DOCTORAL SCHOOL

Doctoral School

Level
Doctoral School
Duration
4 years
Language
EN
Mode
Full-time

About the programme

The goal of the studies

We expect those completing the PhD programme to be able to: 

  • analyse and formulate relevant research questions aimed to make a significant contribution to their respective fields of research.     
  • conceptualise and implement research designs and methodologies that make it possible to push the boundaries of knowledge in their respective research fields 
  • communicate orally and in writing effectively and clearly, participate actively in international conferences, collaborate in international research groups, and publish in top journals 
  • hold positions in leading academic and research institutions, conduct research, development, and innovation projects in various organisations outside the academic environment 

Applicants

Applicants must have an interest in research in addition to excellent academic transcripts. The programme is open to graduates of various disciplines (including e.g. management, finance, economics, law, engineering, psychology, and other related disciplines), who aspire to make significant theoretical and methodological contributions to the development of the field of social sciences through their scientific and research activity.

Target audience

We are looking for early-stage professionals who have a passion for research and an ambition to become leading researchers in the field of social and legal sciences.

We expect those completing the PhD programme to be able to: 

  • analyse and formulate relevant research questions aimed to make a significant contribution to their respective fields of science     
  • conceptualise and implement research designs and methodologies that make it possible to push the boundaries of knowledge in their respective research fields 
  • communicate orally and in writing effectively and clearly, participate actively in international conferences, collaborate in international research groups, and publish in top journals 
  • hold positions in leading academic and research institutions or conduct research, development, and innovation projects in various organisations outside the academic environment 

The perfect applicant deciding to pursue doctoral studies at Kozminski University: 

  • is ambitious;   
  • aspires to pursue a career in research in the field of social sciences;  
  • is able to analyse complex problems and issues;   
  • is highly proficient in English;  
  • has a documented record of excellent study results achieved in the past;   
  • holds a master’s degree in the field of social sciences, legal sciences or in a related discipline; 
info

Learn more about the doctoral school, our students and supervisors

Highlights

WE OFFER:

  • Courses taught by internationally acclaimed faculty;
  • An inspiring, creative, challenging, and supportive environment that stimulates its members to explore issues that matter to them;
  • An atmosphere of collegiality and mutual support;
  • An opportunity to engage at deep levels of research, a chance to create, question, and reflect on knowledge.

Program

Highlights

The standard duration of doctoral studies is four years. In the first two years, doctoral students are required to complete their scientific-methodical courses. Years 3 and 4 focus mainly on writing the doctoral dissertation. The course of study ends with a “defence” of the dissertation. In the course of study, doctoral students gain experience in the area of conducting research and disseminating its results as well as planning, implementing, and applying for funds for research projects - everything under the supervision of experienced researchers.

Those doctoral students who find the researching and teaching activities of KU’s faculty members highly relevant to their interests are given four years to conduct a personal research project from start to end. These four years are an opportunity for them to prepare for their future entry into the world of international academia by means of publishing activity and through participation in scientific conferences. 

KU doctoral school has two processes in place aimed to monitor students’ progress: 

  • Research Seminars: each of the doctoral students presents their progress in their research at least once per year. The objective is not to evaluate the work performed but to help the student in their research orientation. This workshop-type meeting brings together doctoral students, dissertation supervisors, the programme director, and other faculty members from KU or from outside KU, selected in accordance with the subject of the dissertation. 
  • Annual Assessment: each of the doctoral students presents and discusses the results of their activity (progress made in their independent research project, dissemination of research results, involvement in research projects, etc.) and their plans for the following year. The objective is to review the work performed in a given year and to prepare a plan for the year to follow. Participants include: the supervisor of the dissertation, the programme director, and - possibly - other faculty members from KU or from outside KU. It takes place in June. 

Class Schedule

The main goal of the PhD programme is to help its participants acquire and develop the skills required in the practice of a researcher and of an academic teacher. Doctoral students also work on their dissertations - research project of great significance and of the utmost quality. Apart from the dissertation element, doctoral studies include also a general and thorough research training, a chance to explore a chosen specialization, and a teaching training module.

