Doctoral School of  Business Administration Sciences

APPLY FROM 20 JULY - UNTIL 19 AUG 

REFUND POLICY

Structure of studies

1)         A person who has prepared individually for the degree awarding may also be admitted to doctoral training, if they have fulfilled the requirements of the comprehensive examination. Upon successful completion of the comprehensive examination, 120 credits are awarded.

(2)       A person may apply for individual preparatory training if they:

1. a) hold a university degree or a master’s degree accepted by the Doctoral School Council (DSC),
2. b) has at least three years of employment experience
3. c) has demonstrated initial scientific research results (e.g. scholarly publications, presentations delivered at domestic and international conferences, higher education teaching notes), and
4. d) has, in part or in full, a documented opportunity to pursue scientific research at their primary place of employment

(3) Upon fulfilment of the provisions set out in paragraph (2), the academic requirements for degree awarding shall, from the commencement of the research and dissertation phase, be identical to those applicable to full-time structured doctoral programme.

The comprehensive exam is the key step for students in individual preparation in the SzEEDS doctoral programme, marking the start of the research and dissertation phase. It assesses the candidate’s knowledge of their field, research methods, and dissertation plan.

Language requirements

• TOEFL 513 / IELTS 5.5 /oral examination, TOEFL IBT test score of 66 (issued in the last two years).
• Certificate of any standardised international English language exam corresponding with Hungarian B2 at the Bachelors level and C1 at Master’s level issued by an accredited language centre/ academic institution.
• In case the student has completed his/her previous level of studies in English, proof can be uploaded about the fact that the language of instruction was English, issued by the institution.
• If the uploaded document(s) do(es) not meet the above-mentioned requirements, the University relies on an online language interview.

Professional requirements

• the extended abstract of your research proposal
• publication list
• certification of a minimum of three years' work experience
• certificate of Master Degree (official translation of documents if necessary)
• certificate of language knowledge (B2 (intermediate) level complex language exam or a certificate of identical language knowledge in one of the following languages: English, German, French, Italian, Russian or Spanish)
• professional CV including work experience and prior education in English
• two academic recommendation letter in English (supervisor-to-be, employer)
• motivational letter in English (programme impacts on career)
• other certificates, diplomas (if any)

Deadline for PhD applications: May 31, 2026

Programme educational objectives

The Doctoral Programme in Business Administration Sciences (SZEEDS^M) is an integral part of the Doctoral School of Regional and Business Administration Sciences of the Széchenyi István University. It was founded and launched in 2016 with a unique feature of a transdisciplinary approach to researching complex social problems. It is the first full-fledged, international doctoral programme in the field of business administration delivered in English. It operates with the participation of home faculty members and international visiting professors and supervisors.

In addition to the traditional business administration approaches, the Doctoral Programme offers transdisciplinary methods corroborating the efficiency of using different, subtle theoretical lenses in developing analyses of diverse phenomena to be understood within an academic research framework.

PEO#1: To develop independent research competencies, including the ability to design, execute, and disseminate scholarly work at an international level.

PEO#2: To foster international and interdisciplinary perspectives, preparing students to engage with global academic communities and complex research problems.

PEO#3: To prepare graduates for impactful careers in academia and professional practice, equipping them with the skills to contribute to innovation, knowledge creation, and societal development.

Student Outcomes

The doctoral programme defines student outcomes as the key competencies and achievements expected from candidates upon completion of their studies. These outcomes reflect the programme’s emphasis on high-quality research, international engagement, and academic excellence. They ensure that graduates are well-prepared to contribute to both scholarly and professional communities.

1. Conduct independent, original research that contributes to the advancement of knowledge in the field.
2. Apply appropriate qualitative and quantitative research methods in the design and execution of scientific investigations.
3. Communicate research findings effectively through academic publications, conference presentations, and professional discourse in an international context.
4. Engage actively in the international academic community, including collaboration with scholars and participation in scientific events.
5. Exhibit critical thinking and problem-solving skills in addressing complex, interdisciplinary research questions.
6. Adhere to high ethical standards in research and professional practice, demonstrating academic integrity and responsibility.

Job opportunities

Graduates of the doctoral programme can pursue a wide range of career opportunities. Many graduates continue in academia as lecturers or researchers, while others take on expert or leadership roles in business organizations, consulting, or the public sector.

Subject matter details:

Please find here the subject list of the programme – ttr link