Doctoral Studies
The doctorate is the highest level of academic achievement, symbolizing expertise and a strong commitment to research.
IAE Montpellier supports you throughout this academic journey, offering a stimulating environment, top-tier resources, and access to a network of internationally recognized researchers.
Joining the doctoral program at IAE Montpellier means becoming part of a dynamic community where collaboration between researchers and industry lies at the heart of generating innovative knowledge.
What is a Doctorate?
A doctorate is the highest academic degree. It follows a Master’s degree and typically takes between 3 and 6 years to complete. It is based on the completion of original research, supervised by a thesis advisor, and culminates in the defense of a dissertation known as a “thesis.”
At IAE Montpellier, the doctoral program is built on three fundamental pillars:
Research and Publication
Doctoral students actively contribute to scientific output through articles, conferences, and collaborative projects.
Additional Training
Modules are offered to develop cross-disciplinary skills such as methodology, ethics, and scientific communication.
Career Opportunities
Thanks to partnerships with businesses and the Management & Technologies Chair, doctoral students benefit from concrete opportunities to apply and showcase their expertise in the professional world.
Full-Time or Part-Time?
Depending on your situation and personal constraints, you can pursue your PhD either full-time or part-time. Each option has its own characteristics in terms of duration, workload, and funding. Explore the path that suits you best.
Full-Time PhD
A full-time PhD is funded, allowing the doctoral student to dedicate themselves entirely to their research.
There are several funding sources, the most common being:
Doctoral Contract
This is the most common form of funding. It is awarded through a competitive selection process organized by the university’s doctoral school. The doctoral contract is an official employment contract that provides the PhD student with a salary for a period of 3 to 5 years. It may also include additional responsibilities such as teaching or supervising student projects.
CIFRE Thesis
The CIFRE (Industrial Agreement for Training through Research) scheme allows PhD students to carry out their thesis in collaboration with a company. The doctoral candidate is hired under a private employment contract and receives a salary that is often higher than that of a traditional university doctoral contract. The CIFRE thesis lasts 3 years and provides a strong advantage for professional integration thanks to the hands-on experience gained within the company.
Part-Time PhD
A part-time PhD is typically undertaken without dedicated funding, meaning the doctoral student must often balance their research with professional or personal commitments.
Due to this additional workload, the duration of the thesis is generally longer, often extending up to 6 years.
Have a Question?
Mr. Régis Meissonier
Director of Research at IAE Montpellier
Head of the Master’s Program in Research and Management Studies (REM)
Why Choose a PhD at IAE Montpellier?
Recognized Expertise
With prestigious accreditations such as EFMD MSc and SGS, IAE Montpellier ensures a high standard of quality in its academic programs and research initiatives.
Diverse and Timely Research Topics
PhD candidates explore subjects related to current global challenges, including sustainable management, digital transformation, and innovation management.
Tailored Supervision
You will benefit from close guidance by academic researchers and experts who are leaders in their fields.
A Dynamic Ecosystem
IAE Montpellier is well-connected with companies, academic chairs, and research centers, offering unique opportunities for collaboration.
Join Research Excellence!
Apply now for a PhD at IAE Montpellier and become part of a stimulating academic and professional environment.
Starting Your PhD Journey: Where to Begin?
Academic Prerequisites – The REM Master’s Program
The REM (Research and Management Studies) Master’s is highly recommended for those planning to pursue a PhD, as it provides students with a solid foundation in research methods within the field of management sciences.
It is intended for students who hold a Master 1 and are enrolled in a “professional” Master 2 program in management sciences at a university in Montpellier.
This program prepares you for professional opportunities in the field of research and consultancy.
You will gain essential research methodology skills, including the main techniques for data collection and analysis—key assets for your future thesis.
The REM Master’s also equips you with competencies in designing and managing research projects, making it a valuable stepping stone toward doctoral studies.
Registration Calendar
Publication of thesis topics
Application dossier
Submission of the application
Selection and interview
Funding allocation
Registration and start of the academic year
PhD Registration Process
Preparing the Application Dossier
Visit the website of the Montpellier Doctoral School of Economics and Management (EDEG) to prepare your application dossier.
Make sure to provide all the required documents.
Scientific Review
Your application will be reviewed by the MRM research lab in Montpellier, which will assess its scientific relevance and compliance.
Finalizing Registration
The research and doctoral studies office will organize a meeting to complete your administrative registration.
Validation by the Doctoral School
Once approved by the MRM lab, your dossier will be forwarded to EDEG for official scientific validation.
Montpellier Recherche en Management (MRM) is a research unit primarily overseen by the University of Montpellier, with secondary oversight from the University of Perpignan and AgroParis Tech. As a management laboratory, it is primarily affiliated with the Doctoral School of Economics and Management of Montpellier (EDEG, ED n°231). MRM is the coordinating lab for the LabEx Entreprendre.
The Doctoral School of Economics and Management of Montpellier (EDEG) offers doctoral training in economics and management disciplines in the Occitanie region. Co-accredited by the two Montpellier universities (University of Montpellier and University Paul-Valéry Montpellier), as well as the Montpellier SupAgro School, in partnership with Montpellier Business School, it actively contributes to defining a scientific policy for doctoral studies in economics and management on the Montpellier campus.
Témoignages de doctorants
Pour te parler du doctorat, il n’y aura rien de mieux que d’écouter ceux qui le vivent et ceux qui l’ont vécu ! Alors nous laissons la parole à nos doctorants et à nos anciens doctorants pour te parler de l’aventure du doctorat.
Audrey Portes
Pour moi, le doctorat a été une évidence à la suite de mon master déjà spécialisé en marketing digital.
J’avais vraiment envie de mieux comprendre les comportements des consommateurs dans un environnement en constante mutation. La thèse a été l’opportunité de me spécialiser sur des sujets qui…
Pauline Roques
Financée par un contrat doctoral, ma recherche porte sur la gestion numérique des données personnelles des consommateurs par les marques.
« L’expérience du doctorat me plait car je travaille sur un sujet qui me passionne. J’aime mettre en place les études en interviewant des gens, en mettant en plac…
IAE Montpellier and Research
The research activity at IAE Montpellier is at the core of its values.
It is structured around recognized laboratories, such as MOMA Research, and flagship programs like the Management & Technologies Chair.
You can find a detailed presentation of our research activities and collaborations.
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