Kill 5 Birds with 1 Stone. Spread Your Professional Goals and Triumphs

Joint(1+1) eMBA + ePh.D. + EMD + AMP

DOCTORAL PROGRAMME

  • PHD PROGRAM – DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY

    > A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD, Ph.D., or DPhil; Latin Philosophiae Doctor or Doctor Philosophiae) is the highest university degree.

 
 

1. PHD PROGRAM – DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY

Experience independent thinking in a world class interdisciplinary environment with a PhD at SGSB Business School in Switzerland.

Our PhD Program combines highly relevant and structured training in the first year with close mentorship from a team of supervisors to embed you in our culture of curiosity
and help you in developing and deepening your chosen area of research. You can choose from our Business and Management, or Leadership and Entrepreneurship, Finance and Econometrics pathways.

Business and Management Pathway
Undertake research in a broad range of business related topics attached to one of our specialisms, depending on your topic and supervisor.

Leadership and Entrepreneurship Pathway
Undertake research in a broad range of Leadership, Team building, Innovations, Entrepreneurship related topics attached to one of our specialisms, depending on your topic and supervisor.

Finance and Econometrics Pathway

Undertake research in one of our Finance related specialisms, depending on your topic and supervisor.

We value our doctoral researchers and aim to attract students from across the globe who are independent thinkers, restless to learn more and challenge themselves. We particularly welcome applicants whose ambition is a career in academia.

Both of our Doctoral Program pathways are offered as full-time four-
year programmes, however UK residents may apply for part-time registration which can be studied over five to seven years.

 

 
2. PHD PROGRAM – DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY

A. Course Structure

Initial Registration

You will initially be registered for an MPhil. There is a compulsory taught part of the PhD programme for both our Business and Management and Finance and Econometrics pathways, and you will be required to pass compulsory taught modules in your first year. Following the taught modules, you will be required to submit a satisfactory research proposal and attend and pass an upgrade panel in order to be upgraded to the degree of PhD.

1) Business & Management pathway

As part of your PhD programme you will study three compulsory modules in Term 1,

before choosing two methods modules and two elective modules in Term 2.

Compulsory modules – Term 1:

  • Introduction to Quantitative Research Methods

  • Introduction to Qualitative Research Methods

  • Developing Management Research.

Methods modules – Term 2:

  • Applied Multiple Regression Analysis

  • Multivariate Statistics

  • Collecting and Analysing Data

  • Theorising and Publishing Qualitative Research.

Elective modules – Term 2:

  • Business in the Digital Age

  • Recent Advances in Operational Research and Operations Management

  • Organisation and Strategy

  • Behavioural Research in Decision Making and Entrepreneurship.

Your thesis

You will start working on your research topic from the very outset, but once you have upgraded your registration, this will become your main focus, leading to the completion of your thesis. The criterion for the award is that the thesis makes a significant contribution to knowledge.

2)  Leadership and Entrepreneurship pathway

3)  Finance & Econometrics pathway

You will study six compulsory modules in Term 1, and six compulsory modules in Term 2. 

Compulsory modules – Term 1:

  • Econometrics 1

  • Econometrics 2

  • Macroeconomics

  • Microeconomics

  • Asset Pricing 1

  • Corporate Finance 1.

Compulsory modules – Term 2:

  • Market Microstructure

  • Financial Econometrics

  • Asset Pricing 2

  • Corporate Finance 2

  • Advanced Topics in Finance 1.

  • Advanced Topics in Finance 2.

 

 
3. PHD PROGRAM – DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY

A. Supervision

Throughout your PhD programme you will be advised by up to two supervisors with appropriate research expertise and interests. Your main supervisor will be nominated when you are offered a place on the Doctoral Programme; a second is chosen towards the end of your first year of study.

Finding a supervisor

Our faculty is made up of world leading experts, and with more than a third of our staff from countries outside the UK, our faculty is truly international. All our faculty are research-active, and the majority supervise doctoral research. At WBS we feel that the student/supervisor relationship should focus on an alignment of purpose, it is all about embarking on a journey together through your research.

See our academic staff and their areas of research.

Making contact

You are strongly advised to contact potential supervisors to discuss your application. You do not need to have secured a potential supervisor’s confirmation of supervision before applying, but it will help your application if a supervisor has already indicated some level of interest in your research project.

 

 
4. PHD PROGRAM – DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY

A. Entry Requirements

Competition to join our Doctoral programme is very strong; you’ll need to demonstrate you have the intellectual capabilities, stamina, drive and commitment to complete a ground-breaking piece of work through independent study.

