Doctorate

Promotion

Doctorates contribute to the further development of scientific disciplines. They create new insights and can open up new impulses for practice. They offer doctoral candidates the opportunity to engage intensively with a topic - both professionally and personally. In the process, they develop their own reflected academic position.

The KHSB supports graduates of universities of applied sciences (HAW) on their path to a doctorate.
We offer information, counselling and exchange - and accompany you on your path into academia.

Are you interested in a doctorate? Find out early on - for example at our annual event "Option Promotion?!", by taking part in a taster session at our doctoral programme, by talking to us, or by using our linked materials on doctoral studies in social work.

Doctoral programme

Since 2010, the KHSB doctoral programme has provided structured support for doctoral projects in the SAGE subjects (social work, curative education, health and education). Our aim is to provide targeted support for academics in the qualification phase and, in particular, to support graduates of HAWs on their path to a doctorate.

The fellows are structurally linked to the KHSB as well as externally via qualification positions and research projects. This diversity enriches the programme and expands the network of doctoral students.

Core elements of the doctoral programme

The doctoral programme supports doctoral students in developing their dissertation project in relation to social work practice research and the professionalisation of social work. The programme is adapted to the individual needs of the participants and accompanies the entire doctoral process - from decision-making to the defence.

The first phase after admission to the College is designed as intensive preparation. The aim is, within the first year

prepare an exposé,
secure initial supervision at a university
and, if necessary, to clarify financial support (e.g. through a scholarship).

College meetings

In monthly meetings, the fellows present their projects, receive feedback and discuss content-related and methodological issues. The meetings are supervised by professors.

Further programmes

There are also workshops tailored to the needs of the participants on topics such as research methods or presentation techniques as well as writing and evaluation groups.

Doctoral qualification positions at the KHSB

Fellows affiliated with the KHSB:

Michael Cremers

Christina Dinar

Sara Nasri

Line Polifke

Laurette Rasch

Carina Skowronek

Andreas Richter

Katharina Röber

Lara Wintzer

"If you want to strengthen social professions, you have to make their impact visible. The doctoral projects of our doctoral students are practice-oriented and provide impetus for the further development of social professional practice."

Dr Julia Reimer

Wissenschaftliche Mitarbeiterin Transfer und Kooperationen

Outlook Promotion Centre

Since spring 2025, the Berlin Higher Education Act (BerlHG) has authorised universities of applied sciences (HAW) to award doctorates. This will enable doctoral degrees to be awarded in future, independently of cooperating universities.

The KHSB is endeavouring to be awarded the right to award doctorates in the medium term. We are therefore currently undergoing an extensive development process. You can find out more about the right to award doctorates in the existing doctoral programme.

Further information

Without claiming to be exhaustive at this point, we would like to inform those interested in doing a doctorate and doctoral candidates in the SAGE area about some further support services.

The compiled by Prof Dr Rudolf Schmitt provides a good overview of the conditions for a doctorate after graduating from HAW.

Further information on doctorates in social work after graduating from a university of applied sciences can be found at

(specialist group for doctoral funding)
(overview articles on the topic of doctoral studies in social work)

Regular information is provided by the monthly .

German Society for Social Work (DGSA)

The DGSA's doctoral promotion section supports early career researchers in social work, especially HAW graduates, in their doctoral studies and encourages teaching staff to create a doctoral-friendly environment. Among other things, the DGSA offers (free) doctoral colloquia. The DGSA doctoral colloquium in Berlin usually takes place in October (and often at the KHSB). The next event will take place on 24 and 25 October 2025 at the KHSB.

German Central Institute for Social Issues (DZI)

In cooperation with the , the KHSB Kolleg offers writing days for doctoral students. The DZI also offers doctoral students in social work various programmes, e.g. workshops on publishing.

Trade Union for Education and Science (GEW)

The regularly features exciting topics relating to doctoral studies. Among other things, the GEW offers workshops on decision-making on the topic of doctorates. For doctoral candidates and those interested in doing a doctorate, it is also worth taking a look at the anthology 3rd edition from 2021) published by the GEW.

Link collection

Contact person

Are you doing a doctorate at the university, or are you interested in doing a doctorate?

I look forward to hearing from you.

Promotion

Prof. Dr. Sarah Häseler