The Ph.D. Programme in Management (PMA), organised by the School of Management, is Europe`s largest Ph.D. programme in management. It is distinguished by its strong emphasis on rigorous academic scholarship combined with meaningful, practice-oriented, and transferable research—true to HSG`s guiding principle: from insight to impact. The curriculum offers five areas of specialisation: Accounting, Behavioral Science, Business Innovation, General Management, and Marketing. A success factor of the PMA is the vital connection between academia and the world of practice, where Ph.D. students find an attractive, international learning environment that is relevant to their future research-based careers in academia and industry.
The PhD Programme in Management (PMA) is the largest PhD programme at the University of St.Gallen and provides preparation for a research-based career in academia and industry. Thanks to the broad orientation of the School of Management (SoM), PhD students can choose from among five specialisations: Accounting, Behavioral Science, Business Innovation, General Management, and Marketing.
The PMA is divided into a coursework phase and a research phase, each of which can be individually designed. Each specialisation offers a unique course curriculum providing both the necessary methodological background and in-depth subject knowledge concerning the chosen field of specialisation. In particular, there is an openness in the choice of methodological courses: doctoral students are free to choose from a variety of empirical, i.e. qualitative and quantitative, methodological courses. This conceptual orientation of the PMA is intended to support doctoral students as best as possible in their research projects and to take into account that the respective research question should be the guiding principle for the choice of methodological approach and not the research area alone.
Courses and seminars in Accounting, Behavioral Science, and General Management are offered in English; passive German language skills might be helpful in the general study context. Courses and seminars in Business Innovation and Marketing are offered in German and English.
“Doing my PhD in St. Gallen allowed me to follow my passion - understanding the role of business in the fight against climate change. I still benefit from the incredible international network that I built here, including leaders in academia and industry.”
“The PMA Ph.D. was a journey of deep learning and self-discovery, blending academic rigor with personal growth. It's where curiosity meets impact, and challenges turn into opportunities. An invaluable roller coaster ride I'd gladly take again.”
“During my PMA PhD, I was able to grow personally and as a researcher because I had the freedom to delve into topics that are relevant to me personally, but also to practice, society and the academic discourse. And that's what makes research fun!”
“The Ph.D. Programme in Management gave me the chance to focus on a fascinating topic, supervised by an outstanding mentor and accompanied by great Ph.D. fellows. I believe facing the Ph.D.’s day-to-day challenges prepared me well for any obstacles ahead.”
Full Professor of Accounting
Executive Director Ph.D. Program in Management (PMA)
Executive Director Ph.D. Program in Management (PMA)
Programme Manager
Please send your programme specific questions about the PMA by email to pma@unisg.ch.
If you have any questions about enrollment, dates and deadlines or your Ph.D. studies in genreal, please contact Anna Schlegel from the PhD Office by phone or email.
