PhD degree structure

Applicants for the 3-year scheme must hold a relevant Master’s Degree (120 ECTS) based on a relevant qualifying Bachelor’s Degree (180 ECTS) or corresponding degrees. Applicants must hence provide documentation demonstrating fundamental and broad knowledge of research theory and methods within the field in question. Thorough knowledge of research theory and methods of direct relevance to the PhD project is not sufficient.  

Applicants for the 4-year scheme must have commenced a relevant Master’s degree (60 ECTS) based on a relevant qualifying Bachelor’s degree (180 ECTS) before applying and, during the PhD degree programme, pursue completion of a Master’s Degree (60 ECTS further) at the School of Business and Social Sciences, Aarhus University. It is thus, in general, a requirement that the applicant can be admitted to a relevant master's study at Aarhus BSS. Admission requirements to the 4-year scheme therefore reflect the admission requirements to the individual Master’s programme, and applicants must – at the time of the actual enrolment – provide documentation demonstrating an educational background corresponding to the Bachelor’s programme and Master’s studies which must form part of, or be eligible for credit transfer into, one of the Master’s programmes offered in the relevant academic area. More information about master's studies can be obtained from the study administration, BSS study services.

Applicants for the 5-year scheme complete a Master’s degree (120 ECTS) during the course of their PhD studies at Aarhus BSS. It is thus, in general, a requirement that the applicant can be admitted to a relevant master's study at Aarhus BSS. Admission requirements to the 5-year scheme therefore reflect the admission requirements to the individual Master’s programme, and applicants must – at the time of the actual enrolment – provide documentation demonstrating an educational background corresponding to a relevant Bachelor’s programme (180 ECTS). In addition, certain combinations of completed courses may be required, depending on the current academic regulations governing the Master’s programme in question. More information about master's studies can be obtained from the study administration, BSS study services.