How to apply
If you are interested in pursuing a PhD with the School of Management & Governance at UNSW Business School, the first step is obtaining an Invitation to Apply. To do so, submit an Expression of Interest (EOI). Details of what to include in your EOI can be found here.
After reviewing your EOI, the School of Management & Governance will conduct a preliminary screening. If successful, you will receive an Invitation to Apply, which allows you to formally submit your application through the portal. Instructions for the formal application process will be included in the Invitation to Apply email.
Key Deadlines
- Higher Degree Research students typically begin their studies in Term 1 (February).
- Submit your EOI between May and mid-August to be considered for admission the following year. Decisions for Term 1 starts are usually announced in October of the prior year.
- Out-of-round EOIs: Late submissions will only be considered for applicants with substantial prior research experience (e.g., a research-based honours or Master's degree from a leading global institution).
About our Higher Degree Research Programs
Doctorate in Philosophy (PhD)
The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Management & Governance (Program code 1605) prepares you to become a globally engaged research leader. You will join a high-achieving cohort tackling modern-day challenges alongside renowned academics in a School ranked 42nd globally (QS Subject Rankings, 2023).
The program begins with rigorous coursework in relevant theories and research methods. You will also engage in research projects from the outset, equipping you with the skills to identify, analyze, and solve intellectual problems.
Under the supervision of high-profile academics, you will conduct independent research leading to a doctoral thesis, where you will make an original contribution to the field of Management & Governance.
There will also be exciting opportunities throughout to engage with industry and develop your teaching portfolio. The training is geared toward preparing you for a career in academia, although other career paths (e.g., consulting, government, industry, non-profit) are also enabled.
The vast majority of our Higher Degree Research (HDR) students are supported through a tuition waiver and stipend of around A$38-48K per year.
Standard Path: Linked Master of Pre-Doctoral Business Studies (MPDBS) + PhD
While a few applicants gain Direct Entry into the PhD program, most candidates are first invited to complete the Master of Pre-Doctoral Business Studies (MPDBS). The application process for both the Direct Entry and MPDBS+PhD programs is identical. Begin by submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI). See above for details.
The MPDBS is a fully funded one-year pathway program that includes:
- A tuition waiver and stipend (~A$38K).
- Advanced coursework and research assistantships.
Upon completion, most students progress into the PhD program with continued scholarship support (~A$48K stipend and tuition waiver).
The MPDBS program provides an excellent opportunity to strengthen research skills and secure appropriate PhD supervision.
For a full-time Higher Degree Research student, the minimum time commitment is 35-40 hours per week for 4 years.
The UNSW Business School ranks 34th worldwide for Business & Management Studies.
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Your PhD thesis will set you on the path to a career in a premier research institution, anywhere in the world. Throughout your research degree, you’ll also have many opportunities to develop your teaching portfolio.
Beyond academia, there is also significant demand in the private and public sectors for people with deep knowledge and sound research and analytical skills*.
Whether you’re looking to pursue a career in academia, or take your research skills out to industry, a PhD in Management from UNSW will get you there.
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Degree type
Postgraduate Research
Duration
4 years full-time, 5-8 years part-time
Commencing terms
Term 1 – February
Program code
1605
Delivery mode
On Campus
Domestic / International
Domestic
International
Useful links
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Accreditation