To qualify for the programme candidates should normally:
Applicants should include a letter of motivation including suggested supervisor, a CV and transcripts of grades (the transcripts should be translated if not in English, and include conversions to Norwegian grading scale and ECTS system), an approx. four-page research project proposal, list of relevant scientific publications including a resume of the master thesis, academic references as well as results from tests like GMAT/GRE/TOEFL etc. with their applications.
Admission to the program is normally biannual in cohorts, but fully funded students may be accepted outside cohorts. For more information on admission, please see our supplementary regulations.
The programme offers a PhD education within all fields of business research, broadly defined. The overall purpose of the programme is to give the PhD candidates a thorough theoretical and methodological background, along with the experience of completing a substantial piece of original scientific work (the PhD thesis). The programme is demanding, implying strong focus and full-time efforts. A focus area at the School of Business and Law is International Business where the PhD programme offers a separate specialization.
The programme consists of three main components: coursework component, writing of a PhD thesis, and a public defense.
Coursework
A thesis consists of coursework and writing of a dissertation. The coursework consists of mandatory and elective courses making up a minimum of 30 ECTS credits (students often end up taking more courses). The course-package for each student is defined in coordination between the student, the supervisor and the programme director and is approved by the PhD committee
The coursework is divided into two main areas: theory courses and methods courses:
• Theory courses are intended to give the students a thorough grounding in the main literature of his/her research area and to get an overview of major theories applied in the field. At the School of Business and Law we also offer a unique course titled “Theory of Knowledge and Core theories in Management” which covers theory of science, research ethics and a dive into some of the main theories typically applied in management research.
• The purpose of the methods courses is to provide students with a solid methodological foundation and an insight into what constitutes science. All candidates should take at least 10 ECTS of method courses covering quantitative methods and qualitative methods. It is often needed that students take additional method courses covering the specific methods applied in their dissertations.
Candidates in the programme is therefore required to do coursework as outlined in the following list:
Theory courses:
Methodology courses:
For those taking the specialization in International Business the following course is required:
In addition to courses mentioned in the table the School of Business and Law frequently organizes other PhD courses fitting the needs of enrolled candidates. The candidates should also take a minimum of 2,5 ECTS credits in an elective course from UiA or another recognized institution within their field so the coursework component is a minimum 30 ECTS. Throughout the coursework it is emphasized to provide the students with knowledge on how to publish academic research in their fields. The PhD programme also offer a specific course in “Writing and Publishing Business Research” where the aim is to guide participants through all steps when writing up one of their first papers. A directed reading course may also be offered to some students if needed.
The elective courses that are offered at the School of Business and Law (by demand) is outlined in the following list:
Students involved in research in Innovation and Entrepreneurship are normally enrolled at the Nordic Research School in Innovation and Entrepreneurship (www.norsi.no) where The School of Business and Law is a member.
Most coursework should be finished by the end of the first year of studies. The courses enable students to write the thesis, as well as develop strong research skills. Approvals of PhD courses are normally Pass/Fail on course papers where Pass must be equivalent to the letter grade B or better. Some PhD courses are assessed with written exams.
The dissertation
The aim is to finish the dissertation within three years. Students start working on their dissertations immediately after admission. Collaboration between the student and the supervisor(s) is close and normally most of the research is co-authored with the supervisor(s) or other researchers. Nevertheless, the main key for a completed dissertation is the student’s own efforts and dedication. The dissertation is primarily the project of the student himself/herself and ability to work independently is required.
A dissertation normally consists of three to four papers whereof at least one is authored by the student alone. The importance of publishing in high ranked International peer-reviewed journals is stressed and students are encouraged to get their papers published even though the review process can be time consuming. All papers need to be of publishable quality to be included in the thesis.
During the dissertation process students are encouraged to build their own research networks, to have longer stays with other academic institutions and to participate at international research conferences. To enable this, and to learn about accessing research funding, students are expected to apply for funding from external and internal parties.
Progression
Students are expected to take active part in daily life at the School of Business and Law and are responsible for documenting that progress is being made according to expectations. By the end of year one students should normally have finished all coursework as well as their first working paper. In case the dissertation cannot be finished within 36 months the student has to apply to the PhD committee at the School of Business and Law to remain in the programme, as per our supplementary regulations.
Defense of thesis
When finishing the dissertation, the thesis is evaluated by a committee consisting of two external and one internal member. If the evaluation committee find the thesis worthy to be defended, the School of Business and Law organizes a public defense where the candidate is examined by the external evaluators.
International orientation and cotutelle agreements
The School of Business and Law has a strong focus on Internationalization. It is expected that all candidates participate at international academic conferences, aim at publishing in internationally recognized journals, as well as being visiting scholars for at least 2-3 month at other international business schools in the supervisors’ networks.
Moreover, an increasing number of PhD-candidates are organized in cotutelles, including joint supervision in partnership with other international Business Schools and Universities. Cotutelle-candidates are appointed supervisor, they take courses and normally spend at least one year at each institution. The candidates receive their PhD titles and diplomas from each of the institutions.
