Course Summary
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.
College Link
Career Sectors
This course prepares you for working in the Career Sectors below. Follow the links to get a fuller understanding of the sectors you are preparing for.
Entry Requirements
A minimum 2.1 primary degree in Commerce or Business Studies, or in a subject closely related to the proposed area of study
OR
An appropriate Master’s degree (or equivalent) from a recognised higher education institution
OR
Evidence of academic standing and/or relevant professional experience proving the applicant’s suitability for doctoral studies
Application Details
Admission onto the UCD Smurfit School PhD is subject to stringent entrance criteria, the submission of a proposal outlining your intended line of research, references and, where appropriate, proof of linguistic and academic ability.
Before submitting an application, potential candidates are encouraged to consult the subject area webpages for the Business School or those of the other UCD Colleges to identify a suitable supervisor(s). Potential candidates should contact them directly by email (attaching research proposal, CV, etc) to request if they would be interested in supervising them.
Candidates are strongly encouraged to have secured funding for the duration of their studies (4 years minimum) prior to commencement. A guide to estimated costs is available
After securing supervision support and funding, potential candidates can then submit an application and other materials using the on-line system and completing an application pack consisting of:
On-line Application Form
Research Proposal
Transcripts
Two References
Sample of Scholarly Work
Satisfactory English Language Test Score where applicable
Applicants must submit a 1000-word research proposal outlining:
The chosen topic
The nature, scope and methodology of study
The relevance or importance of the topic
A preliminary literature review
Please submit your research proposal along with your application
Please submit original/certified copy of your transcript along with your application
Two original references attesting to the applicant’s intellectual ability, maturity and motivation are required.
Please arrange for referees to post their references to the Centre For Doctoral Research, Smurfit School, Carysfort Avenue, Blackrock, Co Dublin, to e-mail directly to [email protected], or avail of the confidential automatic referee system.
(If posted, the reference should be on headed notepaper of the referee's institution. If emailed, then the email must be sent from the referee's work email.)
Applications remain incomplete until the receipt of Original References and must be received by relevant application deadlines (where applicable)
Please submit a copy of your scholarly work along with your application (e.g. masters dissertation, undergraduate individual project)
For non-native English speakers (except those whose primary degree was taken in English), an English language qualification is required. Please submit original/certified copy of your English language qualification results along with your application
A Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) score may be requested for some PhD programmes.
Admissions
Applications are accepted on on-going basis through our On-line Application Form.
Next Intake : September 2024. Application Closing date 30th June 2024.
Fees
Admission onto the UCD Smurfit School PhD is subject to stringent entrance criteria, the submission of a proposal outlining your intended line of research, references and, where appropriate, proof of linguistic and academic ability.
Before submitting an application, potential candidates are encouraged to consult the subject area webpages for the Business School or those of the other UCD Colleges to identify a suitable supervisor(s). Potential candidates should contact them directly by email (attaching research proposal, CV, etc) to request if they would be interested in supervising them.
Candidates are strongly encouraged to have secured funding for the duration of their studies (4 years minimum) prior to commencement. A guide to estimated costs is available
After securing supervision support and funding, potential candidates can then submit an application and other materials using the on-line system and completing an application pack consisting of:
On-line Application Form
Research Proposal
Transcripts
Two References
Sample of Scholarly Work
Satisfactory English Language Test Score where applicable
Applicants must submit a 1000-word research proposal outlining:
The chosen topic
The nature, scope and methodology of study
The relevance or importance of the topic
A preliminary literature review
Please submit your research proposal along with your application
Please submit original/certified copy of your transcript along with your application
Two original references attesting to the applicant’s intellectual ability, maturity and motivation are required.
Please arrange for referees to post their references to the Centre For Doctoral Research, Smurfit School, Carysfort Avenue, Blackrock, Co Dublin, to e-mail directly to [email protected], or avail of the confidential automatic referee system.
(If posted, the reference should be on headed notepaper of the referee's institution. If emailed, then the email must be sent from the referee's work email.)
Applications remain incomplete until the receipt of Original References and must be received by relevant application deadlines (where applicable)
Please submit a copy of your scholarly work along with your application (e.g. masters dissertation, undergraduate individual project)
For non-native English speakers (except those whose primary degree was taken in English), an English language qualification is required. Please submit original/certified copy of your English language qualification results along with your application
A Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) score may be requested for some PhD programmes.
Admissions
Applications are accepted on on-going basis through our On-line Application Form.
The Student
Career Interests
This course is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests. If these interests do not describe you, this course may prepare you for work you may not find satisfying.
Enterprising
Enterprising people like situations that involve using resources for personal or corporate economic gain. Such people may have an opportunistic frame of mind, and are drawn to commerce, trade and making deals. Some pursue sales and marketing occupations. Many will eventually end up owning their own business, or in management roles in larger organisations. They tend to be very goal-oriented and work best when focused on a target. Some have an entrepreneurial inclination.
Administrative
Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.
They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.