Doctoral School Director

prof. dr hab. Tomasz Olejniczak

Do you wish to become a researcher prepared to work at the world’s best universities? Are you looking for a rigorous PhD programme run by one of the best research institutions/business schools in Central Europe? If so, Kozminski University’s full-time PhD programme in social and legal sciences is the programme for you.  

Taking part in the doctoral programme at Kozminski University offers a chance for high-calibre researchers exploring disciplines such as management, economy, finance, or law to to work closely with academics at the forefront of their respective fields, to become part of a vibrant research community, and to benefit from the resources and reputation of the university. 

The doctoral programme at Kozminski University provides a rigorous framework of training modules and courses that cover a wide range of topics and research methods. The curriculum involves also working closely with dissertation supervisors. Kozminski University is a relatively young school but it is also a research centre whose list of achievements in different scientific disciplines is already very impressive. 

The PhD programme is an opportunity for doctoral students to get prepared to enter the world of international academia by taking part in scientific projects and industry-specific events as well as by means of their publishing activity. 

Admission

We attach great significance to three criteria: your prior academic background; the relevance of your proposed research problem; the fitness of your proposal for the overall research activity of our faculty.

Applicants to the Kozminski University PhD program must hold a master’s degree or equivalent and need to have documented proficiency in the English language.

1. The list of potential supervisor:

2. The list of potential auxiliary supervisor:

1. Deadlines 

  • Official call publishing – February 2024 
  • Application opening date – 25 June 2024 
  • Application closing date – 2 July 2024 
  • PhD admission results (ranking for interviews) – 8-16 July 2024
  • PhD admission results – 22 July 2024

2. Financial Conditions 

Doctoral school funded by the Ministry of Education and Science 

3. Requirements 

Applications can be submitted by candidates of any citizenship who: 

a) have completed or are completing their graduate (master) degree  (e.g. level 7 European Qualification Framework) recognized by the Admission Board, 

b) have at least a “proven” C1 (CEFR) level of competence in English - Date of the exam: not before  October 31, 2020, 

c) have a confirmation of support from a potential supervisor (among KU faculty), 

d) self-declare that the candidate if committed to a full time Ph.D. programme. 

e) have at least a “proven” B2 (CEFR) level of competence in English - Date of the exam: not before  October 31, 2020. The minimum score corresponding to the level B2: 

  • International Certificate: FCE, CAE, CPE, BEC Vantage, BEC Higher – more then 173 points, 
  • International Certificate: IELTS – average 6.5; no part lower than 5, 
  • International Certificate: TOEFL iBT – 84 points. 

But if you don't have an internationally recognized certificate, you will have to self-declare: 

  • you are a native speaker of English, 
  • you have attended a university program in English. 

4. Selection Criteria 

We attach great significance to three criteria: your prior academic background; the relevance of your proposed research problem; the fitness of your proposal for the overall research activity of our faculty. 

The first step assessment is based on a candidate’s: 

  • personal curriculum;  
  • academic records;  
  • research proposal; 
  • statement of purpose;  
  • international graduate admission tests scores (GMAT or GRE); 
  • up to three reference letters; 
  • other relevant documents (maximum five). 

The qualifications assessment criteria are as follows:

  • a maximum of 40 points for the applicant’s curriculum vitae and academic records;
  • a maximum of 10 points for GMAT/GRE;
  • a maximum of 30 points for statement of purpose, research proposal and reference letters;
  • a maximum of 10 points for other relevant elements;
  • a maximum of 10 points for the interview.

The purpose of the interview is to better assess applicants’ qualifications; discuss their research proposal (relevance, international approach, issues involved) and their publications, if any; test their aptitude for the program; ascertain their proficiency in English and other foreign languages (when only self-certified), and ascertain their competence in a subject of their choice, which is part of the PhD curriculum.

A minimum of 65 total points is required to be eligible for admission to all the above PhD programs. 

