Zhejiang University

What you'll study

The PhD in Management is a research-led programme centred on a supervised doctoral thesis, complemented by advanced coursework, seminars and teaching experience. Early in the programme students typically take core research methods courses—quantitative methods, qualitative methods and research design—alongside advanced elective modules in their chosen specialism such as strategic management, organisational behaviour, human resource management, innovation and entrepreneurship, operations and supply chain management, or managerial finance.

Students participate in departmental seminars, workshops and reading groups and are expected to present research at internal and external forums. The programme emphasises methodological rigour and theoretical contribution: candidates move from coursework and comprehensive examinations (where applicable) to a period of supervised independent research culminating in a doctoral dissertation. Teaching or tutoring duties and opportunities to collaborate on faculty projects provide practical experience in pedagogy and applied research.

• Advanced research methods (quantitative and qualitative)
• Research design and academic writing
• Specialist topics: strategy, organisational behaviour, innovation, operations, corporate finance, entrepreneurship
• Seminars, working papers workshops and conference participation
• Thesis research and dissertation defence

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a relevant master’s degree or equivalent with a strong academic record; exceptional candidates with a high-quality bachelor’s degree and significant research experience may also be considered. A clear research proposal that aligns with the expertise of departmental supervisors is essential. Applicants are expected to demonstrate prior training in research methods or evidence of quantitative/qualitative skills appropriate to their proposed project.

Other typical requirements include academic transcripts, letters of recommendation from academic referees, a curriculum vitae, and samples of previous research or publications where available. International applicants will need to meet Zhejiang University’s language requirements for doctoral study; proof of English proficiency may be required for programmes taught or supervised in English, and Chinese proficiency can be important for projects involving fieldwork in China. Shortlisted candidates are usually invited to interview with potential supervisors and the admissions committee.

Career prospects

Graduates of the PhD programme pursue a range of careers. Many enter academic careers as postdoctoral researchers, lecturers and faculty members at universities and business schools. Others move into high-level research roles in industry, think tanks, government agencies and international organisations, where they apply rigorous research skills to strategy, public policy and organisational development.

Additional career paths include management consulting, executive roles in innovation and strategy teams, data science and analytics leadership, and founding or advising start-ups. The programme’s emphasis on research methods and critical thinking also prepares graduates for roles in research-intensive corporate labs and interdisciplinary research centres.

Why study at Zhejiang University

Zhejiang University is one of China’s leading comprehensive research universities with strong links to industrial clusters and an active business community in the Yangtze River Delta. The Management School and related departments offer access to multidisciplinary faculty expertise across management, economics, information systems and engineering, supporting interdisciplinary doctoral projects.

Doctoral students benefit from extensive research infrastructure, including specialised research centres, databases, and partnerships with regional firms and international collaborators. The university’s location provides opportunities for applied fieldwork with private and public sector organisations. Strong support networks for graduate students include mentorship from senior faculty, funding and scholarship schemes, and active seminar and conference programmes that help doctoral researchers build publication records and professional networks.