University of Otago

What you'll study

The PhD in Management is a research-focused programme in which you will develop and complete an extended piece of original research under the guidance of one or more supervisors from Otago Business School. Rather than a taught programme of modules, the core requirement is a doctoral thesis that demonstrates a substantial contribution to knowledge in a distinct management field. Typical research topics include organisational behaviour and human resource management, strategic management, entrepreneurship and innovation, accounting and finance, marketing, international business, and information systems.

During the programme you will normally:

• Refine and negotiate a research proposal and research plan with your supervisory team;
• Conduct a substantive literature review and develop a clear theoretical and methodological framework;
• Undertake empirical research using qualitative, quantitative or mixed methods appropriate to the question;
• Engage in regular progress reviews and a formal confirmation process to establish candidature;
• Participate in research seminars, doctoral training workshops and activities designed to build publication, teaching and presentation skills;
• Prepare and submit a doctoral thesis for examination and, where required, address examiner feedback.

Research training and support

Although primarily research-led, candidates have access to structured training in research methods, academic writing and publishing, grant writing and teaching development. The Business School and affiliated research centres provide seminar series, working paper outlets and opportunities to collaborate on funding applications and projects.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a relevant postgraduate qualification with a substantial research component — typically a Master’s degree with a research thesis or an honours degree with first-class or high second-class honours — demonstrating strong academic performance and potential for research. You will be expected to submit a clear research proposal, a curriculum vitae, academic transcripts, and the names of academic referees who can attest to your research capability.

Admission depends on the availability of appropriately qualified supervisors with expertise in your proposed area, and on the School’s assessment of the feasibility and originality of your project. International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency according to the University’s standard requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates of the PhD in Management typically pursue careers in:

• Academia — roles such as lecturer, senior lecturer and researcher at universities and business schools;
• Policy and public sector research organisations, contributing evidence-based analysis to policy development;
• Industry research and development, including research roles in large corporations, consultancy firms and professional services;
• Leadership and senior management positions where advanced analytical and research skills support strategic decision-making;
• Independent research and advisory work, including think tanks and non-governmental organisations.

Many candidates also publish journal articles, present at international conferences and develop networks that support long-term research collaborations and funding opportunities.

Why study at University of Otago

The University of Otago offers a well-established Business School with a collegiate research environment and a strong emphasis on supervisor-led doctoral education. Doctoral candidates benefit from access to discipline-specific centres and research groups, regular seminar programmes, and institutional research infrastructure including library collections and research support services.

Otago’s research culture encourages interdisciplinary collaboration across fields such as economics, psychology, health sciences and technology studies, which can enrich management research. The campus and wider Dunedin environment provide a concentrated academic community with opportunities for focused study alongside connections to New Zealand and international research networks. Prospective candidates can discuss potential supervision and research fit with staff before applying, and information about scholarships and funding support is available through the University’s doctoral funding channels.