The PhD programme in Management at the Faculty of Management and Business, University of Prešov, is designed to support the continuous advancement of research, teaching, and academic skills throughout the standard duration of 4 years (full-time) or 5 years (part-time). In line with the University’s Study Rules, the study plan includes a well-structured mix of core, elective, and optional courses, ensuring an even distribution of credits and workload appropriate to each stage of doctoral training. This research-focused programme prepares graduates to become top-level specialists with the ability to carry out independent research and engage in complex professional tasks across the fields of management, economics, and marketing. Emphasis is placed on developing innovative thinking, contributing to scientific knowledge, and critically assessing current trends and practices in modern management.

According to the Study Rules of the University of Prešov, the PhD study programme in Management is structured to ensure the progressive development of scientific, pedagogical, and research competences over the standard length of study – 4 years in full-time form (or 5 years part-time). The recommended study plan consists of compulsory, compulsory optional, and optional courses, with a balanced credit distribution and time load corresponding to the specific phase of doctoral education.

Structure of the Study Plan

The study plan includes:

• Compulsory subjects (completed typically within the first two academic years)
• Compulsory optional subjects (student selects 3 out of 9, recommended within Year 2 or Year 3)
• Optional subjects (1 subject, usually selected in relation to the dissertation topic)
• Creative and Pedagogical activities (ongoing throughout the study)
• Dissertation examination and thesis defence (final phase)

Each course is scheduled for 13 weeks per semester, with a direct teaching load between 18 and 22 lessons per week in the early phase.
The programme includes research project preparation, pedagogical practice, and active participation in scientific and publication activities.

Credit System

The PhD study programme in Management is structured according to national doctoral education standards and the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS). The total credit load required for successful completion of the programme is:

• 240 ECTS credits over the standard length of study
  – 4 years (full-time) or 5 years (part-time

Credits are earned through coursework, research, scientific publishing, teaching activities, and the successful defence of the dissertation thesis.

Profile Courses (Core Scientific Focus)

1. Statistics and Methodology of Scientific Research
2. Management and Marketing Management – Theory and Applications
3. Macroeconomics, Microeconomics and Comparison of Economic Theories – Selected Chapters
4. Marketing Management of Intangible Products
5. Financial Management and Investment – Selected Chapters
6. Selected Advanced Methods in Financial and Economic Analysis

Teaching and Learning Methods

The study programme combines theory with real-world application through:

• Lectures, seminars, and supervised consultations
• Project and dissertation-based learning
• Case studies, research workshops, and academic publishing
• Active teaching practice and supervision of Bachelor's theses
• Presentation of research at international conferences and in scientific journals
• Blended learning formats (face-to-face and distance learning) depending on the course structure

Creative and Scientific Activities

Throughout the study, doctoral students engage in:

• Preparation of a research proposal and dissertation examination
• Publication of original research
• Participation in scientific projects and conferences
• Teaching and pedagogical training
• Final dissertation writing and public defence

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Graduates of the PhD programme Management at the Faculty of Management and Business, University of Prešov, are highly qualified experts capable of conducting advanced research and delivering high-level professional activities in economics, management, and marketing. The programme is academically oriented and develops competencies required for innovation, scientific contribution, and critical evaluation of contemporary managerial practices and theories.

Graduates acquire:

• In-depth theoretical knowledge of economic and management principles, financial and marketing strategies, and research methodologies.
• Skills in conducting independent scientific research, including formulating hypotheses, designing and validating research processes, and publishing scientific findings in internationally recognised journals and conferences.
• Competencies in problem-solving, analytical thinking, and decision-making in dynamic and complex environments, as well as the ability to lead research teams or academic institutions.

Graduates are equipped to hold academic positions (e.g., university teachers, researchers), management roles in public and private sectors (e.g., development and HR managers, strategy specialists), and contribute to regional and international development initiatives.

The programme ensures close cooperation with industry through the Expert and Business Board (EPR FMEO), which regularly reviews programme quality in terms of practical relevance and labour market needs.

Graduates typically find employment as:

• University teachers and researchers
• R&D and strategy managers
• Human resources and organisational analysts
• Specialists in corporate strategy, investment, and socio-economic development

The programme's strong link to professional practice, international cooperation, and interdisciplinary education ensures that graduates are not only academically accomplished but also practically competitive in both Slovak and international labour markets.

The basic requirement for admission to doctoral studies is the completion of a second-cycle (Master's level) higher education degree.

Applicants take part in an oral interview conducted by a committee, in line with academic and legal requirements. During the interview, candidates are expected to demonstrate their readiness for doctoral study in the following key areas:

• understanding of scientific research methodology and methods,
• advanced level of English language proficiency,
• solid background in management, marketing, and economics,
• and the ability to present and defend a proposed research project related to their chosen dissertation topic.

Successful performance in these areas is essential for admission and ranking in the selection process.

Admission procedure:

• pay the application fee of €50 (the confirmation of payment must be attached to the application)
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• fill in and submit the application form
• print the application form, sign it and send it to the Faculty address with the required application documents
• Address: Prešovská univerzita v Prešove, Fakulta manažmentu, ekonomiky a obchodu, Konštantínova, 080 01 Prešov, Slovakia

In both cases, the application must be delivered to the Faculty of Management and Business by the given deadline, along with all required documents.

Required documents:

• Completed application form
• Professional CV
• Research proposal for the doctoral dissertation
• List of published and unpublished papers
• Documents demonstrating the applicant's abilities (e.g. proof of courses attended, certificates, language test certificates, etc.)
• Officially verified photocopy of the diploma and certificate of state examination, which must be sent by post or delivered in person to the FMB UP.

Applicants who have completed their 2nd degree studies at a university outside the Slovak Republic (or the Czech Republic) are obliged to deliver also:

• Decision on recognition of equivalence of educational documents (nostrification). Nostrification can be processed at the University of Prešov or another Slovak university offering a related study programme
• Officially translated and by a notary verified documents proving completion of the second degree of higher education: diploma and state examination certificate.
• Apostille – for educational documents issued in states that are parties to the Convention of October 5, 1961, on the Abolition of the Requirement of Higher Authentication for Foreign Public Documents (the Hague Convention);
• Legalisation/super-legalisation—for educational documents issued in states that are not member states of the Hague Convention.
• Proof of payment of the admission fee of 50 EUR (can be uploaded as an attachment to the electronic application form)