dr. Tippelt, Prof. Dr. Brodbeck, Prof. Dr. Frey and Prof. Dr. Wößmann

ET 6: Technology enhanced learning and collaboration

In this initiative, the research addresses the question how learning and collaboration can be specifically supported with advanced technologies. Research activities focus on how groups and communities that are dynamically changing with respect to composition and size, goals and spectrum of activity, can generate, accumulate, communicate, and transfer knowledge to solve new problems. Based on these analyses, it will be investigated how these processes can be structured and fostered by means of adaptive and social technologies.
Speakers: Prof. Dr. F. Fischer, Prof. Dr. Brodbeck and Prof. Dr. Hußmann

ET 7: Interactional dyadic learning: Developmental and Clinical Perspectives

Interactional dyadic learning is a key component for successful self-regulation. Variability in self-regulatory capacities depends on the quality of preceding interactional experiences. Interactional learning can be observed in caregiver-child dyads, romantic relationships, but also psychotherapy and counseling. Main goal of this ET is to explore dynamics and mechanisms of dyadic learning as predictor of successful development as well as their interplay with (epi-) genetic, endocrine and physiological factors in children and adults by applying cross-sectional, longitudinal, and interventional designs. The intervention component will make substantial use of video, drawing on elements of Video Intervention Therapy.
Speakers: C. Reck

ET 8: Statistical methods for measuring learning and change

The primary focus of this initiative is the advancement of methodology within the Learning Sciences. In the context of learning, the measurement of change is essential and can refer to individuals, groups, or organizations. The main problem associated with the measurement of change lies in distinguishing between real change and artifacts arising due to a lack of measurement precision or to the measurement itself.
Speakers: Prof. Dr. Bühner, Prof. Dr. Heene, Prof. Dr. Küchenhoff, Prof. Dr. Tutz

The general structure of doctoral programs involves course participation and individual research culminating in a dissertation. The degrees obtained at the end of a doctoral program can however differ.

There are two degree options available when applying for our program. The structure, the offered courses and the study period are shared by both degree options. The differences lie however in the course requirements and the completion conditions. It is recommended that students consult with their prospective supervisors (during negotiating potential supervision) and/or the coordination (after acceptance) about the degree they would like to pursue.

Postgraduate Academic Degree (PhD)
This title is the internationally recognized title for the completion of empirical doctoral studies. There are a number of compulsory courses which need to have been attended by the end of the entire study period. Based on the examination regulations, students are required to attend to a formal examination for each of the seminars (pass/fail policy). The nature of the examination (for example essay or presentation) is decided individually by the each lecturer. The completion of all courses rquired by the PhD regulations serves as sufficient proof to fulfill the requirements for the DTP certificate.
The regular study duration is 6 semesters. Therafter the studies can be prolonged up to a maximum of 12 semesters.

Degree offered: PhD Learning Sciences
Completion Conditions: 180 ECTS Points
[Credit System. A total of 180 ECTS can be acquired in the program. 150 ECTS will be awarded for the dissertation and 30 ECTS for course participation]
Compulsory number of courses:
--> 2 content courses, 2 method courses, 2 key qualification courses, 2 colloquia, 2 retreats

Study Regulations (Prüfungs- und Studienordnung): http://www.pags.pa.uni-muenchen.de/ph_d/ph_d_learning_sciences/index.html

English version (Legally binding is solely the German version!): Download

Doctoral Degree (Dr.)
This title has a particular tradition within the German speaking countries. The type and quantitiy of courses to be attended by the end of the doctoral studies is to be negotiated with the supervisor.
The regular study duration is 6 semesters. The supervisory agreement may be prolonged afterwards on a yearly basis.

Degrees offered: Dr. phil/Dr. rer.nat./Dr. med.
Completion Conditions: Submission of dissertation (+ additional requirements if specified in the study regulations)
To obtain the completion certificate of the DTP, however, the following number of courses has to be attended:
--> 2 content courses, 2 method courses, 2 key qualification courses, 2 colloquia

Study Regulations (Promotionsordnung): https://www.pags.pa.uni-muenchen.de/promotion/index.html
Dr. phil.: http://www.pags.pa.uni-muenchen.de/promotion/promotionsordnungen/promotion_2016/index.html

Dr. rer. nat.: https://www.med.uni-muenchen.de/promotion/traditionell/naturwiss/index.html
Dr. med.: https://www.med.uni-muenchen.de/promotion/promotionsmoeglichkeiten/dr-med/referenz-dr-med-neu/index.html

For both degree options the regular study period is three years/six semesters (can be extended) and the language of instruction is English.

