Our KEYLENS Doctoral Consultant (KDC) program is a unique offering that combines doctoral studies with work in top management consulting.

The KDC program is operated exclusively in conjunction with Prof. Christoph Burmann's Institute for Innovative Brand Management (LiM®) at the University of Bremen and is offered in two variants:

KDC I: Assistant Model
KDC I was developed for students who wish to apply for a post as academic assistant at Prof. Christoph Burmann's Institute but who also want to experience the full variety of what you learn and the work you do as a strategy consultant. After passing Prof. Burmann's entrance test in Bremen, students can then also take part in the KEYLENS Challenge Day and – if successful – will become a KEYLENS Doctoral Consultant. The program then incorporates 18 months' training as a consultant on the job and in project work, followed by 6 months' academic work at the Institute, and 12 months to work on the doctorate.

KDC II: Consultant Model
KDC II is intended for applicants with professional experience and an interest in completing a doctorate. You will have the opportunity to join KEYLENS as a Doctoral Consultant if you get through the Challenge Day successfully. Under this model, the program entails spending 24 months working as a classic KEYLENS consultant on projects and then writing a thesis in a further 12 months at Prof. Christoph Burmann's Institute. Doctoral Consultants benefit from a guaranteed doctoral supervisor and, as a rule, a topic resulting directly from project work – accompanied by continued pay.