phd in strategic management in australia

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Management

How to apply.

If you are interested in pursuing a PhD with the School of Management & Governance (UNSW Business), then you will need to receive an Invitation to Apply from the school’s Postgraduate Research Coordinator (PGRC) in charge of Admissions, who can be reached at [email protected].

To receive an Invitation to Apply, you should 1) self-assess your eligibility, and 2) then submit an  Expression of Interest (EOI) . Details of what to include in your EOI can be found here .

The School of Management & Governance will review the EOI and, if the application is sufficiently strong to pass the preliminary screening, issue an Invitation to Apply, with which the interested candidate can then proceed to formally apply through the UNSW Apply Online portal. Detailed instructions about the formal application will be provided in the “Invitation to Apply” email.

Higher Degree Research students in our school normally commence their study in Term 1 (around the beginning of February) each year. Interested candidates should submit EOI between May and mid-August   to be considered for admission in the next year. Out of round EOIs submitted after the deadline could be considered only for interested candidates with substantial prior research experience, e.g., with a master by research degree from a leading global institution.

About our Higher Degree Research Programs

Doctorate in Philosophy (PhD)

UNSW’s Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Management & Governance (Program code 1605) will prepare you to become a globally focused and socially engaged research leader. You’ll be joining a cohort of high-achieving research students in tackling modern-day challenges at the forefront of Management & Governance, working alongside leaders in the field (ranked 42 nd  in the world, QS Subject Rankings , 2023). This is your opportunity to become integrated into the UNSW Business School’s community of scholars.

You’ll first undertake rigorous coursework covering relevant theories and research methods. As part of the program, you’ll also be involved in research projects from an early stage. This training will equip you with the skills required to identify, analyse, and solve problems in the field.

You’ll then pursue independent research under the supervision of high-profile UNSW academics, culminating in a doctoral thesis. Your PhD thesis will showcase your research skills and enable you to make an original contribution to the field of Management & Governance.

There will also be exciting opportunities throughout to interact with industry leaders, and to develop your teaching portfolio. The training is geared toward preparing you for a career in academia, although other career paths (e.g., consulting, government, industry, non-profit) are also enabled.

The vast majority of our Higher Degree Research (HDR) students are supported through a tuition waiver and stipend of around A$37-47K per year.

If you are admitted for Direct Entry into a PhD, then the  minimum  time commitment is 35-40 hours per week for 3-4 years (full time).

Linked Master of Pre-Doctoral Business Studies (MPDBS) + PhD

Although a few students may be invited to apply for Direct Entry into our PhD program, most applicants are invited to first complete our Master of Pre-Doctoral Business Studies (MPDBS).

The MPDBS is a one-year pathway for students wanting to undertake a PhD in the UNSW Business School. The MPDBS is a fully funded program, which includes a tuition waiver and stipend (of ~A$37K) for all accepted applicants. This degree involves one year of advanced coursework along with research assistantships. Upon completion of the MPDBS, the vast majority of students have historically gone on to our PhD with a scholarship covering tuition and a stipend (~ A$47K).

The MPDBS gives students an extra year to develop their research skills and to find a match with appropriate supervisors.

The application processes for both the PhD and the Linked MPDBS + PhD are identical. The first step in this process is to submit an Expression of Interest (see above).

The UNSW Business School ranks 34th worldwide for Business & Management Studies.

An increasing number of PhD graduates find employment in business, government, and the non-profit sector. Nineteen of the largest ASX companies have PhD graduates on their senior executive teams.

Your PhD thesis will set you on the path to a career in a premier research institution, anywhere in the world. Throughout your research degree, you’ll also have many opportunities to develop your teaching portfolio.

Beyond academia, there is also significant demand in the private and public sectors for people with deep knowledge and sound research and analytical skills*.

Whether you’re looking to pursue a career in academia, or take your research skills out to industry, a PhD in Management from UNSW will get you there.

