Executive PhD in Business Management

The Executive PhD in Business Management at EDHEC Business School is a doctoral-level programme designed for experienced executives, senior leaders, entrepreneurs, and consultants who want to go beyond operational expertise and actively shape the future of business through rigorous research, strategic insight, and meaningful impact. Combining the intellectual depth of a Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA)-style journey with the flexibility of a part-time executive format, the programme enables participants to conduct applied management research while continuing their professional careers.

Designed for professionals seeking an executive doctorate in Europe, the programme bridges academic excellence and real-world business transformation. In a world defined by technological disruption, sustainability challenges, geopolitical uncertainty, and evolving business models, participants develop advanced analytical and research capabilities to make evidence-based decisions and drive responsible organisational change. They learn not only to navigate complexity, but also to challenge assumptions, rethink established management models, and generate innovative frameworks capable of creating long-term value and net-positive impact.

Structured over 40 months, the Executive PhD offers a carefully designed progression from foundational research training to full scholarly independence. Through immersive residential sessions in Lille, Paris, and Nice, combined with online supervision, mentoring workshops, research seminars, and doctoral conferences, participants pursue a demanding yet flexible doctoral journey without stepping away from their executive responsibilities. This blended learning structure is specifically designed for working professionals seeking a high-level doctoral programme compatible with an international executive career.

The programme begins by building strong foundations in management research, theory development, and qualitative and quantitative methodologies. Participants learn how to transform complex organisational and strategic challenges into rigorous research questions with both academic and managerial relevance. As the journey progresses, they deepen their expertise through advanced empirical research, specialised methods training, and research projects directly connected to real business environments.

A defining feature of the programme is its highly personalised intellectual journey. Each participant develops an original research agenda aligned with their professional experience, industry expertise, strategic interests, and long-term ambitions. Supported by internationally recognised faculty and dedicated supervisors, participants progressively transform executive experience into rigorous scholarly inquiry capable of generating actionable insights and advancing management knowledge.

The Executive PhD is fully embedded within EDHEC’s multidisciplinary research ecosystem, bringing together expertise across Strategy, Entrepreneurship & Operations; Marketing; Management & Humanities; Accounting, Control & Law; and Data Science, Economics & Finance. Research themes include leadership, artificial intelligence, sustainability, digital transformation, innovation, governance, organisational behaviour, customer experience, financial markets, entrepreneurship, and responsible business models.

Participants benefit from close interaction with world-renowned faculty members, international researchers, and experienced executive peers who contribute diverse perspectives and industry expertise. The programme fosters a collaborative intellectual environment where executives engage in critical reflection, challenge conventional thinking, and develop research capable of influencing both academic debates and managerial practice. Through research forums, mentoring sessions, doctoral conferences, and specialised workshops, participants progressively build the confidence and scholarly independence required to become influential practitioner-researchers.

At the heart of the programme lies the dissertation — a rigorous and meaningful contribution to management research and executive practice. More than an academic requirement, the dissertation is designed as a bridge between scholarship and managerial action. Participants investigate complex organisational, societal, or technological challenges and produce research capable of informing executive decision-making, influencing industries, and shaping the future of business management.

Beyond research expertise, the programme develops a new way of thinking and leading. Participants strengthen their critical thinking, intellectual independence, and ability to navigate uncertainty and complexity in global business environments. They also become part of an international community of executives, scholars, researchers, and industry experts whose diverse perspectives enrich learning and foster long-term professional and intellectual connections.

Ultimately, the Executive PhD in Business Management is designed for leaders who want to become creators of knowledge, drivers of transformation, and influential voices in business and society. It is an opportunity to turn executive experience into research-driven insight, insight into influence, and leadership into enduring impact.

€68,000 excl VAT - €81,600 incl. VAT.

• 1st year: €33,600
• 2nd year: €24,000
• 3rd year: €24,000

June 30th and December 15th

For the Executive PhD in Business Management the following admission requirements apply:

• A Master’s Degree in a business or management-related discipline, MBA, or equivalent qualifications or experience
• Preferably five to ten years of professional experience
• English proficiency test (TOEFL or IELTS) for non-native English speakers or equivalent qualifications or experience
• Abbreviated Research Proposal with a special focus on industry impact

Application process:

1. Application Review: Academic Background, Professional Experience, International Exposure, Research Proposal
2. Application Interview by the Academic Director, in remote and in English
3. Final Decision by the admission board.