In line with the Bologna reforms, the SESS.EuroPhD is designed for a period of three years of study. A preparatory phase of 6-12 months in the form of a Pre-Programme Academic Training is optional, depending on the qualification levels of the individual applicants.

An essential part of the curriculum is the experience gained through the study at partner universities abroad. PhD candidates are obliged to spend at least one semester as well as a shorter research stay of 4-6 weeks at other partner universities.

Courses of the structured curriculum include Research Colloquia, Special Methods Seminars, Literature Review Seminars, courses on Research Design and Implementation, Project Seminars, and Annual Seminars that are dedicated to topics relevant to the socio-economic and statistical programme organized on a rotating basis by partner universities.

The main research areas are the following:

• The interrelationship between economic and social structure
• Processes of change and economic organisations and institutions
• Markets as social structures and networks
• Labour market, employment, and conflict
• Welfare state analysis and social security
• Economic and social inequality and perceptions of social justice
• Social ethics and the market in face of globalisation