* Source:  2019 Advancing Australia’s Knowledge Economy Report

Degree type

Postgraduate Research

4 years full-time, 5-8 years part-time

Commencing terms

Term 1 – February

Program code

Delivery mode, domestic / international.

International

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PhD (Management)

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Learn to manage complex projects and develop advanced research skills.

You're viewing program information for local students.

RMIT considers you a local student if you are:

• a citizen or permanent resident of Australia, or
• a New Zealand citizen, or
• a person seeking asylum who holds either a: Temporary Protection Visa (TPV), or Safe Haven Enterprise Visa (SHEV) or Bridging Visa E or Humanitarian Stay (Temporary) visa or Temporary Humanitarian Concern Visa.

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If you are unsure or hold a different visa type, please contact  Study@RMIT for more information.

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You're viewing program information for international students..

RMIT considers you an international student if you are:

• intending to study on a student visa, or
• not a citizen or permanent resident of Australia, or
• not a New Zealand citizen, or
• not a a person seeking asylum who holds either a: Temporary Protection Visa (TPV), or Safe Haven Enterprise Visa (SHEV) or Bridging Visa E or Humanitarian Stay (Temporary) visa or Temporary Humanitarian Concern Visa.

If you are unsure or  hold a different visa type, please contact  Study@RMIT for more information.

Not an international student?

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Research Training Scheme

See admissions

AU$37,440 (2025 annual)

In this PhD program you will develop advanced research skills that will prepare you for a career in academia and other settings in which systematic and critical analytical skills are required.

This PhD degree may be undertaken in a project or thesis mode.

You can specialise in:

• employment relations
• entrepreneurship and innovation
• global business
• organisational behaviour and theory

How you will learn

RMIT's  Swanston Academic Building  is the base for your business research career.

The building's features include:

• interactive lecture and tutorial spaces, lectorial theatres, small-group rooms and
• other innovative spaces to support enterprise formation.
• Formal learning areas interspersed with retail and social spaces and scenic outlooks over the city of Melbourne.
• wireless connection to printers, the web and specialist learning resources
• the College of Business and Law Research and Innovation office
• 5 Star Green Star Rating for Australian Excellence in sustainable design.

The result is a stimulating environment to encourage creative and intellectual activity among a variety of users.

Research in the School of Management

The school offers expertise across a broad range of management related areas and fosters research collaboration both within RMIT and overseas. The School of Management hosts the Centre for People, Organisation and Work.

Research at RMIT

Time spent on research.

Full-time candidates are expected to commit at least four days per week (or at least two days per week for part-time candidates) to their research. The academic year is 48 weeks.

Regular contact with your supervisor

A schedule of meetings with your supervisor/s must be established to assess progress against milestones and timely completion.

Resources, facilities and support

You will have access to the Learning Hub and other online and digital resources through the myRMIT student portal.

You will be part of an active research community and have access to resources and workshops to help you succeed.

College of Business and Law Research and Innovation Office

The Research and Innovation office supports candidates and supervisors in the College of Business and Law and is responsible for coordinating and disseminating information about funding opportunities and research-related activities. Prospective researchers are invited to contact the Research and Innovation office to discuss potential candidature.

School of Graduate Research

The School of Graduate Research works with Schools to further support candidates during their postgraduate research degree.

Guiding the development of the College of Business and Law, both nationally and internationally, is an  Industry Advisory Board  of high-profile executives. The Board creates a strategic bridge between the latest in technology and design thinking and business.

Learning outcomes

The knowledge and skills you will acquire throughout this degree and how they can be applied in your career are described in the  learning outcomes .

Electives and course plan

You will undertake the PhD program under the supervision of two appointed research supervisors.

The PhD program is structured to enable you to:

• Undertake core coursework in research design and methodology
• Receive training in research integrity and ethics
• Complete a thesis/project which demonstrates your contribution to the field and your ability to communicate complex research for peers and the community to an international standard.