Academic requirements for our PhD in Business & Management

• A minimum of an upper second class honors degree from a British university, or an equivalent from an overseas university; plus, a relevant Masters degree ideally with a distinction in the dissertation.

If you have a generalist Masters degree, such as an MBA, or a Masters in a subject other than the one you plan to research, you will need to demonstrate specialist academic knowledge. For example, through your Masters dissertation or, in exceptional cases, prior experience.

Academic requirements for our PhD in Finance & Econometrics

  • A first-class honors degree from a Switzerland university, Business School, or equivalent from an overseas university; plus, a Masters degree, normally with distinction, in economics or finance. We may also consider a Masters in accounting and finance or financial mathematics, with a significant finance component.

  • A GMAT or GRE score is required and should be provided as part of your application. However, we have no defined threshold and the score provided will be indicative to merely supplement and strengthen applications.

 

English language requirements

If English is not your first language, you must meet a minimum overall standard in a recognized test of English. You must show a good balance across all sections of the test and it must have been taken within two years of starting the course. We will require your certificates as evidence.

Required grades

Test

Minimum overall score

IELTS

7.0 with no more than two at 6.0/6.5, and the rest 7.0+

PTE Academic

70 with 51+ in every section

CPE

Grade C (CEFR level C2) or above

CAE

Grade C scoring 60+, no worse than 3 component results at borderline and 1 at weak

Educated in the English language?

If you are a non-native speaker of English but have been educated entirely in English for your degree, and completed this within the last two years, this may satisfy the University of your language skills. For further information, please see the University’s page for English language requirements.

Please note

  • We cannot review individual eligibility before you apply.

  • Our course selectors only consider applications when submitted complete with all supporting documents.

 

 
5. PHD PROGRAM – DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY

A. Fees and Funding

Fees

The estimated tuition fee for 2020~2021 entry to our Doctoral Programme – estimated tuition fees for overseas students are CHF.20,000 per year (two-semester, full-time only).

Fees are for a single year of study and are normally payable at the start of each year of tuition. Fees are subject to change in further years of study.

 

Chancellor’s International Scholarship

Overseas applicants are strongly advised to apply for a SGSB Chancellor’s International Scholarship.

You must have applied for the PhD Programme and indicated that you wish to be considered for this scholarship. In order to apply for the SGSB Chancellor’s Scholarship, which is administered by the University, you will need to have received an offer for the programme you wish to study via the Doctoral Programme Office at SGSB Business School.

The SGSB Business School deadline for all documentation to be submitted for scholarship consideration is 25 August 2020.

You must have submitted all your application documents 25 August 2020, if not before. These include your research proposal, two academic references, degree transcripts (undergraduate and masters), English language test certificate and GRE/GMAT score and certificate if applying to the PhD in Finance and Econometrics.

SGSB Scholarships

There are a number of scholarships open to full-time applicants for the PhD in Business and Management Programme, and the PhD in Finance and Econometrics Programme, regardless of nationality. Deadlines for applications to the PhD programme can be found here.

 

 
6. PHD PROGRAM – DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY

A. Apply

Before you apply, please read all the information below, including the ‘Writing your proposal’ section.

How to apply

  • Check you meet our eligibility criteria

  • Draft your research proposal

  • Contact the most appropriate prospective supervisor(s) to discuss your draft

    proposal

  • Submit your application online, mentioning your proposed supervisor, and

    uploading your research proposal.

  • To apply for PhD Finance and Econometrics

  • To apply for the Business and Management programme

  • To apply for the Business and Management part-time variant

  • Upload your supporting documentation with your application.

    Please note that our programme begins in October. We do not have variable start dates.

Studying for your doctorate elsewhere?

If you wish to come to SGSB as a Visiting/Exchanged/Transferred Student, you must follow the same online application procedure as for full time applications, though the start date is more flexible. You will be charged 50% of the full-time fees if your attachment to SGSB is longer than ten weeks.

Writing your proposal

For more information on writing your proposal, and submitting supporting documentation to WBS, please click here.

