The first year courses consist primarily of a study of the fundamental disciplines and methodologies of the practice and conduct of research in management.
The second year is concerned with further, in-depth study in the student's field of concentration, concluding with a comprehensive field examination.
The third and fourth years are devoted to research and to dissertation preparation in the student's chosen field, culminating in the submission and defense of the dissertation.
Research is regarded as an integral part of a doctoral student's training.
From an early stage, and throughout their doctoral study, students are encouraged to be actively involved in research activities with faculty members.
Students are exposed to research methodology and practice through a close working relationship with members of the faculty. The process enables them to crystallize individual preferences for areas of specialization and to define dissertation topics.
The Instructed Research Practicum (IRP) consists of the student performing research with an INSEAD Faculty member, under the tutoring and supervision of that faculty member, and as part of a specific research project. Each IRP is divided into periods of 16 units each, during which the students will have a workload corresponding to that which would be expected of her/him for one course.
The student receives a grade for each completed IRP. Depending on the field of specialization of the student (see here below), a minimum of four and a maximum of seven periods of 16 units each, with no more than 32 units per period, is required to complete the credit requirements of the program in order to qualify for PhD candidacy.
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