Research coursework

Compulsory coursework introduces you to the research program in the College of Business and Law. It helps you explore and discuss how to plan and scope a research project, frame appropriate research questions, write research proposals, and understand different methodologies to conducting and documenting your research. It is taught in large discipline groups enabling peer-to-peer learning with fellow candidates. Elective courses are also available.

Research integrity modules

You are required to complete the online modules:

• Research integrity
• Copyright and intellectual property
• Data management and copyright.

You may need to complete an ethics module to ensure your research is ethical and responsible.

Co-curricular activities

You are encouraged to participate in activities offered by the university, College and School according to your needs and interests.

This PhD may be undertaken in a project, thesis by publication or thesis mode. Prospective candidates should discuss these modes of submission with their potential supervisor/s prior to application.

Course structure

Choose a plan below to find out more about the subjects you will study and the course structure.

*The maximum duration of the PhD program is 4 years full-time and 8 years part-time. However, candidates are expected to complete their program within 3-4 years full-time equivalent and 6-8 years part-time equivalent.

*The maximum duration of the PhD program is 4 years full-time. However, candidates are expected to complete their program within 3-4 years full-time equivalent.

Note: International student visa holders can only study full-time.

Graduates will be able to pursue an academic career in a university or be employed in senior leadership and management positions in government, non-government organisations and corporations.

As a researcher, your mastery of the discipline evidenced through a substantial and rigorous research project and other contributions to your field of specific interest can make a real difference to society.

Entry requirements and admissions

Minimum requirements for admission, prerequisites, selection tasks.

The minimum requirements for admission to a PhD program are:

• A bachelor's degree requiring at least four (4) years of full-time study in a relevant discipline awarded with honours. The degree should include a research component comprised of a thesis, other research projects or research methodology subjects that constitute at least 25% of a full-time academic year (or part-time equivalent). The applicant must have achieved at least a distinction average in the final year.  OR
• A master's degree that includes a research component comprised of at least 25% of a full-time academic year (or part-time equivalent) with an overall distinction average; OR 
• A master's degree without a research component with at least a high distinction average;  OR
• Evidence of appropriate academic qualifications and/or experience that satisfies the Associate Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research Training and Development or nominee that the applicant has developed knowledge of the field of study or cognate field and the potential for research sufficient to undertake the proposed program.

At RMIT a grade of distinction represents academic achievement of 70% or higher and a high distinction is 80% or higher.

If you are a current master by research candidate, you are able to apply for a transfer to a doctor of philosophy program through the process prescribed in the  RMIT Higher Degree by Research policy .

These entrance requirements are the minimum academic standard you must meet in order to be eligible to apply for the program. You will need to complete a selection task as part of your application.

A selection process will be conducted in conjunction with the School and supervisors you nominate.

For further information on the steps you need to take to apply for a research program see  How to apply – Research programs .

English language requirements

Research proposal and supervisor.

You must attach a substantive research proposal that is 2 to 5 pages in length which articulates the intent, significance and originality of the proposed topic using the following headings:

a) title / topic b) research questions to be investigated in the context of existing research/literature in the area c) significance and impact of the research d) methodology / research tasks required to undertake the research e) particular needs (e.g. resources, facilities, fieldwork or equipment that are necessary for your proposed research program, if applicable).

Your application will not be considered if you have not discussed your research topic with a proposed senior and associate supervisor or joint senior supervisors. You must provide the names of the academic staff in the school you have applied to and with whom you have discussed your proposed research.

To study this course you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:

• IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 6.5 (with no individual band below 6.0)
• TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 79 (with minimum of 13 in Reading, 12 in Listening, 18 in Speaking and 21 in Writing)
• Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A)): minimum score of 58 (with no communication band less than 50)
• Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): minimum of 176 with no less than 169 in any component.

For detailed information on English language requirements and other proficiency tests recognised by RMIT, visit  English language requirements and equivalency information .

Don't meet the English language test scores? Complete an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Advanced Plus at  RMIT University Pathways (RMIT UP) .

You can gain entry to this program from a range of RMIT four-year  Bachelor and Honours degrees  or  Postgraduate  or Masters by Research programs.