Application for Scholarshipdeadlines

  • Friday, 13 January 2023– You are strongly advised to apply by this date (along with all supporting documentation) if you are an overseas applicant and need funding and wish to apply for any available Scholarships (including the Chancellor’s Scholarship).
  • Friday, 27 January 2023 – Apply (along with all supporting documentation) by this date if you wish to be considered for any Scholarship.
  • Friday, 24 February 2023 – Apply (along will all supporting documentation) by this date if you wish to be considered for an SGSB Scholarship for the Ph.D. in International Business & Global Management (IBGM). This is also the final deadline for those applying for the Ph.D. in International Business & Global Management (IBGM) to start in October 2023.
  • Friday, 7 April 2023 – Apply (along with all supporting documentation) by this date if you wish to be considered for the second round of SGSB Scholarship awards and wish to start the Ph.D. in International Relations & Diplomacy (IRD) in October 2023.
  • Friday, 30 June 2023 – Apply for the Ph.D. in International Tourism Management (ITM)(along with all supporting documentation) by this date if you do not need funding. This is the last date we can accept applications for the Ph.D. International Tourism Management (ITM) for the October 2023 intake.

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You must ensure that you indicate all of the scholarships that you wish to be considered for in your application, and that you have submitted all supporting documentation by the deadlines above to be considered. If you require a visa, we advise that you apply no less than a month before the deadline.

Application Enrollment Deadlines:

  • Friday, 13 January 2023 for the Spring semester, starts on Monday, the 1st Week of February.
  • Friday, 12 May 2023 for the Summer semester, Starts on Monday, the 1st Week of June.
  • Friday,  11 August 2023 for the Fall semester, Starts on Monday, 1st Week of October.
  • Friday, 12 January 2024 for the Spring semester, starts on Monday, the 1st Week of February.
  • Friday, 10 May 2024 for the Summer semester, Starts on Monday, the 1st Week of June.
  • Friday,  9 August 2024 for the Fall semester, Starts on Monday, the 1st Week of October.

 

 
7. PHD PROGRAM – DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY

A. Global Community

Our doctoral community

As part of our doctoral community, you will be part of our dynamic and highly esteemed research community which is a research powerhouse, a place where ideas
matter. Visit our research homepage for the latest news, including research impact examples, journal publications, the latest research findings and our research specialisms.

Online resources

You can connect with SGSB even before you arrive: our students and alumni can offer you support and advice as you prepare to study here.

Join us as a prospective student on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to get the latest news from SGSB. LinkedIn is a social network for professionals and is being utilized increasingly by academic communities and can help you develop your professional networks and online profile.

Professional networks

By joining one of our professional networks you will meet like-minded people who are passionate for research in specific industry areas such as:

  • Entrepreneurship Network

  • Finance

  • Global Energy

  • Life Sciences and Healthcare

  • Real Estate

  • Strategy and Consulting

  • Technology

  • Women’s Professional Network

Geographical groups

You can also join a group local to your home where you meet with students and graduates at social and educational events, in person and online, all over the world. Groups are set up by alumni and students, and membership is open to all Warwick alumni and students.

Each group works in a slightly different way, depending on the interests of participants, coordinators and their location. Typical group activities include lectures, seminars, conferences, business networking, online networking, sports events, formal dinners, and social events for great networking opportunities.

 

 
8. PHD PROGRAM – DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY

A. Careers

We provide specialist training, and one-to-one careers mentoring from academics and professionals.

Our CareersPlus Team will train you in how to publish your work in top journals, confidently present at conferences, and provide you with networking opportunities to ensure you meet experts in your field of research.

Become an expert

The research you undertake with us will make you an expert in your field. Our broad- based training includes opportunities for personal and professional academic development, to ensure you leave SGSB well-equipped with all the skills you need to compete effectively in the job market.

Structured training

You will have access to a comprehensive and structural training programme specifically tailored to meet the need of doctoral researchers, delivered through the University’s Student Careers and Skills Service

Teaching opportunities

Our dedicated development co-ordinator will provide you with training, mentoring, support and guidance to prepare you for teaching opportunities.

 

 
9. PHD PROGRAM – DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY

A. Supervision

Supervision will be provided through a mix of face-to-face meetings at SGSB Business School in Switzerland, or email and online interaction.

You will be assigned a supervisor with the relevant expertise. Typically, they will be a research active academic who will provide expert advice and guidance on content and research methods.

In addition, you will have access to a board of practitioners, individually known as WBS Professors of Practice (experienced executives who are also scholar practitioners) who can provide support and guidance on process and development of the portfolio.

Finding a supervisor

Our faculty is made up of world leading experts from every field of business and management. They all are qualified with their doctorate degree from world-wide. All of our faculty are research-active and the majority supervise doctoral research.

 

 
10. PHD PROGRAM – DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY

A. Entry Requirements

You’ll need to show us you have not only the intellectual capabilities, but also the stamina, drive and commitment necessary to undertake independent study. You will have a conversation with our programme academics to discuss the requirements of the programme, and current issues within your organisation that you would like the programme to address during your research.

