| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-10-01 | - |
Program Overview
Online Ph.D. in Innovation Management
Program Overview
The Online Ph.D. in Innovation Management offers a structured yet flexible pathway for aspiring scholars to develop their research skills, explore cutting-edge topics, and embark on a fulfilling academic career equipped with the knowledge, expertise, and professional acumen needed to make meaningful contributions to their field.
Key Information
Duration
- Full Time – 3 Years
- Part Time – 5 Years
Languages
- English
Location
- Malta
- Online
Annual Intakes
- October
Format
- Online
Tuition Fee
- €10,200 per year
Program Structure
The proposed online Ph.D. program is a three-year course designed to develop students’ core research skills and broaden their knowledge of Innovation Management before embarking on the Ph.D. dissertation. In addition to traditional research methods modules, first-year Ph.D. students will take a required module in Research in Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management and one of the elective modules: either Knowledge Management in Learning Organizations or Artificial Intelligence and the Future. These modules are designed to give students further ideas for their research by exposing them to the most current research agenda.
Year 1
- Term 1:
- Methodology of Research
- Research in Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management
- Term 2:
- Qualitative Research Methods
- Quantitative Research Methods
- Term 3:
- Elective – Knowledge Management in Learning Organizations
- Designing a Research Proposal: Supervised Module
- Term 4:
- Elective – Artificial Intelligence and the Future
- Designing a Research Proposal: Supervised Module
Year 2
- Term 1:
- Ph.D. Dissertation
- Term 2:
- Ph.D. Dissertation
- Progress Report I
- Term 3:
- Ph.D. Dissertation
- Term 4:
- Ph.D. Dissertation
- Progress Report II
Year 3
- Term 1:
- Ph.D. Dissertation Draft Part I
- Term 2:
- Ph.D. Dissertation Draft Part II
- Term 3:
- Ph.D. Dissertation Final Draft
- Ph.D. Dissertation Pre-Defence
- Term 4:
- Ph.D. Dissertation Submission and Final Defence
Qualification
- Higher Education Program: Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Innovation Management
- Accreditation Status: An officially recognized qualification awarded by GBSB Global Business School, licensed as a Higher Education Institution by the Malta Further & Higher Education Authority (License number: )
- MQF/EQF Level: MFHEA deems this qualification to be at Level 8 of the Malta Qualifications Framework and the European Qualifications Framework for Lifelong Learning
Career Prospects
Ph.D. in Innovation Management holders can work in and outside academia and can secure jobs in various sectors of the economy.
- Academia, research, teaching and other professional roles in higher education
- Public sector, including government and regulatory/policy-making bodies
- Finance, business, and technology
- Industry and manufacturing
- Creative economy and entrepreneurship
Admissions Information
Academic Qualifications
- European Master’s degree or a recognised equivalent at EQF/MQF Level 7
- A foreign degree from outside the EHEA equivalent to EQF/MQF Level 7
Research Proposal
- An initial 2000-word research proposal outlining the research theme, aim and objectives, possible gap/s and proposed research methodology
Personal Statement
- A Personal Statement of words outlining applicants’ individual competences and strengths and providing their reflections regarding the expectations and value of the programme as well as to their personal advancement and career development
English Language Proficiency
- Native English speaker
- TOEFL – Minimum score: 232 (computer-based), 90 (internet-based), or 576 (paper-based)
- IELTS – Minimum score: 6.5
- Cambridge ESOL – Level 1
- Cambridge CPE and CAE – Minimum score: 176
- Duolingo English Test (DET) – Minimum score: 120
- Pearson Test of English (PTE) – Minimum score: 61
- English as the language of instruction during previous studies in the formal educational system
Application Process
- Contact the Admissions Office by filling out an online request form or by speaking with an agency representative
- An admissions officer will schedule an interview with you
- Send the documentation required by the chosen Program
- Enroll and confirm your place
Tuition Fees
- €10,200 per year
- GBSB Global alumni will receive a 20% scholarship (max one in a cohort)
- GBSB Global faculty and staff will receive 30% scholarship (max one in a cohort)
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Online Ph.D. in Innovation Management offers a structured yet flexible pathway for aspiring scholars to develop their research skills, explore cutting-edge topics, and embark on a fulfilling academic career. The program equips students with the knowledge, expertise, and professional acumen needed to make meaningful contributions to their field. The aim is to attract well-qualified students and provide them the opportunity to conduct focused research in Innovation Management under supervision and guidance in areas such as digital businesses, artificial intelligence, knowledge management, entrepreneurship, and technology innovation management. The program brings together practitioners and professionals from diverse backgrounds to research innovation in an academic context. The program is a three-year (full-time) or five-year (part-time) course.