You may read more about cotutelles here: https://www.uia.no/en/research/phd-programmes/cotutelle
Coursework
A thesis consists of coursework and writing of a dissertation. The coursework consists of mandatory and elective courses making up a minimum of 30 ECTS credits (students often end up taking more courses). The course-package for each student is defined in coordination between the student, the supervisor and the programme director and is approved by the PhD committee
The coursework is divided into two main areas: theory courses and methods courses:
• Theory courses are intended to give the students a thorough grounding in the main literature of his/her research area and to get an overview of major theories applied in the field. At the School of Business and Law we also offer a unique course titled “Theory of Knowledge and Core theories in Management” which covers theory of science, research ethics and a dive into some of the main theories typically applied in management research.
• The purpose of the methods courses is to provide students with a solid methodological foundation and an insight into what constitutes science. All candidates should take at least 10 ECTS of method courses covering quantitative methods and qualitative methods. It is often needed that students take additional method courses covering the specific methods applied in their dissertations.
Candidates in the programme is therefore required to do coursework as outlined in the following list:
Theory courses:
Methodology courses:
For those taking the specialization in International Business the following course is required:
In addition to courses mentioned in the table the School of Business and Law frequently organizes other PhD courses fitting the needs of enrolled candidates. The candidates should also take a minimum of 2,5 ECTS credits in an elective course from UiA or another recognized institution within their field so the coursework component is a minimum 30 ECTS. Throughout the coursework it is emphasized to provide the students with knowledge on how to publish academic research in their fields. The PhD programme also offer a specific course in “Writing and Publishing Business Research” where the aim is to guide participants through all steps when writing up one of their first papers. A directed reading course may also be offered to some students if needed.
The elective courses that are offered at the School of Business and Law (by demand) is outlined in the following list:
Students involved in research in Innovation and Entrepreneurship are normally enrolled at the Nordic Research School in Innovation and Entrepreneurship (www.norsi.no) where The School of Business and Law is a member.
Most coursework should be finished by the end of the first year of studies. The courses enable students to write the thesis, as well as develop strong research skills. Approvals of PhD courses are normally Pass/Fail on course papers where Pass must be equivalent to the letter grade B or better. Some PhD courses are assessed with written exams.
The dissertation
The aim is to finish the dissertation within three years. Students start working on their dissertations immediately after admission. Collaboration between the student and the supervisor(s) is close and normally most of the research is co-authored with the supervisor(s) or other researchers. Nevertheless, the main key for a completed dissertation is the student’s own efforts and dedication. The dissertation is primarily the project of the student himself/herself and ability to work independently is required.
A dissertation normally consists of three to four papers whereof at least one is authored by the student alone. The importance of publishing in high ranked International peer-reviewed journals is stressed and students are encouraged to get their papers published even though the review process can be time consuming. All papers need to be of publishable quality to be included in the thesis.
During the dissertation process students are encouraged to build their own research networks, to have longer stays with other academic institutions and to participate at international research conferences. To enable this, and to learn about accessing research funding, students are expected to apply for funding from external and internal parties.
Progression
Students are expected to take active part in daily life at the School of Business and Law and are responsible for documenting that progress is being made according to expectations. By the end of year one students should normally have finished all coursework as well as their first working paper. In case the dissertation cannot be finished within 36 months the student has to apply to the PhD committee at the School of Business and Law to remain in the programme, as per our supplementary regulations.
Defense of thesis
When finishing the dissertation, the thesis is evaluated by a committee consisting of two external and one internal member. If the evaluation committee find the thesis worthy to be defended, the School of Business and Law organizes a public defense where the candidate is examined by the external evaluators.
International orientation and cotutelle agreements
The School of Business and Law has a strong focus on Internationalization. It is expected that all candidates participate at international academic conferences, aim at publishing in internationally recognized journals, as well as being visiting scholars for at least 2-3 month at other international business schools in the supervisors’ networks.
Moreover, an increasing number of PhD-candidates are organized in cotutelles, including joint supervision in partnership with other international Business Schools and Universities. Cotutelle-candidates are appointed supervisor, they take courses and normally spend at least one year at each institution. The candidates receive their PhD titles and diplomas from each of the institutions.
You may read more about cotutelles here: https://www.uia.no/en/research/phd-programmes/cotutelle
The overall competency goal for the PhD programme is that “our candidates become competitive international researchers producing innovative and responsible research”. After completing the PhD program candidates should have the knowledge, skills and the general competence needed to be at the research frontier of their field. Some of these elements are described below.
General competences:
Knowledge:
Skills:
Director of PhD program: https://www.uia.no/en/kk/profile/tobiasoProfessor Tobias Otterbring
Administrative PhD coordinator: https://www.uia.no/kk/profil/gunvorgGunvor Guttormsen
180
Full time
Grimstad Kristiansand
School of Business and Law