PHD in Business and Socioeconomic Sciences

PHD in Business and Socioeconomic Sciences

240
ECTS credits​
8
semesters
30
max. students​
€7.000
per semester

WHY CHOOSE THIS PROGRAM?

Modul University Vienna’s PhD in Business and Socioeconomic Sciences is a four year, full-time program that prepares candidates for making innovative research contributions in industry-related areas of specialization.  Based on the unique research orientation of the four Modul University departments, incoming PhD candidates can focus their own doctoral studies from among the following concentrations:

● Information Systems
● Marketing
● Sustainable Development
● Public Governance
● Service Management
● Tourism
● Leisure Science

The PhD program targets those interested in research careers in either higher education or industry and is ideal for prospective candidates already holding a master’s degree (or equivalent) in either business or one of the social sciences.
It prioritizes independent teaching, nurtures talented academics, and promotes engagement with the industry through projects and presentations.
Customized research seminars in the candidate's area of concentration deepen their understanding of both classical and cutting-edge concepts, theories, models, and methods of analysis. Taught in English, the program encourages active participation in teaching, research, publication, and conference activities.
PhD candidates then embark on an individual research journey, focusing on a dissertation topic that contributes to the advancement of their chosen specialization. Join our program to pursue state-of-the-art research and make a meaningful impact in the field of business and socioeconomic sciences.
Two program paths to choose. Multiple ways to succeed
The PhD program offers multiple paths to admission, a “fast-track” option is to apply to contribute to a pre-disposed research topic proposed by our faculty. Alternatively applicants can submit their own research proposal for which a suitable research supervisor can be found. However, only topics in the fields of research of one of the Professors of MU will be approved.
We also offer a Scholarship Partner Agreement for candidates working with industry sponsors, which grants a  partial tuition waiver. 
By choosing the PhD in Business and Socioeconomic Sciences at Modul University Vienna, you join a passionate and tightly knit academic community. This program boasts top-tier publications, numerous research projects, and exceptional contributions by faculty members.
With a focus on excellence, this PhD program offers a supportive environment, prestigious awards, and valuable connections for your future career.

Study Plan

Mandatory Courses

PhD candidates complete courses in various modules including:

  • Theory Building and Methodology: Principles of philosophy of science, theory building, and research design.
  • Research Methods: Practical aspects of quantitative and qualitative techniques for business and social science research.
  • Research Seminars: Customized courses on state-of-the-art problems and approaches in the program's themes.
  • Research Communication and Collaboration: Opportunities for exchanging insights, scientific writing, pedagogical training, and teaching experience.

Dissertation

Candidates must successfully complete an original and independent dissertation supervised by an internal or external faculty member. It can be a single-authored monograph or a compilation of three single-authored manuscripts (cumulative dissertation) linked to a focused research area.

Examinations

PhD candidates must complete the following examinations:

  • Preliminary Exam: Covers content from foundation coursework and research seminars.
  • Dissertation Proposal: Involves submitting a research proposal and forming a PhD committee.
  • Dissertation Defense: Oral presentation and examination of the completed dissertation.

PHD Program Admissions

When applying to Modul University Vienna for a PhD, you will need to meet the following admissions entry requirements and provide your  documents in English through our online portal. 

  • Curriculum Vitae 

  • Motivation Statement 

  • Research Proposal* 

  • Bachelor (3-year) and Master (2-year) diploma 

  • Bachelor and Master Transcripts including supplements 

  • One example of a research publication or report (optional) 

  • Copy of passport 

  • Photo 

  • Two letters of recommendation from academic sources 

  • English proficiency level C1 

All PhD applicants must provide proof of their English proficiency, at minimum level C1 - according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages - through a test taken within the last two years.

ACCEPTED ENGLISH PROFICIENCY REQUIREMENTS FOR MASTER’S APPLICANTS:

  • TOEFL Internet-Based Test – 100 points. We do not accept individual section scores below 20. 

  • IELTS – band score between 7 -7.5. We do not accept sub-scores below 6.0. 

*Your research proposal can either be for a research subject suggested by a member of our faculty or your own area of interest. In either case, the proposal should contain a short summary of the current state of scientific knowledge, the research question and its relevance, a concrete description of the planned methodology, including data, materials used and statistical evaluation, a sketch of potential results and the anticipated limitations of the conclusions. This will typically take 5 to 10 pages.  

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LECTURERS AND SUPERVISORS

Our faculty members are highly respected experts within their local and international professional associations. The international experiences and global networks of faculty advance the university’s research. The promotion of young academics is an essential component of Modul University Vienna's mission and academic outreach. 
For this reason, we have a range of research proposals and topics from our faculty that PhD applicants can apply to also work on. You will still need to provide a comprehensive summary of  scientific knowledge and concrete description of a planned methodology, including data, materials used and statistical evaluation, a sketch of potential results and the anticipated limitations of the conclusions.

STUDENT HOUSING

Austrian universities typically do not have their own student housing accommodations. Instead, students in Vienna have a variety of excellent housing providers located throughout the city. Wherever you choose to live, there are some factors that you might want to consider in making your choice.

  • Student Accommodation

    • Tuition Fees

    Program Semesters Fees / Semester
    PHD in Business and Socioeconomic Sciences 8 €7000

    Talk To Us

    If you have questions about studying at MU, the application process or any other topic related to the university please contact us

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    Start your application process here

    Have any questions about studying at MU or the application process? Connect with our Student Recruitment Team and they will assist you every step of the way.  

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