PhD in Sport, Business, Psychology and Social Policy 

PROGRAMME OVERVIEW

The PhD programme at the University of Chichester is a research-intensive doctoral programme designed to develop advanced scholars capable of contributing original knowledge to key areas of sport, business, psychology and social policy. Students will be based at Berlin School of Business and Innovation (BSBI). The programme offers personalised supervision by the academic supervisory team of at least two members, rigorous research training, and access to an extensive academic environment. A one-year Doctoral Research Development Course has been developed to support doctoral students at BSBI in building essential research skills.  

Full-time candidates typically submit their thesis within a maximum of four years. Initial key stages include an individualized training needs assessment and achieving approval of the research proposal within three months of registration. Afterwards, candidates must successfully pass a Major Review (typically in the second year), requiring a written dossier of about 15,000–20,000 words. The program culminates in the submission of a thesis, followed by an oral examination. 

Students engage deeply with contemporary challenges, theoretical frameworks, and applied research methods to produce a doctoral thesis that represents a substantial contribution to the existing knowledge. 

WHO IS THIS PROGRAMME FOR

This PhD is suitable for academically qualified individuals with a degree in a suitable subject from an approved university or an equivalent award/range of experience deemed equivalent by the Research Degrees Group. Potential students could be: 
 
Graduates seeking an academic or research-focused career in sport, business, psychology and social policy. 
 
Industry professionals looking to strengthen their analytical and research capabilities. 

Individuals aiming to explore complex organisational, economic, or strategic issues in sport, business, psychology and social policy through high-level research. Practitioners interested in combining professional experience with scholarly inquiry. 

Individuals aiming to explore complex organisational, economic, or strategic issues in sport, business, psychology and social policy through high-level researc

WHAT WILL THE STUDENT EXPERIENCE?

PhD students will experience a one-to-one supervision from the team that includes a supervisor based at BSBI in Berlin or Hamburg and another professor from the University of Chichester. They will be immersed in the collaborative international research environment with opportunities to present at research seminars, doctoral roundtables, and other academic events across both institutions. The students are provided with access to research training and development resources of the University of Chichester. Full-time students are expected to dedicate a minimum of 1650 hours each academic year to their research and training.  

They will also have access to BSBI facilities in Berlin and Hamburg along with digital resources and online platforms provided by the University of Chichester. Therefore, students will experience a supportive doctoral community across both campuses. 

WHAT YOU’LL GAIN FROM THIS PROGRAMME?

In addition to a doctoral degree awarded by the prestigious University of Chichester, students will gain several key skills. 

Students will acquire ability to demonstrate the creation and interpretation of new knowledge through original research. Advanced research skills: detailed understanding of applicable techniques for research and advanced academic enquiry. Systematic Understanding and Conceptual Ability: Deep knowledge of the subject-matter in a chosen research area. The Programme entails professional development in critical thinking, project management, and research ethics. Students are prepared for careers in academia, consultancy, research, or senior leadership roles and acquire strong academic writing and publication skills. 

programme structure

STAGE 1STAGE 2STAGE 3STAGE 4

Admission and Initial Setup

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Register on the PhD program, secure a suitable supervisory team (minimum of two supervisors), and complete an individualized assessment of research training needs. The research proposal and supervisory team must be approved by the Research Degrees Group (RDG). Students should ideally submit within 3 months (full-time), but they must submit it no later than 6 months (full-time).

Active Candidature

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 Pursue the research plan during the minimum candidature period, engage in research skills training, and maintain regular contact with the supervisory team (at least monthly for full-time students). Submit regular progress reports for annual monitoring.

Major Review (Upgrade)

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Required to demonstrate the ability to manage the project and confirm its originality and scope for a PhD award. The student submits a portfolio (typically 15,000–20,000 words). This review must be completed successfully not less than six months before thesis submission.

Nominal Registration

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Transfer to nominal registration once the minimum candidature is complete, the Major Review is passed, and the research is substantially complete (primarily for writing up). This phase is usually limited to twelve months initially.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Academic Profile

• Min age: 21
• Applicants are normally expected to hold  
• a degree with at least upper-second class honours or equivalent in a relevant subject.  
• Alternatively, they may possess a relevant master’s qualification or equivalent.  
• In some cases, a range of professional experience deemed equivalent by the Research Degrees Group may be accepted. 
• Selection procedure includes: 
• References: Submission of two academic references (or professional references if the applicant has been out of higher education for a significant period). 
• Interview: A mandatory interview by at least two appropriately qualified members of staff to assess the candidate’s motivation and potential. 
• Research Office Review: Submission of a formal application form to ensure appropriate resources, facilities, and supervisory arrangements are available. 
• For more information, please refer to the University of Chichester’s Country-Specific Entry Requirement

English Proficiency

• IELTS: 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in each band) or equivalent. TOEFL IBT: 80. Pearson Test of English (PTE): 59. Duolingo English Test: 105+.

online application

You can apply now to study with BSBI! It’s quick and easy, here’s how it works:

• Our Admissions Team will liaise with you with regards to next steps
• Create an account here
• Select the programme and intake you want to apply for
• Complete all sections of the online application
• Submit online application

CAREER PROGRESSION

PhD graduates may pursue careers: 

• In Academia as lecturers, professors and researchers. 

• In industry as researchers or analysts. 

• As consultants or policy advisors. 

• In international organisations such as UN, World Bank, GIZ, WHO, international NGOs. 

As senior leaders in corporate, governmental, or non-profit organisations. 

PhD graduates are research-driven experts skilled in theory development, advanced analytics, and rigorous quantitative and qualitative methods. They contribute original knowledge, publish scholarly work, and pursue careers in academia, consulting, policy, or industry. Graduates will demonstrate: 

• Advanced research skills. 

• Exceptional critical thinking and evidence-based decision-making skills. 

• Expertise in qualitative, quantitative, or mixed-methods research. 

• Strong written and verbal communication skills. 

• Capacity to provide scholarly and organisational leadership and the project management capabilities

Visit the Careers Service

LEARNING OUTCOMES

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