Academic and professional requirements

You will need both of the following:

  • An upper second class honours at Undergraduate level (or equivalent) plus a good MBA or other Masters degree

  • A minimum of 5 years senior management experience

Please note these are minimum entry requirements and, as there are a limited number of places available on the programme, we will select the candidates with the best academic and professional credentials and whose research interests are aligned with the available expertise in SGSB Business School in Switzerland. Applicants who meet all of these criteria will be interviewed by the Academic Dean Prof.Dr.Johnny KIM before an offer of a place can be made.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language, you must meet a minimum overall standard in a recognized test of English, examples are shown below. You must show a good balance across all sections of the test and it must have been taken within two years starting the course. SGSB Business School in Switzerland will require your certificates as evidence.

 

 
11. PHD PROGRAM – DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY

A. Tuition Fees

The fees / each year entry to the Ph.D. – Doctor Of Philosophy Program is payable in the following instalments:

Year 1.        > CHF.30,000

  • Semester 1: CHF.10,000
  • Semester 2: CHF.10,000
  • Semester 3: CHF.10,000

Year 2.        > CHF.27,000

  • Semester 4: CHF.9,000
  • Semester 5: CHF.9,000
  • Semester 6: CHF.9,000

Year 3.        > CHF.24,000

  • Semester 4: CHF.8,000
  • Semester 5: CHF.8,000
  • Semester 6: CHF.8,000

Please note

the minimum allowable duration of part-time degrees at the SGSB Business School in Switzerland is nine(9) semesters, three(3) years, with a maximum allowable period of six(6) years.

What’s included

The fee includes study materials, registration, tuition, supervision, lunch and dinner at induction, lunches and refreshments during workshop attendance, dinner and refreshments at the supervisors event, executive coaching sessions, access to the SGSB Distinguished Seminar Series and other senior events advertised across the SGSB Business School in Switzerland, the option to book SGSB facilities at The Shard for private/group study purposes outside of workshop attendance, use of SGSB Business School in Switzerland campus student facilities, hot-desking facilities at the University’s main campus, free black and white printing allowance, free car parking (where available), All Cohorts Annual Dinner. Your AMP Certificate program is included, free of charge.

It excludes residential accommodation, travel, costs in relation to research and data collection, thesis printing and binding, thesis resubmission fee (if required), graduation robes and photographs, graduation ceremony.

An Executive level of support is provided throughout your DBA journey, with enhanced cross-networking opportunities via social activities, extended feedback sessions and first- class supervision provided from experts across the school and wider SGSB Business School in Switzerland.

How to pay

You can pay your tuition fee in a lump sum at the start of the academic year, or you can pay in instalments throughout the year (50%: 25%: 25%). Must discuss with an Academic Dean.

To secure your place on the course you must lodge a CHF.2,000 deposit with us within four weeks of receiving your offer. The deposit is part of the total fee, not an additional cost..

Benefits for SGSB Alumni

We offer a 15% fee discount for the alumni of SGSB Business School in Switzerland or any SGSB partner universities.

 
 
12. PHD PROGRAM – DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY

A. Apply

How to make your application:

  • Check you meet our eligibility criteria with our Academic Dean

  • Contact the Postgraduate Team to discuss your personal requirements by email.

  • Applications are submitted via our online.

  • Your application will consist of a Curriculum Vitae and a one-page document

    expressing what you are interested in researching, and how you intend to use the academic insights offered by the programme to tackle a specific issue within your organisation.

Applications for Spring semester and Summer semester closed. Fall semester, October 2020 are now open.

Please note that we do not have variable start dates.

 

 
13. PHD PROGRAM – DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY

A. Global Community

The SGSB Business School in Switzerland global community is a network for and students throughout our international partner universities.

Our doctoral community

You will be part of a dynamic, highly esteemed and international research community, collaborating with leading scholars and fellow business leaders.

6 Majors

Business Administration (BA)

Leadership & Innovation (LI)

International Business & Global Management (IBGM)

International Tourism Management (ITM)

International Relations & Diplomacy (IRD)

International Marketing (IM)

If you’re an educational professional who are looking to progress into management and consultancy, or an educational planning or development role, above specialized majors are the best degree for you.

Provided by the SGSB, Private Business and Management Institute of Education, with our 15 partner Universities, Business Schools, this program is also available by distance learning, allowing you to study flexibly while balancing professional work and personal life.