The most important aspect of your doctoral period is conducting your doctoral research (including thesis writing). The doctoral research typically includes one or more empirical studies with planning, conduction, and data analyses phases. The thesis should be completed at the end of the sixth semester.
To enrich your doctoral period and to fulfill the graduation requirements, the DTP offers additional courses.

The courses within the program curriculum can be offered either by the DTP or by institutions affiliated to the MCLS or LMU.
A list with the institutions affiliated to the MCLS/LMU is sent every semester along with the schedule.
Students are expected to seek out individually the courses they would like to attend and which they benefit from the most.

The program offers include:

• Content related courses (introductory and advanced approaches to the learning sciences, field specific particularities – biology, languages, mathematics)
• Research methodology courses (advanced statistical procedures, alternative software courses, assessment and test procedures)
• Key qualification courses (self-management, academic writing and presenting, ethics in research)
• Research colloquia (study-accompanying courses for individual feedback)
• Retreats (opportunity to reflect on the doctoral studies)

Additional components:

• attendance at talks of guest scientists
• attendance at conferences
• reporting and coaching (i.e., the supervisory component)
• research stays abroad
• involvement in the realization of the doctoral program

To receive the DTP Certificate, students have to take at least the following courses:

• Two content related courses
• Two research methodology/statistics courses
• Two key qualification courses
• Two colloquia

To fulfill the PhD study regulations, students additionally need to attend

• Two retreats

The academic year is officially divided into two semesters:

Winter semester: 1 October – 31 March
Summer semester: 1 April – 30 September

Here you can find the official LMU Academic Calendar.

Additionally the university is closed on public holidays in Bavaria. They can be found here.

Supervisory team
Doctoral students should be supported by three supervisors (one first and two second supervisors). The first supervisor’s scientific discipline is typically the major (home) discipline of the doctoral student. The second supervisor should be from a different discipline or sub-discipline. The third supervisor should be from abroad.

The tasks of the team are:

• to work out a Supervisory Agreement including a time plan together with the doctoral student within the first six months of the student’s participation in the program
• to give feedback on presentations of the doctoral student in the Doctoral Colloquium at least once a year
• to read and comment the student’s annual report and to give advice for setting and adjusting goals and timelines

Supervisory Agreement
This includes the names of the members of the supervisory team, a working title of the dissertation, a content-based schedule, further tasks (e.g. publications, conference participation, planned stays abroad) and a work plan, which can be adjusted regularly, annual reporting (student) and coaching and monitoring sessions (advisors) on regular basis, as well as regulations with respect to the workplace.

Please also visit the Recommendations for the organization of doctoral studies published on the the Graduate Center web page.

Doctoral Colloquium
Doctoral students are requested to present their work at least once a year in the doctoral colloquium.

Travel grant and funding possibilities

Unfortunately, the Doctoral Training Program in the Learning Sciences cannot offer any funding or scholarships directly. If you can have a paid position at the university has to be clarified with your prospective supervisor.

Here are some links, where you can find external funding options:

The GraduateCenter

The DAAD webpage

The Research in Germany portal

The German Research Foundation

Graduate Center - LMU (Engl)

The Graduate Center represents a central platform for doctoral study related aspects, which also offers a comprehensive range of services including workshops and seminars in key qualifications.

LMU Center for Leadership and People Management (De/Engl)

The LMU Center for Leadership and People Management offers seminars on leadership.

The NAPLeS Network
The Network of Academic Programs in the Learning Sciences (NAPLeS) was founded in 2012 by members of the International Society of the Learning Sciences. NAPLeS is a network of Doctoral and Masters Programs in the Learning Sciences.

LMU extra

This is a special program offered by the women's representative of LMU Munich for young academics towards the end of the doctorate.

Interne Weiterbildung für Beschäftigte der LMU (De/Engl)

This platform offers a wide range of services, including language courses.

ProfiL (mainly De)

PROFil is an initiative of LMU Munich to especially promote key qualifications concerning teaching competencies.

University Library

The central university library frequently offers introductions to bibliography software (Ctitavi, EndNote) and online search for scientific literature.

