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How to apply

If you are interested in pursuing a PhD with the School of Information Systems and Technology Management (UNSW Business), then you will need to receive an Invitation to Apply from the school’s Postgraduate Research Coordinator in charge of Admissions (Dr. Eric Lim).

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.

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About our Higher Degree Research Program

UNSW’s Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Information Systems & Technology Management (Program code 1525) will prepare you to become a globally focused and socially engaged research leader. You’ll join a cohort of high-achieving research students and benefit from interdisciplinary engagement with your cohort. This is your opportunity to become integrated into the UNSW Business School’s community of scholars.

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

You’ll then pursue full-time research under the supervision of high-profile UNSW academics, culminating in a doctoral thesis. There will also be exciting opportunities to develop your teaching portfolio. There will also be exciting opportunities throughout to interact with industry leaders. 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.

Your PhD thesis will showcase your research skills and enable you to make an original contribution to knowledge in your field.

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PhD program structure

Year One: Master of Pre-Doctoral Business Studies (MPDBS)

The first year of study is designed to provide a rigorous foundation to conduct independent research. You’ll learn a range of methodologies and build your communication and presentation skills.

Your first year of coursework study will cover fundamental qualitative and quantitative research methods. You’ll also start developing key research skills such as identifying, framing, presenting, and writing academic contributions. You’ll work as a research assistant on faculty research projects and start working on your own research as your skills develop.

The first year will help you identify your potential thesis supervisor for the PhD component of the program. Upon successful completion of the first year, you’ll be awarded a Master of Pre-Doctoral Business Studies. A brief overview of the first year is presented below.ÌýPlease visit the for full course structure details.

Term 1

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• Stream Core Courses: +

Term 2

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• Stream Core Courses: + Research Assistance Work

Term 3

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• Stream Core Courses: +

Year Two: Specialised Coursework & Identification of Thesis Topic

During the second year, you’ll continue in the Information Systems & Technology Management stream with a further year of advanced coursework.

You’ll choose up to eight additional research courses from a range of electives in consultation with your supervisor and PGRC, with an opportunity to take several courses outside of your specialised discipline to prepare you for interdisciplinary collaborations.

Your second year is also when you’ll identify your thesis topic with your supervisor. You’ll engage in literature review and research design, and present your research proposal to the School at the end of the year.

Years Three – Four: Original Research & Your Doctoral Thesis

The final two years of the program are focused on conducting full-time research and completing your doctoral thesis. This is your opportunity to address some of the biggest challenges in Information Systems & Technology Management and make a significant contribution to knowledge in your field. Your research will offer new critical thinking and withstand critical analysis from expert researchers in the area.