PhD in Sport, Business, Psychology and Social Policy
IN Berlin and Hamburg
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.
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.
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.
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.
Accreditations
Berlin School of Business and Innovation, in partnership with the University of Chichester, offers the PhD programme. The University of Chichester is a highly regarded UK institution, recognised for its strong academic performance and teaching excellence.
- Overall ranking: 26th in the Guardian University Guide 2025, rising 12 places and consistently among the top 30 UK universities.
- Business & Management: Ranked 97th in the Guardian University Guide 2025; Marketing ranked 66th by the Complete University Guide 2025.
- Teaching Excellence: Named University of the Year for Teaching Excellence 2026 by the Daily Mail University Guide.
- Student Satisfaction: National Student Survey ranked Chichester 6th in the UK for teaching and 12th overall (out of 131 institutions).
This partnership allows students to benefit from Chichester’s academic excellence while studying in Berlin’s dynamic and diverse learning environment
Top Reasons to Study this Programme
Supportive doctoral community with one-to-one supervision and mentoring from a team of experienced research-active professors.
Access to opportunities, events and BSBI facilities in Berlin and Hamburg.
Access to the resources of the prestigious University of Chichester
Opportunities to participate in conferences, publish research articles, as well as teaching opportunities in BSBI.
Aims and Outcomes
The University of Chichester PhD programme aims to develop advanced scholars contributing original knowledge. The core objective is the creation and interpretation of new knowledge through original research or advanced scholarship, extending the forefront of the discipline and having a quality that should merit academic publication.
Learning outcomes require candidates to demonstrate a systematic acquisition and understanding of a substantial body of knowledge at the academic forefront. Graduates must possess the general ability to conceptualise, design and implement a project for new knowledge generation, employ a detailed understanding of applicable research techniques, make informed judgements on complex issues, and possess transferable skills necessary for employment requiring autonomous initiative.
The School’s admissions process is subject to the Consumer Contracts (Terms and Conditions).
Information on your Right of Withdrawal and our Refund Policy can be found in the BSBI study agreement.
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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
Key facts
- Delivery: BSBI, Berlin or Hamburg Campus
- Location: Berlin or Hamburg, Germany
- Duration: 3 Years Full Time
- Intakes: June, October
- Degree: Doctor of Philosophy
- Price: International/EU/Expat students: € 14,000/year
Fees & Offers
International & EU students Price: €14,000/year
Check our special offers*
*Terms and conditions apply. Find out more here.
Programme Structure
Modules
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).
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.
Minimum age: 21 years old
Academic qualifications:
- 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 language requirements:
IELTS – minimum score of 6.0 / (minimum 5.5 in each component), OR
Person Test of English (Academic) – minimum score of 56 (minimum 51 in each component); OR Equivalent
Exemption conditions from language requirements:
- Applicant has completed a bachelor’s degree in one of the majority English-speaking countries within the last two years.
- Applicant has achieved a bachelor’s degree from a recognised university (according to NARIC), where the Method of Instruction was entirely in English (teaching and assessment).
- Applicant has completed a qualification equivalent to a UK degree in:
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Australia
- the Bahamas
- Barbados
- Belize
- Dominica
- Grenada
- Guyana
- Ireland
- Jamaica
- New Zealand
- St Kitts and Nevis
- St Lucia
- St Vincent and the Grenadines
- Trinidad and Tobago
- UK
- USA
You can apply now to study with BSBI! It’s quick and easy, here’s how it works:
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Edge Student Hub
Finding the perfect place to live while you study is crucial. BSBI has partnered with Edge Student Hub, to provide an accommodation package that ensures you have a comfortable from day one in Germany. Located just 45 minutes from central Berlin, the accommodation provides convenience and ease. Shared rooms start at €599 per month, with single rooms and shared apartments also available. Secure your ideal living arrangement and focus on your studies without any worries.
Bring a Friend and save €500!
If you have a friend who is also planning to study in Berlin, let your Accommodation Advisor know. You can receive a €500 discount on your final month’s rent for a Shared Room*. Please note that your friend must be enrolled at Gisma, BSBI, UE Germany, or Arden Berlin to qualify for this offer.
The Virtual Student Lounge
You’ll also be able to discover more about living and studying in Europe’s start-up capital, Berlin and find out more about the services on offer at BSBI.