PhD FINANCE

Christ Temple Campus

4 Years

The PhD in Finance programme at Central University is positioned as a strategic investment in Ghana’s sustainable development agenda. Designed for an era of globalization, technological change, and the pursuit of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the programme equips highly skilled researchers and policy influencers to navigate complex financial systems and support evidence-based national decision-making.

The programme emphasizes both original and applied research, encouraging candidates to move beyond theory to address real-world challenges in financial management. A key strength is its innovative international mentorship model, which draws on experienced academics from Africa, Australia, Europe, and North America to provide guidance, collaboration opportunities, and professional development through conferences, journals, and research training.

PhD candidates are required to publish at least two peer-reviewed journal articles before graduation, reinforcing CU’s commitment to research excellence and academic visibility. The programme also maintains structured thesis guidelines to ensure quality and consistency, while allowing flexibility for innovative methodologies.

The CU PhD in Finance stands out for its strong focus on applied research, international collaboration, rigorous publication standards, and its preparation of graduates to make meaningful contributions to academia, policy, and the financial sector.

Key Objectives

The objectives of the CU PhD in Finance Programme are to:

• Acquire factual knowledge of specific contemporary terminologies, trends, conventions, and classification of universal axioms in Finance and Economics.
• Explain the theoretical underpinnings and methodological bases of finance and economics. This helps to translate and apply theories in finance and economics into practical real-world occurrences that secure sustainable development and economic growth paths.
• Apply relevant theoretical knowledge to solving contemporary financial problems through the application of effective planning, efficient, and strategic financial and economic decisions. This goes to aid the acquisition and utilization of knowledge in behavioral policy and strategic issues to improve the effectiveness of an industry.
• Demonstrate the ability to conduct independent scientific empirical research, publication, and approbation of independent research work. This is made possible by students’ ability to explain and apply a range of quantitative and qualitative research methods frequently used in financial research to solve current financial management problems.
• Contribute to social and economic development across economies, regions, and globally.
• Develop self-confidence for upper-level positions in organizations, consultancy, and academia by acquiring the ability and skills to teach and supervise students’ research work up to PhD level.

Upon completion of the program, graduates are expected to:

1. Contribute to the Advancement of Knowledge
   • Synthesize existing knowledge and contribute to original research that expands the boundaries of understanding in the field of finance, thereby enhancing the academic discourse and advancing the discipline.
   • Possess strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills necessary for conducting rigorous research and generating new insights.
   • Demonstrate proficiency in scholarly writing, data analysis, and research methodologies relevant to finance, facilitating effective communication of research findings to both academic and practitioner audiences.

2. Apply Critical Thinking and Research Skills
   • Critically appraise complex problems within the realm of finance, demonstrating the ability to conduct independent, rigorous, and advanced research while adhering to ethical, legal, and professional standards.
   • Exhibit advanced quantitative and qualitative research skills, including the ability to gather, analyze, and interpret data from diverse sources to address research questions and hypotheses.
   • Display a deep understanding of theoretical frameworks and methodological approaches in finance, allowing for the identification and exploration of novel research avenues and theoretical constructions.

3. Demonstrate Innovation and Adaptation
   • Apply practical skills acquired during the programme to develop innovative solutions and ideas that address contemporary challenges and opportunities in finance, fostering creativity and adaptability in professional practice.
   • Demonstrate the ability to translate theoretical concepts and research findings into actionable strategies and initiatives that drive positive change and innovation in financial decision-making and management.
   • Exhibit flexibility and agility in responding to evolving industry trends, technological advancements, and regulatory changes, effectively navigating dynamic and uncertain business environments.

4. Develop Expertise and Leadership
   • Provide expert guidance and counsel to organizations, policymakers, and society at large on matters pertaining to finance, exhibiting leadership qualities and a commitment to advancing the welfare of individuals and communities through sound financial practices.
   • Demonstrate proficiency in interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to convey complex financial concepts and recommendations persuasively to diverse stakeholders, fostering collaboration and consensus-building.
   • Display ethical integrity, professionalism, and a commitment to lifelong learning and professional development, serving as ethical leaders and role models in the finance profession.

Programme Duration

Full-Time: Four (4) years (8 semesters) for completion, with an extra grace period of 2 years

Part-Time: Six (6) Years (12 semesters) for completion with an extra grace period of 2 years; (Part-time students will spend half the hours working and studying only on part-time).

Those with PhD, DBA and other doctoral degrees in relevant fields will have at least two years to complete.

Programme Delivery Modes

Full-Time: Blended Learning (Online and In-person), fully In-person Learning

Careers

Career prospects for PhD in Finance are exceptionally strong, spanning high-level roles in academia, quantitative finance, the private sector and public policy etc. PhD Finance holders are often recruited for their specialized ability to build complex mathematical models and analyse massive datasets.

• Quantitative Researcher/Analyst
• Asset/Portfolio Management
• C-Suite Executive
• Corporate Finance & Consulting
• Government and Regulatory Agencies
• International Agencies
• Policy & Regulatory Analyst
• University Professor
• Research Fellow
• FinTech and Data Analytics

Target

• Students
• Professionals (including consultants)
• Academics (lecturers and researchers)
• Entrepreneurs/employers.
• Workers/employees in all fields
• Government and all sectors

Entry Requirements

Applications from interested persons include certificates (undergraduate and master’s in either Finance, Accounting, Economics, Statistics, Mathematics, Engineering and equivalent certificates), transcripts, a detailed research proposal, a curriculum vitae and two reference letters.

Click here to Apply

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