PhD in Finance

Program Overview

The EDHEC PhD in Finance is a research-oriented program designed to train participants to become leaders in the financial industry. It combines critical thinking, field expertise, and analytical and research skills to drive innovation and thought leadership. The program is taught by international scholars and offers a flexible schedule to accommodate professionals worldwide. Graduates have pursued diverse careers in academia, industry, and entrepreneurship.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The EDHEC PhD in Finance is a research-oriented program designed to train participants to become architects of the financial industry. The program is offered in two tracks: a residential track for young professionals aiming for part-time teaching positions at EDHEC, and an executive track for high-level practitioners who maintain full-time employment. The executive track serves as a development step towards senior positions or to enhance leadership skills in existing roles. It can also lead to a career shift into academia. The program emphasizes a strong market finance orientation, recognizing the financial industry's vital role in the global economy and its rapid evolution. The program's objective is to develop professionals who can combine critical thinking, field expertise, and analytical and research skills to drive innovation and thought leadership within the industry. The program is designed to be completed in three years, with the possibility of extending to five years if needed. EDHEC Business School believes academic research is crucial for innovation and professional standards, and the PhD in Finance embodies this belief. The program is taught by international scholars with significant contributions to financial economics, impacting theory and practice through research, consulting, and executive education. The program is offered in Europe, specifically from EDHEC's campuses in London and Nice. The program has produced 40 PhD graduates, resulting in over 25 publications in top academic journals and professional reviews. Graduates have pursued careers in academia, started their own companies, changed jobs, received promotions, and some even teach at the Master's level. The program is designed to meet international academic standards and is covered by AACSB and Equis accreditations. While it mentions core courses, electives, research workshops, and a dissertation, it lacks specifics on individual modules or their content.

Teaching:

The program is taught by an exceptional team of international scholars from top research institutions worldwide, including Princeton, Wharton, Oxford, Imperial College London, Chicago, Caltech, and the London School of Economics. The faculty comprises world-class specialists in finance, risk and investment management, and economic and financial modeling. They have a strong publication record in leading financial economics journals and extensive experience in PhD candidate supervision. The program balances methodological and conceptual development. The first year covers foundational topics at the PhD level, while subsequent years offer advanced seminars taught by leading scholars in various fields like econometrics, behavioral finance, asset pricing, and corporate finance. The program structure, with concentrated core courses and elective seminars during residential weeks, online research workshops, and adaptable dissertation supervision, fosters a collaborative learning environment.

Careers:

Graduates of the EDHEC PhD in Finance program have pursued diverse career paths. Some have entered academia, while others have started their own companies. Many have experienced job changes or promotions within the financial industry. Some graduates even teach at the Master's level. The program aims to equip professionals with the skills to advance knowledge and practices in the financial industry, making them valuable assets to sponsoring organizations. The enhanced critical thinking, analytical, and research skills gained through doctoral studies are considered highly valuable.

Other:

The EDHEC PhD in Finance program has been offered since 2008. It is a three-year program (with a possible two-year extension) designed to minimize residency requirements, allowing professionals worldwide to participate without career interruption. The program typically enrolls over sixty participants from around thirty countries. The program is partnered with several academic conferences, including The European Conference on Household Finance, The Adam Smith Workshop, and The Annual Private Markets Research Conference. Since January 2023, EDHEC has been a member of INQUIRE EUROPE. The program is described as "super challenging" academically, intellectually, and practically, requiring participants to balance their jobs, families, and the demanding program. The program's faculty fosters a collaborative research approach, providing opportunities to interact with academics and experts. Alumni testimonials and PhD theses are available online. The program is considered a life-changing investment, offering opportunities to hone research expertise and shape the future of the financial industry.