Bavarian State Library

The Bavarian State Library regularly offers general introductions, as well as various topic specific events.

Leibniz Supercomputing Center
Enrolled doctoral students and employees of LMU Munich may participate in software courses (e.g. Access, Excel, Photoshop, PowerPoint, Word) offered by the Leibniz Supercomputing Center.

IT-Group Humanities
For doctoral students and researchers in the humanities, the IT-Group offers courses in various IT-competencies.

LMU Language Center
Enrolled doctoral students may participate in language courses offered by the LMU Speech Center.

German Language Courses at Universität München e.V.
The German Language Courses at Universität München e.V. Center offers courses for German as a foreign language.

International Student Guide, LMU

LMU Munich offers a broad range of services for international students. Some of them are finding accommodation, familiarization and integration programs, language courses, etc.

http://www.en.uni-muenchen.de/students/int_student_guide/index.html

Studentenwerk München

The Student union is responsible for the economic, social and cultural issues of students from all Munich universities.

http://www.studentenwerk-muenchen.de/

German Language Courses

It is important to have basic knowledge of German language for every day life in Munich. There are many German courses offered by different language schools. The LMU offers German language courses for international students at its institutions as well as in affiliated language schools.

Goethe Institut

DeutschAkademie

Inlingua

Intercultural Counseling

The intercultural counselors, counsel on cultural topics that cause problems in the course of studies and which may negatively impact their outcome. Additionaly the intercultural counseling office for international students organizes the regular „Stammtisch International“ and invites both International and German students to enjoy an evening in a relaxed atmosphere twice a month.

http://www.en.ikberatung.ikk.uni-muenchen.de

International Students Associations

Here is a list of some international students associations in Munich.

Chinese Students and Scholars Association in Munich (CSSA München)

Türkisch-Deutscher-Studentenbund TDS e.V.

See also:

Toytown Germany - Germany's English-speaking crowd

MIR e.V. - Zentrum russischer Kultur in München

Deutsch-Hispanische Gesellschaft e.V.

Before the selection procedure starts (Step 0)

Please make sure to start looking for a potential MCLS supervisor as early as possible. Once you found a potential supervisor make sure that he/she is ready to provide a MCLS Recommendation Letter for you via the online application tool (he/she will receive an e-mail with further instructions once you entered their contact information and submitted your application in the online application tool) by March 15.
Without an MCLS Recommendation Letter, your application can unfortunately not be considered for the further application procedure.

Program start is in October.

Selection Procedure

Step 1 Step 3 Step 4 Step 5
(Applicant & previous professor & MCLS member) (Applicant & Program) (International Applicants) (Program)
Submit documents online Interview Stage Submit documents (hardcopy) Final decision
March 01 May end of May May/June
------------------------ O --------------------------------------- O --------------------------- O -------------------------- O
Step 0 l----------- review stage--------------l
(Applicant) (Program)
Look for potential Step 2
MCLS supervisor

Step 1: Application Stage - Submit complete documents ONLINE by March 01

• Submit all required documents in the required format by March 01, 11:59pm (UTC+1) via the Online Application Tool.
  Your referee (previous professor) and your potential supervisor must upload their reference letter / MCLS Recommendation Letter by March 15 through the online portal.

Step 2: Review Stage
We will review the applications based on the:

• completeness of documents
• submission of an MCLS Recommendation Letter (submission of application occurred by March 01 and upload from potential supervisor occurred by March 15 through the upload form in the application tool)
• submission of a reference letter from a previous professor (submission of application occurred by March 01 and upload from referee occurred by March 15 through the upload form in the application tool)
• quality of the research proposal
• quality of the motivation letter

Step 3: Interview Stage

Successful applicants in the document review stage will be invited to an interview. The interviews will presumably take place in May. The interviews are conducted online.

In the interview, candidates have to deliver a short presentation of their master thesis research (or equivalent), as well as their proposed doctoral research project. The main criteria for evaluation are scientific skills, empirical research experience, and the relevance of the topic to the learning sciences field. The selection committee consists of MCLS members. English proficiency is also validated during the interview.

