Ph.D., Part-Time

PhD-Programm Philosophiae Doctor

Completing the PhD programme increases your chances of moving up the career ladder and into a leadership position. For the PhD programme, we work in partnership with the University of Ulster. The programme enables you to submit your dissertation to the University of Ulster and graduate with a PhD.

Absolvent of the PhD program smiles and she is wearing a graduate robe
  • English
  • On Site
  • 6 Years
Startseite » Courses » PhD-Programm

At a glance

Duration 4-6 years
Starts summer and winter semester
Number of participants 1 – 4 participants per year
Costs 24.000 € total fee
Place Kempten Business School
Study type part-time
Taught in English
Partner University University Ulster
Accreditation ASIIN

Voices on the programme

The PhD programme is an experience with ups and downs in between, requiring a lot of perseverance and discipline, accuracy and a high degree of self-organisation. However, with the excellent support from Ulster and Kempten, the challenge is a viable one, with a clearly defined goal. For me, it is one thing above all: the meaningful drive to deal with academic content on a daily basis, to use it to explore the state of research on the topic of leadership piece by piece and thus to gain ever new perspectives.
Peter Schrade (PhD student)
Portrait of a young men with dark hair and a suit

Programme structure

The time frame is around 4 to 6 years. The duration of the doctorate depends on the topic of your doctorate and on your private and professional circumstances.

1

Selection of candidates in Kempten

  • You have to prepare a proposal on your area of research, with 2,000 – 5,000 words (Research Proposal), in which the area of research is roughly defined in Kempten (research question, literature, existing studies, etc).
  • If one professor, among those who have committed to be a PhD supervisor, has the capacity and has approved your proposal, you are allowed to continue in the programme.
2

Selection of candidates in Ulster

  • The supervising professor in Kempten presents you and your area of research to the supervisor in Ulster. They will clarify the possibility of collaboration during a skype interview.
  • Outcome: If you are approved to continue the programme, Kempten and Ulster will conclude a contract. Afterwards, you will be enrolled in the certificate course Advance Academic Research. There will also be a personal enrolment in Belfast, usually combined with the participation in an introductory course for doctoral students for 2-3 days.
3

Verification of the research question

  • In a text of about 1,500 words you describe how you have specified the research question.
  • In a 10-minute interview with the supervisors and specialists (usually 2 further professors from that specialised field), it will be decided if you can continue this area of research. The presentation can also be held as a video conference.
  • Afterwards, you will write monthly reports on the meetings held to discuss the research question with the supervisors. In the case of only one supervisor, the corresponding supervisor at the other university will be informed of this. Each report consists of about 500 words. It is also expected you will participate in further trainings (doctoral colleges, seminars, conferences).
4

Final assessment of the research question

  • In a paper of about 5,000 words you present how you have specified the research question. This contains a detailed overview and critical assessment of the existing literature on this topic. Exact definition of the research question. Summary of methodical approach. Agreement on appliance with research ethics.
  • In a presentation to the supervisors, a chairman and specialists (usually 2 further professors from that specialised field), it will be decided whether you can continue this research question. The presentation can also be held as a video conference.
  • Thereafter, you will write monthly reports on the meetings held to discuss the research question with the supervisors. In the case of only one supervisor, the corresponding supervisor at the other university will be informed of this. Each report consists of about 500 words. It is also expected that you will participate in further trainings (doctoral colleges, seminars, conferences).
5

Competence to submit the dissertation

  • You request the approval to do the PhD thesis 3 months beforehand in Ulster. The volume of the dissertation is approximately 100,000 words.
  • Both supervisors (Ulster and Kempten) have to approve the
  • request.
  • The dissertation is assessed by an independent assessor who is appointed by the academic review team.
  • Additionally, an internal expert from Ulster will be appointed.
  • For further details, please refer to the Ulster conditions. (usually 2 further professors from that specialised field), it will be decided if you can continue this area of research. The presentation can also be held as a video conference.
  • Afterwards, you will write monthly reports on the meetings held to discuss the research question with the supervisors. In the case of only one supervisor, the corresponding supervisor at the other university will be informed of this. Each report consists of about 500 words. It is also expected you will participate in further trainings (doctoral colleges, seminars, conferences).
6

Graduation

  • You receive the University Certificate ‚Advanced Academic Research‘ from Kempten University of Applied Sciences.
  • You receive the PhD Certificate from Ulster University. The PhD title can be used in Germany without any restrictions. (Any effects of Brexit are not yet clear, but are unlikely.)
We are your local partner: Kempten Business School on the campus of Kempten University of Applied Sciences
In Cooperation with Ulster University

Since Kempten University of Applied Sciences does not have its own right to award PhD degrees, the title is awarded by Ulster University in Belfast, which has one of the best research rankings in Great Britain.

You are enrolled in Kempten and Ulster. You will be assigned a doctoral supervisor at both universities on your selected research area. These supervisors coach and assist you with the aim of submitting a Doctoral Thesis after 4 years. In the unlikely event that a student fails to meet the required academic standards, the programme will be terminated after 6 years.

Top ranking in research: Ulster University in Belfast.
Information

In addition to the regular exchange with the doctoral supervisor, we recommend attending theme-specific congresses and events. In addition, you should plan one stay per year in Belfast.

Costs

1st year: € 7,500, thereafter € 5,500
per year. (The fees are charged by Kempten University and forwarded to Ulster University.)

Additional costs: travel expenses, study material, participation in congresses etc. One short stay per year in Belfast should be planned.

Application

Application Requirements

  • You will need a very good level of proficiency in the English language.
  • Alpplicants must have successfully completed an MBA respectively master degree at a university or equivalent institute of higher education and require several years of professional experience.
  • You have to convince us with the first draft of your research proposal.

Application documents

Please ensure you have the following documents to hand prior to submitting your application:

  • Curriculum vitae in tabular form
  • Passport photo (JPEG format)
  • Academic degree certificate
  • Proof of work experience
  • Proof of English certificates (TOEFL test: min. score 80 or IELTS language test: min. band 6.5)
  • letter of motivation in English
Please send your application to

[email protected]

FAQ

Target Group

MBA respectively Master graduates holding a Master‘s degree with an average of 2.0 or better and a very good master thesis.

Self-reflection

Every interested participant should first answer the following
questions:

  • Did I graduate my master’s study course (in particular the master thesis) with an above average grade?
  • Did I enjoy preparing the scientific master thesis and doing some research?
  • Am I prepared to spend my free time and weekends on carrying out research over the next 4 – 6 years?
  • Do I already have an idea for an area of research in an economic field?
  • Do I really like carrying out research and am not just interested in a doctoral title?
Portrait of Astrid Menzl with brown hair and glasses.

cONTACT DETAILS

If you have any questions about the programme, please contact our programme manager:

Astrid Menzl