PhD in Marketing and Innovation

Overview

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 organisational and national development through research and innovation.

Accreditation: Delivered under GTEC-accredited Central Business School. Coordinated with the School of Graduate Studies and Research. Campus: Christ Temple, near Abossey Okai, Accra.

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 organisational competitiveness.
• Supports the Sustainable Development Goals through sustainable business and innovation practices.
• Enhances the capacity of organisations to compete 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 and objectives

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 organisational and societal challenges.

• 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 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 organisational performance.

Uniqueness

• International College of Professors (CoP) comprising distinguished scholars from Africa, Australia, Europe, and North America.
• International research mentorship and academic networking.
• Candidates publish at least one peer-reviewed journal article before graduation.
• Research that addresses national, regional, and industry-specific marketing and innovation challenges.
• Integrates marketing, innovation, leadership, and advanced research methodologies.

Duration and progression

An admitted PhD applicant typically pursues three years of full-time study, culminating in a thesis that makes an original contribution to the field. Year 1 is coursework (PhD student). After the comprehensive examination in year 2 the status changes to PhD candidate. Thesis proposal defence is in the second semester of year 2. Year 3 is the research thesis, seminar presentation, and viva. Before the viva the candidate should have submitted a paper to a peer-reviewed journal.

To progress to the thesis stage, students must have a 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 are withdrawn and awarded a Certificate of Participation in Doctoral Research.

Graduation requires a pass in the viva, evidence of professional editing of the thesis, a Turnitin similarity index of not more than 20 per cent, and a formal review by the graduation committee.

Entry requirements

Route	Requirement
Master’s	Postgraduate master’s degree from an accredited institution in Ghana or overseas, with above-average academic achievement: MSc, MBA, MPhil (Marketing, General Management, Leadership, Innovation and Governance, and related fields), DBA, or a PhD in another field.
Non-marketing master’s	Applicants without a master’s in marketing take 3–6 months of intensive refresher or introductory courses.
Research evidence	Holders of MPhil, MBA and MSc should show evidence of research and publication.

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Careers

The programme prepares graduates for academic, research, consulting and leadership careers, in academia, industry and public-sector leadership.

How to apply

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