Key Information
Duration
Full-time
- 48 months
- The four-year study programme leading to a PhD degree is designed to allow you to conduct in-depth research. In addition, it is comprised of a course component, seminars, PhD committees, pre-doctoral defence, and lastly, dissertation and final defence.
Start Dates & Application Deadlines
- Starting August 2027
- Apply before Dec 2026
Positions offered in odd numbered academic years: ie. 2027, 2029
Application deadline in autumn of year prior.
Delivered
On Campus
Campus Location
Oslo, Norway
Disciplines
Communication Studies
Language
English
- TOEFL iBT: 90
- IELTS: 6.5
Overview
The PhD Specialisation in Communication at BI Norwegian Business School aims to train researchers to deepen their understanding of theoretical frameworks, historical contexts and contemporary issues within the field of communication, including media studies, interpersonal communication, organisational communication, computer-mediated communication, information sciences and more. Communication and communication technologies increasingly necessitate internal and external organisational boundary spanning, cooperation and deliberation - between business and society, between business and communities, and between business and (inter-) national organisations.
Learning outcomes
The specialisation aims to train researchers to develop advanced research skills in qualitative and quantitative methodologies to investigate these interdependencies between business and society through the lens of communication theories, technologies, and practices.
Programme Structure
Courses include:
- Multivariate Data Analysis
- Experimental Design - Basic
- Experimental Design and Analysis - Advanced
- Research Design and Methodologiacal Choice
- Core Issues in Research Ethics
- Psychometric Methods
- Further Topics in Psychometric Methods
- Digital Research Methods
- Theorizing the Digital: Communication, Technology and Ethics
Admission Requirements
Academic requirements
- GRE® General Test: Required
- GMAT: Required
English requirements
- TOEFL iBT: 90
- IELTS: 6.5
Other requirements
General requirements
- Hold a Master of Science (MSc) or comparable degree within the fields of economics and business administration or an area in which BI offers a PhD specialisation.
- Have minimum B (4) in Grade Point Average (GPA), five-point scale (A=five, B=four, C=three, D=two, E=one).
- Hold a Master's degree that includes thesis work (15 to 30 ECTS).
- Have an adequate level of academic and English language proficiency. This may require specific documentation by proficiency tests such as TOEFL or IELTS. Applicants will be informed if this is needed.
- In particular cases, GMAT or GRE tests may be required. Applicants will be informed if this is needed.
An MBA degree does not fulfill the requirements for admission.
BI will need percentile scores and raw scores for the Verbal, Quantitative and Analytical Writing sections of the GRE or GMAT
A "good score" is generally considered to be 85% and higher.
Fees and Funding
Funding
All PhD candidates receive financial support when accepted into the programme. The candidates are hired as full-time employees on an initial four-year contract. Continuation of the support through the four years of the programme is dependent on good standing and regular progress towards completing the programme’s requirements. PhD candidates are entitled to full parental leave and health insurance, and are part of the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund. The workplace is BI Norwegian Business School at its main campus in Oslo.
Living costs
Oslo, Norway: 1,750-2,880 AUD / month
The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.