After completing the interviews, the Admission Board will rank the applicants 

5. Documents for Selection 

A wide range of information is needed in order to assess the applicants' strengths and potential for academic success. In particular, the following elements are considered: 

  • Application (appendix 1), 
  • Application form (appendix 2), 
  • A confirmation of support from a potential supervisor (among KU faculty) (appendix 3), 
  • Personal curriculum: full CV: education, work experience, language skills, study/work abroad, other relevant skills and experiences, 
  • Academic records: transcript of exams and certification of undergraduate and graduate degrees awarded and final grade (if any); if the graduate program has not been completed , an enrollment document with the full study plan, the exams taken and the grades achieved, 
  • Statement of purpose:  short description (max 1200 words) of your motivation for enrollment in Koźmiński University PhD program and of your professional goals, 
  • Reference letters: up to three reference letters send directly to KU by referees. Referees can be academic (first best) or non-academic (second best) (appendix 4), 
  • Research proposal: detailed description of research proposal (appendix 5), 
  • International Graduate Admission Tests scores:  the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) or Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) with date and results. IMPORTANT: date of the test: not before 1 October 2017; GMAT/GRE score reports must be submitted by the candidates in the application procedure: score reports sent to Kozminski University by GMAC Customer Service (GMAT) and ETS (GRE) are not accepted; 
  • Other relevant documents (maximum five): e.g. publications, other programs attended, etc. 
  • Documentary evidence of English language competence, 
  • Self-declare that the candidate if committed to a full time Ph.D. programme, 
  • Copy of the national ID or a passport, 
  • Proof of payment of the admission fee (non-refundable). 

6. Application Procedure 

Candidates submit their recruitment documents between 25 June and 2 July 2024. 

The documents can be sent by email to: phd@kozminski.edu.pl, traditional post or leave in A-011 room. 

This deadline is not negotiable.

7. Results: Communication Procedure 

Applicants are ranked according to merit. 

Final ranking: 

  • by 22 July 2024 you will be sent a personal e-mail to the address provided in which information about the final outcome of the application will be found. 

8. Financial Matters 

Admission fee: 200 pln/46,72EUR (Exchange rates according to NBP table of 2024-04-08)     

Doctoral school funded by the Ministry of Education and Science 

Scholarship per month – 3466,90 pln/809,93 EUR Exchange rates according to NBP table of 2024-04-08)

9. Full Official Call 

Please carefully read the Full Official Call in order to get detailed information about the set of rules and guidelines to apply for the PhD you are interested in. 

More information

 

1. Deadlines 

  • Official call publishing – February 2024 
  • Application opening date – 25 June 2024 
  • Application closing date – 2 July 2024 
  • PhD admission results (ranking for interviews) – 8-16 July 2024
  • PhD admission results – 22 July 2024

2. Financial Conditions 

Doctoral school funded by the Ministry of Education and Science 

3. Requirements 

Applications can be submitted by candidates of any citizenship who: 

a) have completed or are completing their graduate (master) degree  (e.g. level 7 European Qualification Framework) recognized by the Admission Board, 

b) have at least a “proven” C1 (CEFR) level of competence in English - Date of the exam: not before  October 31, 2020, 

c) have a confirmation of support from a potential supervisor (among KU faculty), 

d) self-declare that the candidate if committed to a full time Ph.D. programme. 

e) have at least a “proven” B2 (CEFR) level of competence in English - Date of the exam: not before  October 31, 2020. The minimum score corresponding to the level B2: 

  • International Certificate: FCE, CAE, CPE, BEC Vantage, BEC Higher – more then 173 points, 
  • International Certificate: IELTS – average 6.5; no part lower than 5, 
  • International Certificate: TOEFL iBT – 84 points. 

But if you don't have an internationally recognized certificate, you will have to self-declare: 

  • you are a native speaker of English, 
  • you have attended a university program in English. 

4. Selection Criteria 

We attach great significance to three criteria: your prior academic background; the relevance of your proposed research problem; the fitness of your proposal for the overall research activity of our faculty. 

