Doctoral Programme in Business Studies

The University of Vaasa Doctoral Programme in Business Studies at The Graduate School of the University of Vaasa examines in-depth the discipline's key research question, development and societal significance. The field prepares students for high-level independent research work. The doctoral studies consist of general studies and methods, studies in the research field, optional studies and the doctoral thesis. Students are expected to graduate as Doctors of Science in Business Studies in four years.

There are nine research groups operating in the field of Business Studies. Doctoral students are connected with the work of the research groups to enable more interesting research topics, group work training and a more intensive and diverse supervision programme. The field collaborates closely with national graduate schools (KATAJA, KAVA and OMY). The collaboration enables doctoral students to participate in events arranged by graduate schools and to organize national and international courses and seminars. Doctoral students can also benefit from the contact networks of other research groups in the form of corporate collaboration. Doctoral studies in the field of business usually also include an exchange period with a partner university abroad.

The aim of doctoral education is that the students:

• become well-versed in their field of research and its social significance. The students also gain knowledge and skills needed in order to apply scientific research methods independently and critically, and to produce new scientific knowledge within their field of research;
• become conversant with the development, basic problems and research methods of their own field of research; and
• gain such knowledge of the general theory of science that enables them to follow the developments of their own area of research as well as other disciplines.
• defend written and orally their knowledge claims and justify the key decision they have made in the course of their research.

Programme Structure

Structure of studies:

• General Scientific Studies
• Method Studies
• Studies in the Research Field
• Studies Supporting Research Work and Researcher's Career
• Accounting
• Marketing
• Finance

Admission Requirements

Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

• TOEFL iBT: 92
• PTE Academic: 62
• IELTS: 6.5

Other requirements

General requirements

Eligible for studies leading to an academic doctorate degree shall be a person who has completed

• an applicable higher university degree;
• an applicable higher polytechnic degree; or
• an applicable education completed abroad which in the awarding country gives eligibility for corresponding higher education.

The applicants should have completed their previous degree with at least the grade ’Good’ and have been awarded the grade ’Good’ or higher for their Master’s thesis (grade ‘Good’, 3/5 or other equivalent grade).

Fees and Funding

Tuition Fees

International students: Free

Domestic students: Free

Additional Details: There are no tuition fees or other mandatory fees for doctoral students.

Living costs

Vaasa, Finland

1,101-1,603 AUD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

• Doctoral students are encouraged to apply for external funding from foundations.
• The University of Vaasa Graduate School also distributes one-year dissertation grants in the spring, which are funded by the Nissi Foundation and the Vaasa University Foundation.
• Academic units have doctoral student employee positions, which are fixed term of 2-4 years. These positions are applied at the same time the study right is applied.