Step 4: Submit HARDCOPIES (for international students, who do not hold either German citizenship and/or do not hold a prior German degree: university entrance qualification, Bachelor, or Master; more info here):

• If you are considered an international student and want to profit from assistance with your request for admission directed to the International Office (IO), please make sure to send the required hardcopies to the Program (not to the IO directly).
  We offer assistance for all applications we receive by May 31 (we confirm the arrival of the documents via mail). This typically means that you can wait with sending the documents until you have received the final decision.
  Should you not be able to hold this deadline, please contact the coordination.
  More information on required documents here.

Step 5: Final Decision

We will inform you about the final decision regarding your acceptance or rejection (presumably in May/June; in July the latest).

If you are an international student, you need an additional acceptance letter from the International Office to start your studies (i.e. upon enrollment) and to apply for your VISA (the program acceptance letter is not always sufficient to get your VISA)

• In case you have not sent the hardcopies to our program by May 31, please take care of this process yourself. In this case please check which documents you need in the International Office directly.

A. Mandatory Documents for all applicants

The application procedure applies to all degrees of choice (Dr. and PhD). Regardless of whether they are interested in pursuing a PhD or Dr. phil./Dr. med./Dr. rer. nat/... title within the DTP, candidates are required to submit the following documentation (1. - 7.) via the Online Application Tool (available from Mid January until March 01):

1. MCLS Recommendation Letter issued by a MCLS member.
The most important requirement for the application is that one MCLS member expresses their interest in the supervision of your studies.
The MCLS Recommendation Letter must be submitted by an MCLS member him/herself. To obtain such a letter...

• Get in touch with potential MCLS supervisors directly and try to come to an agreement with one of them.
  If an MCLS supervisor is potentially interested in supervising your doctoral studies, he/she should provide an MCLS Recommendation Letter for you through an upload form in the online application tool (by March 15, the latest). Make sure to enter the contact information of the intended prospective supervisor in the online application tool and "save and submit" your complete application by March 01. Submitting your application automatically generates an email to the professor with further instructions. Please note that you MUST contact your prospective supervisor prior to entering their contact information in the application system.
  In case that your supervisor already confirmed the supervision of your studies for sure, you may upload the Supervisory Agreement (Betreuungszusage) instead of the MCLS Recommendation Letter.

If you want to get in touch with potential supervisors, you should take the following steps:

• Check the fields of research of the MCLS professors and find a topic that is relevant to your academic interests. This information is available in the RESEARCH section of the homepage.
• Contact the corresponding professor (the contact information for each professor involved in the MCLS can be found in the ABOUT US section of this homepage or also easily via search engines in your browser when entering the name + LMU) and discuss with him/her your proposed research ideas. Please make sure to write an individualized, polite, and concise e-mail and to include at least your CV and a short research proposal that is related to the professor's interests.
  The degree of choice (PhD or Dr.) should be discussed during this time (more information on the degree choices and the respective templates for the documents can be found here).
  If the professor is potentially interested in supervising your research, ask him/her for an MCLS Recommendation Letter in which he/she confirms his/her general interest in your research and he/she agrees to conduct an application interview with you. The final decision about accepting you as a doctoral candidate will be made after the interview.
  
  
  It is highly recommended that prospective students begin discussing MCLS supervision as early as possible! 2. One reference letter (issued by e.g. a previous professor or instructor holding at least a doctoral degree)
  The reference letter must be provided by a researcher from a discipline associated with the Learning Sciences who holds at least a doctoral degree (e.g. a previous professor).
  Attention: The reference letter must be submitted by the referee him/herself through the upload form in the online application tool by March 15.
  Applicants have to enter the contact information of the intended referee in the online application tool. Finally submitting your application automatically generates an email to the referee with further instructions. Please note that you MUST contact your referee prior to entering their contact information in the application system.
  Important note: The reference letter (point 2) and the MCLS Recommendation Letter (point 1) are two independent criteria! A complete application comprises two separate letters, issued by different professors (one from a previous professor and one from a potential supervisor).
  3. Certified copies/translations of the Bachelor's and Master’s certificate (or equivalent) and of the Transcripts of Records in English or German.
  Applicants who have not yet finished their Master’s studies are required to upload a letter from their university, confirming the expected date of graduation.
  4. Research proposal (500 words)
  Download Research Proposal Guidelines
  5. Letter of motivation (one page)
  Download Letter of Motivation Guidelines
  6. Curriculum vitae (CV) with up-to-date information
  7. Proof of English proficiency of at least Upper B2 Level according to the Common European Framework of Reference for non-native English language speakers.
  Note: German proficiency is no requirement, as our program is exclusively taught and assessed in English. Different information on the International Office's website can be ignored (they apply to German programs exclusively).
  Correspondence table for upper B2 level of English proficiency
  The minimum required score is reported for each language test or higher-education examination.
  IELTS TOEFL CBT TOEFL IBT Duolingo CAE
  (post-2015) FCE Schriftliches Englisch- Abitur 6.5 211 79 105 177 B 10 This list is not exhaustive and any other proof of English proficiency will be evaluated on a case-to-case basis by the selection committee. Usually previous studies conducted in English are sufficient if you can provide some form of proof for it. Additionally, your English skills will be validated during the interview.
  