The first step assessment is based on a candidate’s: 

  • personal curriculum;  
  • academic records;  
  • research proposal; 
  • statement of purpose;  
  • up to three reference letters; 
  • other relevant documents (maximum five). 

The qualifications assessment criteria are as follows: 

  • a maximum of 40 points for the applicant’s curriculum vita, academic records and thesis' abstract; 
  • a maximum of 30 points for statement of purpose, research proposal and reference letters; 
  • a maximum of 10 points for other relevant elements. 

The second step assessment is based on the interview, whose maximum score is 20 points. 

The Admission Board will interview applicants who have obtained at least 60 points in the qualifications assessment. An applicant will be eligible for admission to the PhD program if he or she has obtained at least 60 points in the qualifications assessment and at least 15 points out of 20 in the interview. 

Interviews may be held by communications technology which does not require the physical presence of the applicant. 

The purpose of the interview is to better assess applicants’ qualifications; discuss their research proposal (relevance, international approach, issues involved) and their publications, if any; test their aptitude for the program; ascertain their proficiency in English and other foreign languages (when only self-certified), and ascertain their competence in a subject of their choice, which is part of the PhD curriculum. 

5. Documents for Selection 

A wide range of information is needed in order to assess the applicants' strengths and potential for academic success. In particular, the following elements are considered: 

  • Application (appendix 1), 
  • Application form (appendix 2), 
  • A confirmation of support from a potential supervisor (among KU faculty) (appendix 3), 
  • Personal curriculum: full CV: education, work experience, language skills, study/work abroad, other relevant skills and experiences, 
  • Academic records: transcript of exams and certification of undergraduate and graduate degrees awarded and final grade (if any); if the graduate program has not been completed , an enrollment document with the full study plan, the exams taken and the grades achieved, 
  • Statement of purpose:  short description (max 1200 words) of your motivation for enrollment in Koźmiński University PhD program and of your professional goals, 
  • Reference letters: up to three reference letters send directly to KU by referees. Referees can be academic (first best) or non-academic (second best) (appendix 4), 
  • Research proposal: detailed description of research proposal (appendix 5), 
  • Abstract of the thesis only if included in your graduate program (maximum length: one page); 
  • Other relevant documents (maximum five): e.g. publications, other programs attended, etc. 
  • Documentary evidence of English language competence, 
  • Self-declare that the candidate if committed to a full time Ph.D. programme, 
  • Copy of the national ID or a passport, 
  • Proof of payment of the admission fee (non-refundable). 

6. Application Procedure 

Candidates submit their recruitment documents between 25 June and 2 July 2024. 

The documents can be sent by email to: phd@kozminski.edu.pl, traditional post or leave in A7a room. 

This deadline is not negotiable. 

7. Results: Communication Procedure 

Applicants are ranked according to merit. 

Final ranking: 

  • by 22 July 2024 you will be sent a personal e-mail to the address provided in which information about the final outcome of the application will be found. 

8. Financial Matters 

Admission fee: 200 pln/46,72EUR (Exchange rates according to NBP table of 2024-04-08)

Doctoral school funded by the Ministry of Education and Science 

Scholarship per month – 3466,90 pln/809,93 EUR Exchange rates according to NBP table of 2024-04-08)

9. Full Official Call 

Please carefully read the Full Official Call in order to get detailed information about the set of rules and guidelines to apply for the PhD you are interested in.

More information

Rafał Dobosz
You’re most welcome to get in touch if you have any questions regarding our Doctoral School
Rafał Dobosz

Fees

Enrolment fee: 200 pln/46,72EUR (Exchange rates according to NBP table of 2024-04-08)

Bank account to which you can pay the registration fee:   Kozminski University    03-301 Warsaw,  ul. Jagiellońska 57/59    BANK PEKAO SA in Warsaw 20 1240 1024 1111 0010 1646 0637 SWIFT: PKOPPLPW Title: Doctoral School + full name

Program is free of charge na Doctoral school funded by the Ministry of Education and Science

Scholarship per month – 3466,90 pln/809,93 EUR Exchange rates according to NBP table of 2024-04-08)