PHD IN MARKETING AND INNOVATION

Introduction

The PhD in Marketing and Innovation is designed to develop high-level researchers, scholars, and professionals capable of generating new knowledge and innovative solutions to contemporary marketing challenges. The programme combines advanced marketing theory, innovation management, leadership, and rigorous research training to prepare graduates for academia, industry, and public sector leadership. It equips candidates with the skills to analyse complex business problems, develop evidence-based solutions, and contribute to organizational and national development through research and innovation.

National Relevance

• Supports Ghana’s economic transformation through advanced marketing and innovation research.
• Contributes to the development of highly skilled researchers, academics, and industry leaders.
• Addresses emerging challenges in marketing, innovation, and organizational competitiveness.
• Supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through sustainable business and innovation practices.
• Enhances the capacity of organizations to compete effectively in local and global markets.
• Contributes to knowledge creation and policy development relevant to Ghana and Sub-Saharan Africa.
• Strengthens research, teaching, and innovation capabilities within higher education and industry.

Aim of the Programme

The programme aims to develop researchers and professionals with advanced expertise in Marketing and Innovation who can generate original knowledge, conduct high-quality research, and provide innovative solutions to complex organizational and societal challenges.

Objectives of the Programme

• Develop advanced knowledge of marketing and innovation theories, concepts, and practices.
• Equip students with the skills to conduct rigorous and original research.
• Promote the creation of new knowledge that advances marketing and innovation scholarship.
• Develop critical thinking, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Apply research findings to address contemporary marketing and innovation challenges.
• Foster innovation, creativity, and strategic decision-making.
• Prepare graduates for academic, research, consulting, and leadership careers.
• Enhance the ability of graduates to influence business strategy, policy, and organizational performance.

Uniqueness of the Programme

• Features an international College of Professors (CoP) comprising distinguished scholars from Africa, Australia, Europe, and North America.
• Provides international research mentorship and academic networking opportunities.
• Requires candidates to publish at least one peer-reviewed journal article before graduation.
• Emphasizes research that addresses national, regional, and industry-specific marketing and innovation challenges.
• Integrates marketing, innovation, leadership, and advanced research methodologies.
• Focuses on both theoretical development and practical application of research findings.
• Produces graduates capable of influencing policy, business strategy, and academic scholarship.
• Promotes research-driven solutions to marketing and innovation challenges in Ghana and Sub-Saharan Africa.

 Students’ Admission, Progression, And Graduation

Students’ Admission:  Applicants for the PhD Marketing and Innovation programme would be admitted subject to the requirement that the applicants hold a postgraduate master’s degree from an accredited institution in Ghana or overseas, showing evidence of above-average academic achievement. This includes: 

• MSc; MBA; MPhil (Marketing, General Management, Leadership, Innovation and Governance, etc.)
• DBA and other doctoral degrees 
• PhD in other fields 

For applicants who do not possess a master’s in marketing, there would be 3 – 6 months of intensive refresher or introductory courses.

*Those with MPhil, MBA and MSc should show evidence of research and publication

Progression

The program progression (full-time/continuing/additional session status) schedule is applicable to graduate students who are admitted to a PhD Marketing and OL programme and who remain registered/continuing in their program until degree requirements are stated below:

An admitted PhD applicant should typically pursue a three–year full-time study, culminating in a thesis that makes an original contribution to the field.

Getting a PhD comprises several components and milestones, including the first year’s coursework component, the second year’s comprehensive examination, experiential learning, the thesis proposal defence in the second year, and the research thesis in the third year. The research thesis should entail the writing of the dissertation right through to the viva examination at the end.  In the first year, the applicant (admitted into the program) remains a PhD studenttill successful completion of all the coursework. The student’s status changes to a PhD candidate after passing the comprehensive examination in the second year.

End of Year 1 and 2 (PHD)

A three-stage process determines the progression at the end of years one and two: passing all coursework for the first and second semesters of the first year, passing the comprehensive examination in the first semester of the second year, and defending the thesis proposal in the second semester of the second year. The comprehensive examination comprises written papers on selected topics. 

Having been assigned a research supervisory team, the candidate consults his/her supervisors to prepare for the thesis proposal defence. 

End of Year 3 (PHD)

A two-stage process determines the progression at the end of year three: (1) seminar presentation of the progress report of the research thesis in the first semester of the third year, and experiential learning report in the second semester of the third year. In the third year, the candidate is granted a seminar presentation based on the progress report towards completion of the programme.

Upon submission of the final work, the department and the School of Graduate Studies shall allocate two examiners and an internal examiner. Before the viva voce, the candidate should have submitted a paper to a peer-reviewed journal. 

To progress to the thesis stage, students must have a cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 2.5 by the end of the second year of coursework and pass a comprehensive examination. Students who fail to meet the minimum CGPA after two years should be withdrawn and awarded a Certificate of Participation in Doctoral Research.

Graduation 

Before the final graduation, the applicant should meet the following requirements:

1. Obtain a pass in Viva-voce
2. Evidence of professional editing of the thesis
3. Turn-it-in report with a similarity index of not more than 20 per cent
4. A formal review by the graduation committee. Once the review is complete, the student should be notified via email. This notification should include whether or not the revisions need to be submitted for a second review. The student can make any necessary revisions. 

The student shall submit the format-approved dissertation to the department before the month of anticipated graduation. If the submission requires revisions, the student must complete them and resubmit.

All submissions must be approved before the date for confirmation of graduation. Students must check with their programme for soft and hard-bound document requirements for dissertation and thesis bindery information.

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Fees

The fee for the PhD Marketing and Innovation programme for the 2026/27 academic year is GH¢15,603/ Semester

Campus

Christ Temple campus, near Abossey-Okia, Accra

Admission Requirements

Applicants must hold a postgraduate master’s degree (MA, MSc, MBA, MPhil or equivalent) in HRM, Industrial Psychology, General Management, Leadership, or a related field from an accredited institution. Holders of a DBA or PhD in another field are also eligible.

MA, MSc, and MBA holders must provide evidence of research and publication.

To complete your application, please follow the appropriate step below:

• If you have NOT yet purchased the application voucher, please use the link below to make payment and obtain your voucher:
  👉 Buy PhD Application Voucher
• If you already have a voucher, proceed directly to the application form using the link below:
  👉 Proceed to Application (For Voucher Holders)

Contacts

024 296 5648  I 024 464 8519

Email: info.cbs@central.edu.gh