Extra-occupational doctoral studies/PhD » IfM

Doctorate part-time: PhD in Business Economics and Management

The doctoral program will enable you to obtain a doctorate/PhD for which you will not have to limit your career or private life on a large scale. In cooperation with the Mendel University of Brno we offer academics who wish to do their PhDs part-time a PhD program with excellent guidance. The IfM takes over all administrative and organisational tasks for you.

Why study at IfM?

With the individual choice of topics, it is possible to create a scientific thesis that can also be applied and implemented in the company. An individual, personal support during the PhD study is given by the fact that per supervisor at most 5 students are supported.

Low attendance time
Individual choice of topic for the dissertation
Personal mentoring by a supervisor
Flexible time management
Study and Dissertation in English language

Take advantage of these benefits and do your doctorate part-time!

Target group and Admission Criteria

The part-time PhD lasts three years and is aimed at managers, high potentials, executives and entrepreneurs. The PhD program not only considers the professional commitments of participants but also the compatibility of the doctorate with family and leisure time.

To be admitted to the PhD program, you must meet the following requirements:

successfully completed master's or diploma program (including bachelor's degree)
high level of proficiency in English
academics from other disciplines are also admitted to the PhD in Business Economics and Management

In a personal consultation we will be happy to inform you about the general conditions of your doctorate.

Content and Structure of the PhD studies

The PhD program is designed in such a way that you can complete your doctorate within three years and must complete it within a minimum of six years. Justified interruptions are permitted in consultation with the Mendel University. The seminars and examinations take place in Brno. IfM takes over on behalf of its candidates all administrative arrangements, liaison with Mendel University and registration for seminars, leaving the University to deal with purely academic issues.

In addition to the dissertation, four publications must be prepared in consultation with the supervisor. Publication is possible at an academic conference at Mendel University and in the IfM-Impulses.

1st year

When enrolling at Mendel University, a doctoral supervisor is appointed as supervisor for the dissertation. You can choose the topic for your dissertation form the following areas:

Finance
Marketing and trade
Economics
Business economics
Management
Statistics
Operation research
Accounting and taxes
Informatics
Law
Sociology

Seminars are held on Fridays and Saturdays (six days), followed by an oral examination during May.

2nd Year

Seminars are held on Fridays and Saturdays (six days), followed by an oral examination during May.
Seminars include topics in economics, methodology of science, management and an elective that is specifically geared to the candidate's thesis.

3rd Year

Candidates must complete their publications and dissertation and then defend their final thesis. A festive promotion at Mendel University is the closing of the study program.

Doctorate Degree

The PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) is the scientific doctorate in almost all subjects in English-speaking countries and the highest degree of the study. With the implementation of the Bologna Process for the creation of a common European Higher Education Area, the academic degrees were adapted in their designations. With the transition from diploma to bachelor's and master's degrees, the PHD has also "emerged" and replaced the doctorate "Dr.". The academic degree "PhD" is obtained by completing a doctoral program. The corresponding subject is added wit "in" e.g. "PhD in Business Economics and Management" and the title after the surname e.g. Max Mustermann, MA, PhD.
The Degree is eligible for registration in Germany and Austria; it becomes the responsibility of the student to seek clarification of titel representation.

Course fees

The fees cover

Tuition
Enrolment for max. 6 years
Registration
Examinations
Documents and Certification
Personal supervision by doctoral supervisor
Invitation to IfM events
Participation at the PEF-NET Conference in Brno
Publication in IfM-Impulse
Promotional and celebratory events

We are happy to answer your questions!

What does PhD mean?

The PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) is the scientific doctorate in almost all subjects in English-speaking countries and the highest degree of the study. With the introduction of the so called Bologna regulation in Europe at the beginning of the 2000s and the switch from diploma to bachelor's and master's degrees, the PhD "emerged" and took the place of the doctorate "Dr.", with the exception of medicine and law.

What is the difference between a PhD an a doctor?

In academic terms there is no difference at all. In the Anglo-Saxon world, the PhD is considered above the doctor on the basis of the "felt" value. In the DACH region, the process is still going on, together with the change from the "old" titles, which are used in front of the surname, to the "new" ones, which are used in the back, such as BA, MA etc. Therefore, the personal address of academics will also change, i.e. titels will be skipped. This general trend can be seen partly already in the business life on business cards.

How recognized is the PhD compared to the doctor?