Outline:
The online Ph.D. program is a three-year course designed to develop students’ core research skills and broaden their knowledge of Innovation Management before embarking on the Ph.D. dissertation.
Year 1:
- Term 1: Methodology of Research; Research in Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management
- Term 2: Qualitative Research Methods; Quantitative Research Methods
- Term 3: Elective – Knowledge Management in Learning Organizations; Designing a Research Proposal: Supervised Module
- Term 4: Elective – Artificial Intelligence and the Future; Designing a Research Proposal: Supervised Module
Year 2:
- Term 1: Ph.D. Dissertation
- Term 2: Ph.D. Dissertation; Progress Report I
- Term 3: Ph.D. Dissertation
- Term 4: Ph.D. Dissertation; Progress Report II
Year 3:
- Term 1: Ph.D. Dissertation Draft Part I
- Term 2: Ph.D. Dissertation Draft Part II
- Term 3: Ph.D. Dissertation Final Draft; Ph.D. Dissertation Pre-Defence
- Term 4: Ph.D. Dissertation Submission and Final Defence During the remaining two years (Years 2 and 3), students are engaged in research, data collection and analysis, and the design and writing of their dissertation. The program aims to help students acquire research skills and essential competencies for an academic career, including networking, public presentation of research, and publication in peer-reviewed journals. By the end of Year 2, students are expected to report on their progress in research and professional development, including conference and workshop participation. In Year 3, students are expected to submit at least one scholarly article for publication before their dissertation pre-defense.
Careers:
Ph.D. in Innovation Management graduates can work in and outside academia, securing jobs in various sectors:
- Academia, research, teaching, and other professional roles in higher education
- Public sector, including government and regulatory/policy-making bodies
- Finance, business, and technology
- Industry and manufacturing
- Creative economy and entrepreneurship Graduates will be attractive candidates for positions in private and public innovation research centers, technology innovation centers, and entrepreneurship centers worldwide.
Other:
The program is offered online and is taught in English. Annual intakes are in October. The program is officially recognized and awarded by GBSB Global Business School, licensed by the Malta Further & Higher Education Authority (License number: 2020-012). GBSB Global alumni receive a 20% scholarship (maximum one per cohort), and GBSB Global faculty and staff receive a 30% scholarship (maximum one per cohort). Testimonials from past students, Elie Sarkis and Ulrica Burden, are available.
€10,200 per year
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Global Recognition & Rankings
- QS Stars Rating: 5 Stars for Teaching, Employability, Online Learning, and Inclusiveness
- CEO Magazine Global MBA Rankings 2025: Tier One
- Forbes España 2024: #1 in Executive and Top Management Programs
- El Mundo & Financial Magazine 2024: Programs listed among the Top 5 in Spain
- Microsoft Showcase School: First business school recognized for its digital learning environment
Accreditations & Memberships
- ACBSP: Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (USA)
- ASIC: Accreditation Service for International Schools, Colleges, and Universities (UK)
- MFHEA: Malta Further & Higher Education Authority
- Generalitat de Catalunya: Department of Education (Spain)
- Comunidad de Madrid: Department of Education, Science, and Universities (Spain)
- AACSB: Member of the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
- BGA: Member of the Business Graduates Association
Entry Requirements:
To apply for the Online Ph.D. in Innovation Management at GBSB Global Business School, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Academic Qualifications: A European Master’s degree or a recognized equivalent at EQF/MQF Level 7 OR a foreign degree from outside the EHEA equivalent to EQF/MQF Level 7.
- Research Proposal: A 2000-word research proposal outlining the research theme, aim and objectives, possible gap/s, and proposed research methodology.
- Personal Statement: A 500-1000-word personal statement outlining the applicant's individual competences and strengths, and providing reflections on the program's expected value to their personal advancement and career development.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
Applicants must provide proof of English language proficiency. Acceptable evidence includes:
- Being a native English speaker.
- TOEFL: Minimum score: 232 (computer-based), 90 (internet-based), or 576 (paper-based).
- IELTS: Minimum score: 6.5.
- Cambridge ESOL: Level 1.
- Cambridge CPE and CAE: Minimum score: 176.
- Duolingo English Test (DET): Minimum score: 120.
- Pearson Test of English (PTE): Minimum score: 61.
- English as the language of instruction during previous studies (at least one year of classes taught in English). Note that taking English language classes alone is insufficient.
- Passing the internal English proficiency test at GBSB Global.
