PhD and scholarship program in Cooperative Security

PhD and Scholarship Program in Cooperative Security

Leuphana Center for Cooperative Security (LCCS) at Leuphana University of Lüneburg invites applications for its international doctoral program "Cooperative Security", launching in April 2027.

This interdisciplinary program supports innovative PhD research on global security challenges from the perspectives of:

• Political science / International relations
• Economics
• Law
• Psychology

As a doctoral researcher, you will join an international research community at the forefront of 21st-century security studies, collaborating with leading scholars and practitioners. The program is closely linked to the LCCS, which investigates security strategies at state, societal, and individual levels-translating insights into actionable recommendations for politics, business, and society, with a focus on Germany in the European context.

Research Focus

For the first cohort, proposals are invited on international dimensions of security, particularly:

• Emerging security threats shaped by (asymmetric) interdependence in political, economic, legal, cultural, and cognitive spheres
• Strategies of state and non-state actors addressing international security challenges
• (Changing) security outcomes, including norms, markets, governance structures, and institutions
• Cooperation vs. autonomy in security governance

Preferred research areas include:

• International Security
• (European) Migration Governance
• Economic Security
• International Law and Security
• Negotiation Psychology and Security

Program Structure

• Enrollment as a regular doctoral student at Leuphana University of Lüneburg
• Three-year program starting April 2027, combining:
  • Dissertation research
  • 30 credit points via Leuphana's doctoral courses
  • Optional seminars on cooperative security
• Close mentorship and integration into an international research network

Requirements

• Excellent master's degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field
• Strong interest in interdisciplinary security research

Scholarships

Outstanding applicants may receive excellence-based scholarships:

• Monthly stipend: €1,850 (plus child allowance, if applicable)
• Duration: 3 years

Self-funded or externally funded candidates meeting the academic criteria are also encouraged to apply.

Application

• Deadline: 30 September 2026
• Details on required documents and the admissions process: Program website

Contact Leuphana Graduate School Universitätsallee 1, Building Lüneburg