Fee summary

Fee information for masters by research and doctorate (PhD) programs.

If you are an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or New Zealand citizen you may be eligible for a Research Training Scheme (RTS) place where your tuition costs are funded by the Commonwealth Government under the RTS and you have full exemption from tuition fees.

Acceptance in an RTS place is very competitive and places are granted on the condition that you meet annual progress requirements and complete within the allotted time for your program and your status as a part-time or full-time candidate.

This means a maximum of 2 years for a full-time Masters by Research or 4 years for a PhD (or the equivalent part-time).

Contact the School of Graduate Research for more information.

The  student services and amenities fee (SSAF)  is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.

In addition to the SSAF there may be  other expenses  associated with your program.

Income tax deductions

Candidates may be eligible to apply for income tax deductions for education expenses linked to their employment. See the  Australian Taxation Office (ATO) website  for more information.

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

International applicants

• Fees information  for international candidates looking to study at RMIT's Melbourne campuses.
• PhD  and  masters by research  fees for international candidates studying offshore. 

Other costs

Important fee information.

Find out more details about  how fees are calculated  and the expected annual increase.

Applying for refunds

Find information on how to apply for a  refund  as a continuing international student.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Looking for answers or more general information.

Use our Frequently Asked Questions to learn about the application process and its equity access schemes, find out how to accept or defer your offer or request a leave of absence, discover information about your fees, refunds and scholarships, and explore the various student support and advocacy services, as well as how to find out more about your preferred program, and more.

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RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.

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Management PhD

Program outline.

The Management Discipline Group (MDG) at UTS is one of Australia’s leading Management research group. Students who undertake the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program will have the opportunity to work with a supervisory panel made up of three experienced researchers with expertise in the relevant area of study.

All students enrolled in the program will have to complete three assessment stages.

• Stage 1 is usually undertaken at the end of the first year of study, and involves the presentation of the research proposal and identification of the topic for study.
• Stage 2 assessment is usually undertaken in the 2nd year of study, where students develop the appropriate methodology for their study.
• Stage 3  students are required to submit the completed draft of their thesis for assessment. This provides students with feedback about the suitability of the thesis for external examination.

Structure (potential coursework)

Students joining the PhD program will be required to complete four coursework research subjects that relate to the development of their research proposal, understanding and application of relevant management theories, and research methods.

You may also want to look at some thesis topics of our current research degree students .

Expression of interest

Learn about how to complete your expression of interest, important dates, deadlines and other requested supporting documents.

Note that completing an expression of interest, and providing us with this information before you formally apply to enrol for a Research degree saves significant time where a formal application is deemed unlikely to be successful, and also speeds up the process of application where feedback from the relevant Discipline Group indicates that an application would likely be supported.

UTS acknowledges the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, the Boorooberongal people of the Dharug Nation, the Bidiagal people and the Gamaygal people, upon whose ancestral lands our university stands. We would also like to pay respect to the Elders both past and present, acknowledging them as the traditional custodians of knowledge for these lands.

Graduate Research

Doctoral Program in Business Administration and Analytics

• Arrow-right #1 Business and Economics in Australia
• Arrow-right #8 Globally for graduate employability

Course overview

Offered in the  Department of Business Administration , the Faculty's Doctoral Program in Business Administration and Analytics comprises two direct-entry Doctor of Philosophy streams, each with specific pathway entry requirements:

• Business Administration (requires the equivalent of a 2-year Master of Commerce in the proposed specialisation or area of interest)
• Analytics (requires the equivalent of a 4-year Australian undergraduate Honours degree)

The department leverages its strong connections to industry, award-winning researchers and the expertise of its leadership team to support the studies and professional development of a small cohort of innovative graduate researchers to success. The program is specifically designed for high-achieving applicants with exceptional potential for generating cutting-edge research in  business administration or analytics.

For information on graduate research supervision areas and availability, please visit the Find an Expert site.

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Related study areas

• Business administration
• Business and economics
• Economics, econometrics and analytics

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