Program Overview

PhD by Portfolio Programme in Barcelona, Spain

Overview

A PhD by Portfolio/ Published or Creative Work is designed for individuals with an existing portfolio of published work addressing a central research question. A PhD by Portfolio program can be completed within one year. This degree will be awarded to a candidate who has critically investigated an approved topic and demonstrated an understanding of research methods appropriate to the chosen field. A submission for PhD by Published or Creative Work may comprise of academic papers, chapters, and monographs, scholarly editions of texts, creative practice, artefacts, or curatorial production.

Why PhD by Portfolio?

• It is a much quicker way of obtaining a PhD degree; traditional PhD programs take between three and four years from registration to completion whereas you can get a PhD by publication within one year of registration with the University or awarding body, assuming that you enroll on this degree having already published all the papers that you will include in your portfolio of work.
• The shorter duration means that you often will only have to pay for one year of awarding body fee, meaning that this approach is cheaper than a traditional method.
• It’s often possible that you can work any part-time job alongside preparing your publication portfolio for viva examination submission.

Program Structure

• The doctoral degree of Doctor by Publication is awarded by the C3S Business School partner Swiss EduQua approved awarding body after the successful presentation of prior output and a covering document of 60,000 words , and an examination.
• The program has 240 ECTS (European Transfer Credit System).
• Course Units:
  • 3 projects to be completed normally in 1 year, but can be extended.
  • Project 1 – Leadership and Strategic Management
  • Project 2 – Problem-Solving and Decision-Making
  • Project 3 – Specialist Area (Finance, HR, Marketing, Management, Operations, Accounting)
• Each project is worth 80 ECTS credits.
• Flexible program
  • We have intakes throughout the year, unlike typical universities.
  • All of the programs are completely customizable, allowing you to work at your own pace and convenience.

Assessment & Thesis​

• Word length for the PhD thesis varies according to discipline, in our context, it is usually expected to be some 60000 words; it will include substantial published work and an introductory section.
• On completion it will be the subject of an oral examination, in which you will show how you have:
  • critically investigated your area of research; and
  • made an independent and original contribution to knowledge.

Admission Requirements

• Master’s degree or equivalent, preferably in a related field
• IELTS 6.0 / TOEFL 75 (official English exam results) or proof of studying previously in an English-speaking environment for a minimum of 2 years.
• Scanned copy of all required academic diplomas, transcripts and certificates
• Extensive previous business/professional experience
• Photocopy of a valid passport
  ational ID
• Resumé or CV
• Reference letters from a former academic institution or from current employer (if applicable)
• Students will have to receive employer approval to participate in this programme*

Fees

• Application fee: Non-refundable, paid with application : €300
• Tuition Fees: €6,500
• Program Duration: One Academic Year

PhD FAQs

• How to Apply for Phd by Portfolio?
  • You apply with C3S Business School using the standard process required by the awarding body to enroll, in the same way as the traditional route of a PhD.
  • In addition, however, you will be asked to submit a portfolio of your prior publication track record and a supporting statement outlining the work of these existing publications, detailing how they tell a coherent story with the relevant subject area you’re applying to.
• What happens after I’ve applied?
  • Your application will be considered by a College panel, which will assess the quality and the coherence of your publications and your proposal, and if the panel wishes to take your application further, it will invite you to interview, following which you will receive a decision.
• Do you have Supervision?
  • Yes, in the same way that a traditional PhD student will have a primary supervisor to oversee your project.
  • The role of the supervisor will be to help you establish a clear narrative for the theme you’re putting together of your publications, offering critical appraisal where necessary.
• How does Assessment Work?
  • The body of work that you submit will be read and assessed by two examiners that are experts within your subject area of research.
  • This will be followed by the viva examination with the two examiners, in line with the conventional PhD approach.
  • To be awarded this research degree you will need to demonstrate that your work has made an original contribution to furthering the subject knowledge within your field.

Salient Features of the Program

• Fastest route to a PhD, usually taking 12 months or in some cases, less
• Most affordable fee and scholarship/bursaries to deserving scholars
• Modality: 100% Online
• Opportunity to publish in peer-reviewed journals and reputed business publications, attend academic seminars and symposiums
• Be supervised by leading professors and industry captains from across geographies
• Opportunity to incubate, copyright and patent your research
• Use our Placement, Post Graduate Internship, Networking events, Alumni Association, Industry Partnership forums for enhancing your career opportunities

Teaching Methodology

• The main teaching and learning methods at C3S Business School include virtual classroom lectures, live webinars and tutorials, practical learning, projects and learning through research

Requirements of the accelerated PhD program

• Requirements for the accelerated PhD are the same as the normal PhD program with the exception of additional course requirements.
• Post graduate course credits may or may not be counted towards the PhD at the discretion of the Graduate and Research Committee.
• However, Ofqual regulated Level 8 program will get its due consideration for certain credit or coursework exception.

Course and seminar milestone requirements

• Course and seminar requirements are tailored to meet the needs and backgrounds of individual students.
• All students in the PhD program are encouraged to present at least two talks on their current research during their degree program, as well as, attend a minimum of 5 research seminars and a one day research symposium throughout each year of enrolment.
• Normally, the presentation and symposium requirements can be fulfilled through the Annual Graduate Student Conference.
• The seminar requirement can be fulfilled by attending the C3S’s partner seminar organizations or think tank.
• Consideration will be given (in special cases) to attend an alternate research symposium if it is not possible to attend the C3S Annual Graduate Student Conference or the Research School’s annual program.

Selection Process

• Selection is based on applicants meeting the expected entry requirements, assessment of the application, successful interview, and satisfactory reference

How will the PhD program improve my career prospects long term?

• Obviously the answer to this question very much depends on your chosen subject matter.
• Once you’ve worked out what doctoral program you want to follow – you need to work out how this will help your career long term.
• For some PhD courses (i.e, Law) it is obvious that doctorate study can only enhance your career.
• However non-vocational fields of doctorate study (ie 18th century poetry) may be less likely to alter your career path or financially improve your future earning capacity.
• However, intellectually of course, the reward will be just as good.

Why do you want to do a doctoral program?

• The first thing you need to do is consider why it is you want to do a doctoral program.
• If your motivation is dissatisfaction with your current career this may not be ideal for giving you the focus you will need to succeed in your doctorate.
• If, however, you are motivated towards doctorate study because you really want to improve your future career prospects and gaining this qualification will fit in with the bigger picture of your life plan – then great!
• This should help give you the focus and motivation to achieve a successful end result.

What sort of publications can be considered?

• #1 Books
  • Any published book that has been published (by a company, not a self-published work!) is eligible.
  • In some cases, a single book may be sufficient by itself.
• #2 Book Chapters
  • Chapters written for anthologies or collections of essays are suited to being used in your portfolio.
  • However, they are often not sufficient to stand alone, so you would need other works too.
• #3 Research Papers
  • Research papers that have been published in journals or other peer-reviewed sources.
• #4 Technical Reports
  • More for the science side of things – published peer reviewed technical reports are eligible.
• #5 Other Published Media
  • Other published media can be included – things such as scholarly editions of books, or architectural plans – but this will be on a case-by-case basis.
• Often, with shorter works, it is necessary to submit multiple pieces – often five to seven – to complete an entire portfolio.
• However, in some cases, less may be acceptable.
• Each of the works featured in the portfolio must be linked in some manner, and they must be consistent in theme.
• Unrelated works will not be allowed to count towards a PhD by publication.