  All templates are also provided on the "Application - FAQ & Docs" page.
  The documents need to be submitted via the Online Application Tool (available from Mid January until March 01).
  The coordination team will assist you with any question that might arise during the process, unless they are answered on the website or in the FAQ already. Please visit our contact section if you need to get in touch.
  B. International Students need to additionally apply to the International Office
  (Mandatory for all international applicants not holding a German citizenship and/or a German university entry qualification or German university diploma).
  !! We highly recommend to apply via the DTP coordination office!! Check whether you are considered an international student here.
  In case that you want any assistance with the request for admission to the International Office, you must send your complete hardcopy application to the Doctoral Program Office.
  Only if you send the documents by May 31 (typically you can wait until you receive your final result) will we assist you in the process to obtain your admission letter from the international office (you need this letter to apply for your VISA - usually the program acceptance letter alone is not sufficient).
  Please send all necessary documents to the Doctoral Program Office via post
  Postal address:
  Doctoral Training Program in the Learning Sciences
  c/o Studiengangskoordination
  Department für Paedagogik und Psychologie
  Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitaet Muenchen
  Leopoldstrasse 13
  80802 Muenchen
  GERMANY
  Please check the "Application - FAQ and docs" site and especially the documents "Overview of all necessary documents" and "FAQ- General Application Information" for information on the necessary documents, tipps and tricks with regard to the hardcopy application
  If you are not able to have all necessary documents deliveres by May 31 (deadline), please contact the Program Coordinator to arrange further steps.
  For all applicants who were accepted to the Program, we will check the documents for completeness, add the Program's acceptance letter to the package and hand it over to the International Office well before their deadline (July 15).
  Sending the documents to the Program ensures that your documents definitely arrived at the LMU (we confirm their arrival), are complete and are processed according to their priority (especially important for applicants who need a visa).
  If you do not send your documents to the Program's Office but directly to the IO, we will not be able to help you with the application process in the International Office, in case that any problems occur.
  Since the Doctoral Training Program in the Learning Sciences is offered in English, there is no need for proof of German language fluency.
  If you want to double-check our information on the necessary documents, information about the required documents can be found on the International Office official webpage: http://www.en.uni-muenchen.de/students/degree/admission_info/index.html
  

Please check all documents before writing e-mails! FAQs:

FAQ- Specific Application Requirements: comprises specific information on the degree choices, documents, which need to be submitted and other application requirements in detail

FAQ- General Application Information: comprises information on the application procedure, technical and language requirements as well as information for international students.

For download: documents for all applicants:

• - Overview of all necessary documents
  
  
  
  - Research Proposal: Guidelines
  
  
  
  - Letter of Motivation: Guidelines

MCLS Recommendation Letter Template (valid for PhD and Dr. degree)
- .doc Template
- pdf Template

Supervisory Agreement Templates (please upload a Supervisory Agreement instead of an MCLS Recommendation Letter if supervision has already been confirmed for sure)
- Dr. phil.
- Dr. rer. nat.
- Dr. med.



Target Agreement Templates (necessary only once you were accepted as doctoral candidate)
- PhD Learning Sciences
- Dr. phil. (Department Psychology)

Additionally necessary documents for International Students (hardcopies)

Application form for the request for admission in the
International Office
(alternatively pre-filled for the program; please delete inapplicable degree choice!)

Consent form

Please check the information for international students in the
"Overview of all necessary documents" and on the
"Application - Requirements" side thoroughly!
DO NOT SEND DOCUMENTS TO THE INTERNATIONAL OFFICE DIRECTLY IF YOU WANT ASSISTANCE IN THE PROCESS!