PhD in Business
See study programmeThe doctoral program is a continuation of the business studies at the Nord University Business School. The program contains of course work that must amount to at least 40 credits. The main emphasis of the study, however, is the independent research work that forms the basis for the doctoral dissertation.
The doctoral program must first and foremost qualify for research and development activities, but also for other work in society that requires insight into scientific working methods and results. Through the educational programme, students gain high-quality in-depth academic understanding, skills, and knowledge in their chosen business management field. This also enables research students to relate the subject to the larger context. In addition, as PhD student you will gain knowledge of current methods used in the discipline and will be able to master at least one of these methods at advanced and applied levels.
The dissertation must be an independent, scientific work that meets international standards in the field and contributes to the development of new professional knowledge. The dissertation is usually written in the form of 3 - 5 articles, these should be able to be published as part of the subject's scientific literature.
Knowledge
Upon completion, the candidate should:
- have an academic specialisation within the field of business
- be able to locate this field within a larger framework
- have specialised insight into the scientific methods used in, and knowledge of, their field of study
- be able to contribute to development of the field in the form of new theories, methods, interpretations and the like.
Skills
Upon completion, the candidate should be able to:
- formulate and solve problems at an advanced scientific level
- utilise relevant scientific theories and methods in their field
- critically evaluate and form an opinion about the use of relevant theories and methods in the field
- conduct indpendent research work at an advanced scientific level.
General competence
Upon completion, the candidate should:
- be able to indentify, carry out and disseminate research and development tasks with academic integrity, in accordance with founding principles of the institution of academia.
- be able to reflect upon and form an opinion about integral ethical challenges in relation to research and development task
- be able to utilise their research and development expertise within all areas that require insight into business-related scientific methods and results
- be able to communicate problem, analyses and results to their peers, as well as to the general public, including participating in debates at conferences and in the public arena.
The admission requirements are described in the Regulations for the doctor of philosophy degree (PhD) at Nord University with supplementary provisions for the PhD in Business at Nord University Business School (HHN).
Admission to PhD studies at the Business School normally requires five years of tertiary education within the field of business (Master of Science), or equivalent education in which at least 2 years (120 ECTS) are at a Master degree level. At least 90 ECTS must be in a subject area that is relevant for the PhD project. Normally, the 2 year Master degree must include a Master thesis with a grade point average of B (or the equivalent) for the thesis and the entire Master degree.
An experience-based master's degree of 90 or 120 ECTS credits is in principle not intended to qualify for admission to the PhD program. If HHN wishes to admit an applicant from such programs, the following conditions must be met: the bachelor's education is relevant, qualification for admission is done with the addition of credits at master's level, and the master's thesis is equated with the thesis of master's studies that normally qualifies for admission. Satisfactory results are required on language tests (TOEFL or IELTS). Exceptions are granted for candidates with a master's degree from a Nordic institution. Test results should be available when applying for a PhD position and before starting work on a project description (proposal).
The Business School encourages students to participate in mobility programmes. Based on the chosen research project, fieldwork, residencies and/or visits to insitutions nationally and internationally may all be an option.
Dialogue meetings are conducted between students and the programme director every year.