From a formal point of view, both titles are equal. Individual sensitivities in the DACH region make the doctor appear more valuable because it is prefixed to the surname and spoken. Over time, however, this will change. For generation-Y and younger the terms "BA", "MA" and "PhD" have already established themselves.

What advantages does a part-time PhD doctoral program offer me?

Originally quite scientifically oriented, there are now a few part-time, practice-oriented doctoral programs. The quantitative scope of a dissertation has also changed and it has become more compact. With the Mendel University, the IfM offers an extra-occupational doctorate in a unique form.

What requirement do I need for admission to the PhD?

Each university can regulate admission individually, although there is a legal framework in Europe. Usually, you must complete a fully-fledged diploma course (minimum duration of 4 years) or a bachelor's degree (3 years with 180 ECTS) and a master's degree (2 years with 120 ECTS).

Is a basic study of business administraion a precondition for the PhD?

The PhD in Business Economics and Management at the IfM also offers academics from other disciplines the opportunity to gain a doctorate. This is particularly interesting for graduates of technical and scientific courses as well as legal experts. However, the dissertation topic must fit into the broad field of management and economics.

How long does the part-time PhD study take?

The study duration is 6 semesters. Up to 12 semesters are possible without additional tuition fees.

How is the PhD program structured?

The beginning of the program is always in the winter semester and the topic of the dissertation should be defined at the beginning. Within the framework of consultations, input is given by various professors, which is helpful for writing your own dissertation. In addition to these, 4 publications have to be written. The IfM-Impulses, academic conferences and reviewed journals offer opportunities for publication. Usually, the publications deal with the topic of the dissertation. At the end of the 1st and 2nd academic year there is an oral examination which deals with the respective content of the dissertation. The 3rd academic year ends with the subject-specific examination in the field of the dissertation and then the so-called "Defensio".

Which subjects does the PhD in Business Economics and Management cover?

The PhD in Buinsess Economics and Management at the IfM covers the following subjects:

Methodology of Science
Economics
Management
And the field in which the dissertation is based

What career opportunities does a PhD offer me?

The highest academic degree offers optimal opportunities for top management or a later teaching or management position at universities and universities of applied sciences. Well-known companies nowadays also expect a PhD or doctorate from supervisory boards.

What financial support can I apply for to obtain a PhD degree?

The funding spectrum is broad an highly diverse. There are hardly any fixed, state subsidies except the tax deductibility for all further education expenses and tuition fees. It is highly recommended talking to your tax advisor. IfM is happy to assist!

What are the alternatives to the PhD?

There are none. The DBA (="Doctor of Business Administraion"), sometimes mistakenly referred to as a doctorate, does not equal a doctorate.

Student Advisory Service

Dr. Wolfgang Reiger, CSE will be happy to provide you with comprehensive consulting on part-time doctoral studies. Appointments can be arranged in Austria and Germany. Simply write to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call us at +43 (0)662 66 86 280.

Get in touch with graduates of the PhD program at IfM and you will not only receive information about the PHD but also about how the program has affected the graduates' network, career and personal progress.

KEY FACTS

Duration

3 Years

Structure

Several 2-day seminars, four publications, three oral exams and the final examination (defence)

Language

English

Attributes

part-time doctoral studies, which can be completed alongside work and family life

Admission

completed bachelor and master's or diploma degree (also in other fields)

Academic degree

Ph.D in Austria, Dr. or Ph.D. in Germany

Expenses

on request

Contact us

We are there for you!
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LOCATION OF THE TRAINING

Hotel Schloss Leopoldskron, Salzburg

more information

REFERENCES

"The PhD programme is appropriate not only for interested candidates within the private sector but also for senior public sector executives. Its flexible structure means that it is tailor-made for professional candidates; further, the number of approved Doctorate students in each academic year permits a very close relationship – not only among the students but also between the students and the PhD Supervisors."

Civil Servant, Interior Ministry, Vienna

"Intellectual innovation is the hallmark of this PhD programme, which offers an effective combination of previous studies, practice and experience. The ideas generate a distinct advantage as only the innovative will succeed and the PhD programme offers that essential building block."

Graduate, Salzburg

"The Programme is unique and I chose extra-occupational study for a Doctorate not only because of this but also because of the benefits offered both for my customers and myself."

Management Consultant, Upper Austria

"I took my MBA Degree with IfM and found myself seeking further academic challenge. The Doctorate studies enabled me to successfully complete that challenge and as the Managing Director of an international I found particularly positive the support of my Supervisor and the extremely practical experience."

Business entrepreneur, Germany