Doctoral pathways (Level 8)
Prepare for doctoral-level research: literature synthesis, research design, methodology, ethics, and a defendable proposal. ICM supports your academic readiness; formal DBA/PhD registration, supervision, and examination occur at the awarding partner under their regulations.
Learning outcomes (summary)
- Frame researchable questions aligned to business/management scholarship and practice
- Select and justify qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods
- Apply ethical frameworks, data protection, and risk assessment to fieldwork or secondary data
- Synthesise literature critically and position a contribution
- Produce a proposal suitable for partner academic board review
Milestones you can expect
- Orientation — doctoral conventions, referencing standards, academic integrity, and research culture.
- Scoping paper — problem statement, stakeholder analysis, feasibility assessment.
- Literature review draft — thematic synthesis, gap analysis, and theoretical framework.
- Methods & ethics — instruments, sampling, limitations, and approval preparation.
- Proposal defence — panel feedback, revisions, and transfer to partner registration.
Supervision & progression
🎓 ICM preparatory stage
- Structured feedback on written submissions
- One-to-one tutorials with research-active tutors
- Proposal development workshops
- Peer review cohorts & writing retreats
🏛️ Partner university stage
- Supervision transfers to partner faculty
- Doctoral registration & ethics board approval
- Access to library and research databases
- Annual review and thesis submission pathway
ICM progression advisers help with handover documentation, proposal alignment, and partner application support.
Entry snapshot & candidacy
📜 Academic & professional entry
- Master's degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field
- Substantial professional research portfolio (executive route)
- Mature executives may present evidence of equivalent capability
- English proficiency (IELTS 6.5+ or waiver)
- Two academic or professional references
⏱️ Commitment & timelines
- ICM preparation stage: 6–12 months (flexible pacing)
- Weekly study: 15–20 hours (reading, writing, tutorials)
- Partner doctoral registration: typically 3–4 years part‑time
- Intakes: January, May, September — rolling applications
🔍 Doctoral-level study demands significant independent research. Candidates should expect rigorous critical engagement. Partner registration timelines vary — confirm specific university requirements with our admissions team.
Your doctoral journey begins here
Prepare your research proposal, strengthen your methodology, and gain admission to a recognised doctoral programme. ICM provides the academic scaffolding for success.