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Programme Overview

Aimed at graduates with an excellent academic background in business or an area relevant to their chosen field of research, our PhD programme is a key part of our research culture and has a global reputation for excellence and facilities that are second-to-none. It is designed for those who intend to pursue a career in academia, business education, research, consultancy or related professions.

We offer an excellent taught programme in the first and second years of the PhD so as to properly equip you with the skills to undertake your own research. Guided by a specifically designed Research and Professional Development Programme, you can plan and organise your coursework and research activities over the course of your studies.

Our campus setting in Blackrock is home to around 50 doctoral researchers originating from a wide variety of countries, who are less ‘students’ and more early professionals partaking in a research education of the highest quality. As a doctoral student, you are encouraged to develop your own research ideas and preferred methodology under the close guidance of a senior academic colleague.

How will I benefit?

• You will receive structured training through taught advanced modules and close supervision to guide you in becoming a successful researcher, and to make a significant and original contribution to knowledge in business research.
• Access to the latest business research through premium-quality academic seminars, PhD workshops, and high-profile visiting academics.
• You will have direct access to a dedicated experienced Career & Skills consultant specialising in Graduate Research Students. One to one guidance, workshops and seminars re Interview skills etc will be available from our consultant who has an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the research landscape and lifecycle, and who continually engages with employers to stay ahead of the curve in current & future employment trends.
• You will be an integral part of UCD Smurfit Business School's vibrant, globally recognised (ranked 1st in Ireland and top 50 in Europe by the FT) research community.
• Opportunity to interact and collaborate with leading academics who publish regularly in top international business and management journals.
• Financial support to attend top international conferences and workshops.

Curriculum

Our structured PhD programme is centred on the preparation of a research thesis, which must contain material of a publishable/peer-reviewed standard. You will prepare the thesis under the guidance of a Principal Supervisor and submit it within four years of registration for full-time students and six years for part-time students.

Your PhD is structured into two stages. Stage 1 is an initial period of advanced education and normally comprises 90 ECTS credits. At the end of Stage 1, students may apply to transfer to Stage 2, which is largely dedicated to original doctoral research, but may also include taught modules. Students with a relevant Master’s degree by research may be admitted directly to Stage 2.

All PhD students are required, with the support of their Doctoral Studies Panel, to develop a Research and Professional Development Plan that describes the student’s educational, training and personal and professional development needs.