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The PhD in Management programme at Rennes School of Business integrates doctoral candidates into a highly stimulating interdisciplinary academic environment over a three-year period, exposing them to high-quality, high-impact research in their field of specialisation.
The programme combines specialised coursework and research methods training to enable doctoral candidates to acquire in-depth knowledge in their domain, conduct original, uncharted, and high-impact research, and prepare for a research-driven career of excellence in academia or industry.
Rennes School of Business PhD Students
Degree : PhD in management
Campus : Rennes
Duration : 3 years
Format : Bac +8 and Full-time
Teaching language : English
Any questions about this programmme?
Contact your admissions Advisor.
Christèle Wright
PhD Admissions Advisor
The PhD programme in Management has a standard duration of 36 months for full-time students. It is structured around methodological and specialised courses, as well as a range of formats designed to develop the highest-level academic skills.
Core courses and research methods
Sessions, workshops and seminars
“RSB Expertise” sessions
Annual doctoral workshop
Doctoral candidates present their research work (March/April) for discussion and critical feedback before a panel composed of fellow doctoral candidates and RSB faculty members or external academics. The exchanges and feedback may be used to inform the annual monitoring documents (Annual Progress Review – APR). Participation in the annual workshop and completion of the APR are mandatory for the renewal of enrolment.
Seminars
The Research Lab – CUT organises a series of seminars during teaching periods. Participation in seminars related to doctoral candidates’ research topics is strongly encouraged.
Conferences, conference funding and training funding
Doctoral candidates are encouraged to present their research at national and international conferences. Funding is available to support participation in conferences and research training activities.
Experiential learning approach and assessment methods
Each year, doctoral candidates take part in an Annual Progress Review, a formal evaluation designed to assess the advancement of their research, validate the academic year, and confirm their continuation within the doctoral programme.
At the end of the three‑year cycle, students are required to defend their doctoral thesis before a committee of experts. This defense represents the final stage of the programme and validates the award of the degree.
Programme certification
Institutional degree
Rennes School of Business is committed to a non-discriminatory admissions policy and to actively promoting diversity of profiles.
To be eligible, you must have obtained a “merit” or “distinction” grade in your Master’s degree in management, business administration, or a related discipline (e.g. economics, law), awarded by a recognised university or higher education institution.
Candidates from other academic backgrounds must provide a written justification explaining how their previous academic work or professional experience has prepared them to join one of the specialised research orientations of the research centres.
Proficiency in English is required (native speaker, previous degrees fully taught in English — minimum of three years —, or TOEFL > 80 / IELTS > 6.5 / TOEIC > 800).
How to apply
The School provides information on regional, national, and international grants that enable eligible candidates to reduce their financial burden. Rennes School of Business does not offer scholarships for the PhD programme.
National and international scholarships
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Our triple-accredited school offers an ideal environment for a fulfilling student life.
A PhD in Management opens up a wide range of career opportunities, both academic and professional. Below is a clear and structured overview of possible career paths:
Professor / Lecturer Teaching in fields such as: • strategy • entrepreneurship • organisational behaviour • marketing • finance / management control • human resources
Researcher Conducting research projects, publishing in academic journals, and participating in international conferences.
Postdoctoral position A step that is often required to join highly competitive research institutions.
Academic leadership / management • Programme director • Research centre director • Management of international academic projects
Specialisation / Possible careers Strategy / High-level consulting, corporate strategy Marketing / Customer insights, research analyst, CX design OB–HR / Coaching, HR development, organisational design Entrepreneurship / Incubators, startup support, innovation Finance – Accounting / Financial analyst, risk management, advanced auditing
The Rennes School of Business community is centred around its students. The School is dedicated to student life and well-being on campus. During their studies at RSB, students do not just benefit from an exceptional learning environment, they become part of a unique student experience.
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Rennes School of Business is committed to fighting all forms of discrimination and inequality to give all our students the same opportunities for success.
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Faculty & Research
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