PhD by Dunster Business School
Key Features
- Research-Focused PhD
- Online Study Format
- Academic Supervision
- Wide Research Areas
- Swiss PhD Degree
Dunster Business School’s Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is designed for professionals, academics, and researchers seeking to develop advanced expertise through independent doctoral research. The programme focuses on developing critical thinking, analytical capability, research skills, and the ability to make an original contribution to knowledge within a chosen field.
The programme follows a research-driven structure covering research methodology, research design, literature review, data collection, quantitative and qualitative analysis, academic writing, and thesis development. Candidates progressively develop their research project under academic guidance before completing an original doctoral thesis.
Designed with flexibility in mind, Dunster’s online PhD pathway can suit candidates who wish to pursue doctoral research while continuing their professional commitments. The wider doctorate portfolio also provides research areas across business and management, including business strategy, international business, organisational leadership, entrepreneurship, innovation, finance, marketing, and business management.
A business doctorate built on real-world experience
The PhD by Dunster Business School is designed for managers, consultants and executives who want to examine real business challenges with academic rigour.
You choose a question that matters to your industry, work with a supervisor, and produce original findings that organisations and scholars can use. The programme is organised around working life, so you can keep your career moving while you build a research profile.
Programme summary
- Qualification
- PhD in Business
- Assessment
- Thesis and viva
Programme fee and payment options
One clear fee for the full doctoral programme, with the option to spread payments over two, four, eight or twelve parts.
The complete fee for PhD by Dunster Business School, payable in full or in installments.
- Application fee included in the total
- Same total on every payment plan
- Fee schedule confirmed by admissions
Fee breakdown
The application fee is part of the total programme fee. It is not charged on top.
Choose a payment pace that suits you
Select the number of parts to see the approximate amount per payment. The total fee does not change.
What makes this PhD different
A doctorate that respects professional experience while meeting academic standards.
Research from your own practice
Start with challenges you already see at work and shape them into a doctoral question.
Online and flexible
Plan study around your role with no relocation or daily commute.
Dedicated supervision
Regular guidance from proposal to submission keeps you on track.
Career impact
A doctoral title supports senior roles, consulting, teaching and advisory work.
Spread the cost
Pay the programme fee in four, eight or twelve parts.
Choose your research area
Select an area to see what it covers. Pick the one closest to your industry.
Strategy and leadership
How organisations set direction, respond to change and develop leaders.
Your supervisor will help you narrow this area into one focused, achievable research question.
Marketing and consumer behaviour
Customer decisions, brand building and digital markets.
Your supervisor will help you narrow this area into one focused, achievable research question.
Finance and accounting
Corporate finance, governance, risk and reporting practice.
Your supervisor will help you narrow this area into one focused, achievable research question.
Operations and supply chain
Process design, logistics resilience and quality improvement.
Your supervisor will help you narrow this area into one focused, achievable research question.
Human resource management
Talent, culture, engagement and the future of work.
Your supervisor will help you narrow this area into one focused, achievable research question.
Entrepreneurship and innovation
New ventures, family firms and innovation inside established companies.
Your supervisor will help you narrow this area into one focused, achievable research question.Your route to the doctorate
Five stages take you from the first idea to the final examination.
- Stage 1
Proposal
Outline your idea and agree a research direction with admissions and your supervisor.
- Stage 2
Research training
Build the methods skills your study needs.
- Stage 3
Literature review
Map existing work and identify the gap your research will fill.
- Stage 4
Data and analysis
Collect evidence and analyse it with regular supervisory feedback.
- Stage 5
Thesis and viva
Write up, submit and defend your thesis before examiners.
Eligibility and requirements
Entry requirements are confirmed by admissions. These are the usual expectations.
| Requirement | What we look for |
|---|---|
| Academic background | A relevant master’s degree or equivalent qualification. |
| Experience | A CV showing professional or academic experience. |
| Research idea | A short proposal or statement of research interest. |
| Language | English proficiency suited to doctoral writing. |
| Commitment | Steady weekly time for independent research. |
How to apply
Three simple steps take you from enquiry to enrolment. Our admissions team is available at every stage.
Apply nowRecognition of the qualification varies by country, profession and employer. Please confirm it for your own situation before enrolling.
Frequently asked questions
Can't find your answer? Our admissions team will be glad to help.
Ask admissions
How long does the PhD take?
Most candidates take around three to five years, depending on pace, topic and research design.
What is the total fee?
The total programme fee is shown in the fee section above, and it includes the application fee. The fee schedule is confirmed by admissions at enrollment.
Can I pay in installments?
Yes. You can spread the programme fee across four, eight or twelve payments. The total stays the same on every plan.
Is the application fee extra?
No. The application fee forms part of the total programme fee. It is not an additional charge. Please ask admissions about refund eligibility.
Can I work while studying?
Yes. The research route is online and part-time, but expect a steady weekly commitment.
How is the PhD assessed?
Through a written thesis and an oral examination (viva).
Is the qualification recognised?
Recognition depends on the country, profession and employer. Please confirm it for your own situation before enrolling.
Ready to start your business PhD?
Speak with admissions about your research idea, the programme fee and your first steps.
Talk to our team