Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
In a world facing complex scientific, social, technological, and economic challenges, progress depends on the creation of new knowledge across disciplines. The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is the highest academic qualification, designed for individuals who seek to contribute original research to their chosen field of study.
The PhD programme supports advanced research across multiple disciplines and specialisations, enabling candidates to pursue scholarly inquiry in any major, subject to academic feasibility and supervision availability.
Why This PhD Matters
The PhD plays a critical role in advancing knowledge, shaping policy, driving innovation, and informing practice across disciplines.
Candidates engage in deep, independent research to address fundamental questions within their field, challenge existing assumptions, and generate new theoretical, empirical, or methodological insights.
The programme supports candidates who aim to:
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Contribute original knowledge to their academic discipline
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Develop advanced research and analytical capabilities
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Publish scholarly work in peer-reviewed journals
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Build careers in academia, research, policy, or advanced professional practice
Program Overview
The PhD programme offers a wide range of research specialisations across disciplines, including but not limited to:
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Business and Management
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Economics and Finance
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Social Sciences and Humanities
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Education
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Information Technology and Digital Studies
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Engineering and Applied Sciences
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Law, Public Policy, and Governance
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Interdisciplinary and emerging fields
The programme is structured into two main phases.
Phase 1 – Research Foundations and Academic Preparation
Candidates undertake advanced training in:
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Research philosophy and design
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Quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methodologies
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Academic writing and critical literature review
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Research ethics and academic integrity
This phase prepares candidates to conduct independent, high-quality research aligned with international doctoral standards.
Phase 2 – Dissertation and Publications
During the second phase, candidates focus on original research leading to a doctoral dissertation, alongside the preparation of publishable academic outputs.
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In-depth, independent research under academic supervision
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Development and submission of a doctoral dissertation
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Preparation of research papers for peer-reviewed journals
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Dissemination of research findings through academic publications or conferences
The dissertation and publications are expected to:
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Address a clearly defined research problem within the chosen discipline
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Demonstrate rigorous and appropriate research methodology
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Contribute original knowledge to the field
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Meet international academic and examination standards
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Demonstrate advanced doctoral-level research competence
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Produce original scholarly contributions in their discipline
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Apply appropriate research methodologies independently
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Communicate research outcomes through academic writing and publication
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Be prepared for academic, research, and advanced professional roles
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Hold a Master’s degree from a recognized institution or an equivalent qualification aligned with EQF Level 7.
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Applicants with non-standard qualifications may be considered through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) in accordance with ULDP policies.
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Degrees from unaccredited institutions or diploma mills will not be accepted.
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Admission decisions are made following an individual review of each applicant’s academic and professional profile.
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CEFR Level A2 or equivalent.
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IELTS 6.5 (with Reading and Writing at 6.5 or above) or equivalent.
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TOEFL iBT 101 or equivalent.
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Application Fee: €400
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Program Fee: €12,000
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Payment Options: 2 Installments
Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the Doctor of Philosophy will:
Following foundational training, the programme emphasises independent scholarship and intellectual contribution.
Entry Requirements
Applicants to the Doctor of Business Administration must meet the following criteria:
English Language Requirements
Applicants whose previous education was not conducted in English are required to demonstrate English proficiency through one of the following:
Tuitionfees
Tuition fees are subject to ULDP policies and may be revised without prior notice. Scholarships may be available for eligible applicants.
Shaping Your Research Journey
The PhD programme enables candidates to design a personalised research pathway aligned with their academic interests and long-term goals.
Through academic supervision, methodological training, and sustained research, candidates develop the expertise required to contribute meaningfully to their chosen discipline.
Research Across Disciplines
Pursue doctoral research in any academic field, including interdisciplinary and emerging areas of study.
Rigorous Academic Standards
Develop advanced research skills and produce original work aligned with international doctoral benchmarks.
Academic and Research Careers
Prepare for careers in academia, research institutions, policy organisations, and advanced professional environments.
