Structure of the PhD Degree
180 ECTS credit points are required to complete the NHH PhD programme, where 60 credit points equal one year of full-time studies. 45 ECTS credit points come from the taught section of the programme and 135 ECTS credits come from the dissertation part. The degree should normally be conferred after approximately three years.
Taught courses
On the path to the PhD, each student must complete the coursework specified in the regulations for the PhD program (45 ECTS credit points). Fullfillment of the course work indicates that a student has achieved broad knowledge in the basic methods and disciplines relating to the study of economics and business administration, methodology, theory, and empirical aspects of the chosen field of study. In parallel with coursework, students are often engaged in research apprenticeship developing their skills as professional researchers. The importance of this part for rapidly getting a feel for what an academic career means cannot be overestimated, and is seen as a central ingredient of the program.
Of the 45 ECTS credits points worth of courses in the PhD in Economics and Business Administration, each student is advised to take Quantitative Methodology, Qualitative Methodology, Philosophy of Science, The Research Process and one of the courses Organization Theory or Economic Analysis and Information.
- Course schedule
- Course descriptions
- Download application form for visiting status for specific courses at NHH
Doctoral dissertation
The research leading to the dissertation is the final requirement for the PhD. This process normally begins early in the program, to become the main activity during the final years of the program. The student defends the dissertation in a public, oral examination featuring an external opponent appointed by the faculty of NHH.
Dissertations can be of two kinds: monographs or so called combined dissertations. The monograph dissertation contains a defined scientific problem treated in a structured comprehensive way and is published a s a book. The combined dissertation consists of three to five scientific essays, each treating well-defined problems commonly in one subject field.
The requirements as regard the contents of the dissertation involve three criteria: the problem must be relevant, the student must show methodological competence, and the result/s must show some degree of originality.
Supervision
A dissertation advisor is appointed for each PhD student at the time of admission. This person plays a key role in guiding students through the program. Normally, the professor accepting the student's application in the first place also becomes the dissertation advisor.
Interaction with the advisor is instrumental in helping the student to integrate both required and elective coursework which reflects the student's unique interests.
More information on the requirements of the PhD programme can be found at:
