Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Management
Conduct original research, publish in academic journals, and earn a fully accredited doctoral degree — entirely online, at your own pace.
MFHEA-Accredited
Why Choose the PhD in Management at EIM?
The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Management at the European Institute of Management (EIM) is a 36-month online doctoral programme at EQF Level 8, accredited by the Malta Further and Higher Education Authority (MFHEA). Across 13 structured modules, you develop original research, defend a dissertation, and work towards academic publication.
Unlike traditional doctoral programmes that demand physical presence, EIM's PhD lets you pursue rigorous academic work from anywhere in the world. Oxbridge-style tutorials in small groups provide focused, personal supervision at every stage — from topic identification to final defence.
Whether you aim for an academic career or want to bring evidence-based thinking into senior management, this programme gives you the research skills, analytical depth, and credentials to get there.
Your Path
Who Will Benefit from This Programme?
If you’re a working professional ready to transition into academia — or an academic who wants to sharpen their research credentials — EIM’s PhD in Management is built for you. The programme is equally suited for executives, project managers, and entrepreneurs who want to anchor their leadership in rigorous, evidence-based thinking.
You don’t need to choose between career and doctorate. With fully online delivery and flexible scheduling, you integrate doctoral studies into your professional life rather than putting it on hold. And if you want to test the waters first, you can enrol in the first module before committing to the full programme.
Create Something New.
Make an Impact.
Initiate Change.
EIM’s PhD students are driven by curiosity and purpose. With their original research, they solve real problems, close gaps in academic literature, and contribute to the advancement of management knowledge.
Career Impact
Advance Your Career with a Doctoral Degree
A PhD opens doors that no other qualification can. Graduates move into senior research positions, university lectureships, consulting roles, and leadership positions at international institutions. The rigorous training in data collection, analysis, and evidence-based decision-making makes PhD holders highly sought after — in academia and beyond.
After completing the PhD, you can further strengthen your profile with EIM’s PGCert in Academic Research and Publication or the PGCert in Technology-Enhanced Teaching and Learning in Higher Education. Holders of both PGCerts are recognised as Lecturers in Higher Education — qualified to teach and research at universities across Europe.
Programme fee
The Standard programme starts at EUR 3,000 admission plus EUR 3,000 per quarter (expected total: EUR 39,000 for 12 quarters). The Individual option with private tutoring starts at EUR 4,000 admission plus EUR 4,500 per quarter (expected total: EUR 58,000). Flexible payment plans and scholarship support are available — contact admission@eim.education for details.
Entry Requirements
-
Master’s degree (MQF level 7 qualification) or distinction profile of Bachelor degree (MQF level 6 qualification)
-
Proficient working level of English in understanding and speaking, reading and writing
-
Basic digital competencies to work with the institutions´ digital learning platform
-
Excellent personal motivation
-
Excellent team work
Applicants that do not comply with indicated requirements can request for a of Recognition of Prior Learning
Free and without obligation
Request Information Material
Frequently Asked Questions
To register for the PhD in Management at the European Institute of Management (EIM), you need a Master’s degree (MQF/EQF Level 7) or a Bachelor’s degree with distinction (MQF/EQF Level 6). You also need sufficient English language skills (IELTS 6.5 or equivalent) and basic digital competences for EIM’s online learning platform (Google Education). Applicants who can demonstrate the requisite level of proficiency through other means are also considered.
The PhD in Management takes 36 months full-time or 48 to 84 months part-time. The full-time track consists of 12 terms of 11 weeks each, while part-time students follow a more extended schedule of up to 18 terms. Both tracks include the same 13 modules, from Contemporary Issues in Management to Academic Publication.
You can start the PhD in Management at the beginning of each quarter. There is no fixed annual intake — EIM offers continuous enrolment so you can begin when it fits your schedule.
Absolutely. The programme is delivered fully online with synchronous and asynchronous sessions. Study holidays, flexible scheduling, and a modern learning platform make it possible to balance doctoral research with your professional and personal life. Many of EIM’s PhD students are working professionals.
After completing the PhD in Management, you can pursue academic careers in teaching and research, take on senior leadership and consulting roles, or work in international institutions. You can also continue with EIM’s PGCert in Academic Research and Publication and the PGCert in Technology-Enhanced Teaching and Learning. Holders of both PGCerts are recognised as Lecturers in Higher Education.
Yes. The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Management is accredited by the Malta Further and Higher Education Authority (MFHEA) at MQF/EQF Level 8, the highest level of the European Qualifications Framework.
Ready to Start Your Doctoral Journey?
Take the first step towards your PhD in Management. Contact our admissions team for a personal consultation or request our detailed information brochure.
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Management
| Requirement/Headline | Content |
|---|---|
| Name of the Educational Programme | Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Management |
| Exit Qualifications | Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Management |
| Accredited Status of the Programme | Approved Higher Education Programme by MFHEA |
| MQF / EQF level | 8 |
| Type of Programme | Qualification |
| Mode of Delivery | Online |
| Requirement/Headline | Content |
|---|---|
| Name of the Educational Programme | Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Management |
| Exit Qualifications | Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Management |
| Accredited Status of the Programme | Approved Higher Education Programme by MFHEA |
| MQF / EQF level | 8 |
| Type of Programme | Qualification |
| Mode of Delivery | Online |
| Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Management | |
|---|---|
| Hours of Total Learning for the whole PhD in Management programme |
|
| Hours of total learning for Modules 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 11, 12 |
|
| Hours of total learning for Modules 3, 6, 9, 10, 13 |
|
| Mode of Attendance | Full-Time and Part-Time |
|---|---|
| Programme Duration | 36 months (full-time) and up to 48–84 months (part-time) |
| Target Group | The PhD programme is designed for professionals as well as people planning for a career change to be an academic and academics who have no doctorate but want to improve their qualifications to take their career to a new level by enhancing their professional and academic knowledge, skills and competences, and contribute to the expansion of academic, scientific, and professional knowledge in management. |
| Language of Instruction | English |
To register for the PhD programme you will need:
- a Master’s degree (MQF level 7 qualification) or distinction profile of Bachelor degree (MQF level 6 qualification),
- sufficient language skills (e.g., English IELTS level 6.5 or above), and
- sufficient digital competences to use EIM’s online learning platform (Google Education),
or to be able to demonstrate the requisite level of proficiency.
Full-Time:
| Term | Module |
|---|---|
| Term 1 (11 weeks) | Contemporary Issues in Management and Leadership / Introduction to Doctoral Research |
| Term 2 (11 weeks) | Advanced Research Methods |
| Term 3 (11 weeks) | Development of Academic Studies |
| Term 4 (11 weeks) | Proposal – Introduction of the Study |
| Term 5 (11 weeks) | Proposal – Literature Review |
| Term 6 (11 weeks) | Proposal – Research Methodology |
| Term 7 (11 weeks) | Proposal – Defense |
| Term 8 (11 weeks) | Final study – Data Collection |
| Term 9 (11 weeks) | Final study – Data Analysis |
| Term 10 (11 weeks) | Final study – Discussion, Conclusions, and Recommendations |
| Term 11 (11 weeks) | Final study – Defense |
| Term 12 (11 weeks) | Academic publication |
Part-Time:
| Term | Module |
|---|---|
| Term 1 (11 weeks) | Contemporary Issues in Management and Leadership |
| Term 2 (11 weeks) | Introduction to Doctoral Research |
| Term 3–4 (11 weeks) | Advanced Research Methods |
| Term 5 (11 weeks) | Development of Academic Studies |
| Term 6 (11 weeks) | Proposal – Introduction of the Study |
| Term 7–8 (11 weeks) | Proposal – Literature Review |
| Term 9 (11 weeks) | Proposal – Research Methodology |
| Term 10 (11 weeks) | Proposal – Defense |
| Term 11–12 (11 weeks) | Final study – Data Collection |
| Term 13–14 (11 weeks) | Final study – Data Analysis |
| Term 15 (11 weeks) | Final study – Discussion, Conclusions, and Recommendations |
| Term 16 (11 weeks) | Final study – Defense |
| Term 17–18 (11 weeks) | Academic publication |
The Doctor of Philosophy in Management (PhD in Management) programme is a MQF / EQF level 8 online doctoral programme which allows learners to study full-time or part-time. The overall goal of the PhD in Management programme is to produce an original contribution to the body of knowledge in management in form of a written dissertation. Therefore, learners will be taught and trained to apply the most advanced and specialized skills and techniques, including synthesis and evaluation, to solve a research problem and to extend and redefine existing knowledge. Learners will develop competences at the forefront in study including the demonstration of substantial authority in their field of study, the promotion of social, scientific, and ethical advancement, innovation, autonomy, and scholarly integrity, and sustained commitment to the development of new ideas or processes.
Teaching and Learning Procedures
The core pedagogical method used in this course will consist of synchronous online Oxbridge-style tutorials between a faculty member, or a learning coach under the oversight of a faculty member (= tutors), and a group of learners. Learner interaction plays a key role in the organisation of each tutorial meeting, which focuses on a discussion of a learner’s pre-submitted assignment.
Assessment Procedures
Formative assessment applies to the continuous evaluation of learner progress in each module, concentrating on the proficiency of submitted tutorial assignments, and the ability of the learner to respond to issues raised by the faculty member / lecturer during the tutorial session.
Summative assessment is by the final dissertation (at least 60,000 words) and an oral defense thereof (90 minutes individual presentation followed by a 45 minute questions and answers session).
Grading System Final Dissertation:
- Distinction (80–100%)
- Merit (65–79%)
- Pass (50–64%)
- Fail (0–49%)
- 2023: 100%
- 2024: 100%
- 2025: 100%
90% finish within the standard study period.
Online
The programme provides general qualifications in domains that use the transferable knowledge, skills and competences developed in this programme, including rigorous research, data collection and analysis, evidence-based judgments, critical thinking, written reports, and effective oral communication. This includes work in general management for corporate services, research, teaching and learning, higher education, training, publishing, international institutions, and consulting. This programme may provide knowledge and skills that will facilitate advancement for lecturers, researchers, and career changers in Higher Education. This programme does not directly lead to a warranted profession or regulated occupation.
The program fees below refer to the 2023/2024 academic year unless otherwise stated. Program fees are calculated per credit taught. Program fees are subject to annual inflation so the total cost are shown here as a guide. EIM will apply the program fees at the time of the payment.
Standard
Admission Fees: EUR 3,000
Programme Fees per quarter: EUR 3,000
Expected Total Programme Fees: EUR 39,000 (for 12 quarters)
Individual (incl. individual tutoring)
Admission Fees: EUR 4,000
Programme Fees per quarter: EUR 4,500
Expected Total Programme Fees: EUR 58,000 (for 12 quarters)
Privé
Please get in touch with admission@eim.education for more information.
Pay your program fees
You can choose to pay your program fees in full at the start of your first term or in instalments at the start of each term. Additional fees may apply for different payment terms, currencies, and methods.
Other fees
The program fees cover the course delivery and the learning material. Other fees may apply for additional services (e.g., fees for RPL applications, resitting an assessment, repeating a module, or additional tutoring etc.).
Get funding for your program
EIM offers support to get access to different funding options like for example scholarships.
Please note: Program fees shown on our website are net of any local VAT, Goods and Services Tax (GST) or any other sales tax payable by the student in their country of residence. Where EIM is required to add VAT, GST or any other sales tax at the local statutory rate, this will be added to the fees shown during the payment process. For students resident in Malta, our program fees are exempt from VAT.
PhD students can write their dissertations about topics and subject areas like for example International Business, Finance, Accounting, Controlling, Human Resource Management, Marketing, (Information) Technology Management, Data Analytics, Consulting, Counseling / Training, Interim Management, Entrepreneurship, Innovation Management, Change Management, Leadership / Management, Health Care, Automotive, Tourism and Hospitality or other topics they are interested in.