PhD in Finance

PhDDoctoralBusiness & Finance

About This Programme

A 60-credit AACSB-accredited research doctorate (48 credits coursework + 30-credit dissertation) with a dual-degree partnership with the University of South Carolina's Darla Moore School of Business. Prepares graduates for distinguished academic and research careers.

Course Highlights

  • Dual-degree option with the University of South Carolina (UoSC), a top US public research school
  • 9 credits of business-research core plus 9 credits of finance theory
  • 12 credits of finance research electives and a 30-credit dissertation
  • Trains scholars for academic and high-level research careers

What You'll Study

A research doctorate of coursework, qualifying and comprehensive examinations and a 30-credit dissertation, with an optional dual-PhD pathway with the University of South Carolina (Darla Moore School of Business).

Business Core (9 credits)

  • BUS 701 Philosophical Foundations of Business Research3 credits
  • BUS 703 Advanced Applied Econometrics3 credits
  • BUS 704 Applied Time Series Analysis3 credits

Required Courses in Finance (9 credits)

  • FIN 711 Finance Theory3 credits
  • FIN 713 Advanced Topics in Financial Markets and Institutions3 credits
  • FIN 714 Empirical Research Methods in Finance: Asset Pricing3 credits

Finance Research Electives (minimum 12 credits)

  • FIN 712 Contemporary Issues in Financial Research3 credits
  • FIN 715 Advanced Corporate Finance Research3 credits
  • FIN 721 Seminar in International Finance3 credits
  • FIN 722 Corporate Restructuring and Reorganization3 credits
  • FIN 723 Advanced Topics in Corporate Governance and Compensation3 credits
  • FIN 724 Advanced Portfolio Management and Investments3 credits
  • FIN 725 Seminar in Financial Risk Management3 credits

Examinations & Dissertation (30 credits)

  • FIN 791 Comprehensive Examination0 credits
  • FIN 799 Dissertation30 credits

Entry Requirements

Academic: A relevant master's degree with a minimum CGPA of 3.00/4.00 (or exceptional direct entry from a bachelor's with at least 3.50). Applicants submit three reference letters, a CV and a statement of purpose.
English: IELTS Academic 6.5 or TOEFL iBT 4.5 (equivalent to 80 on the previous scale). Conditional admission is possible at IELTS 6.0 / iBT 4.0 (71 on the previous scale), except for the MBA and MA TESOL, which require the full score. Exemptions are decided case by case by Graduate Admissions, principally for AUS degree holders and for native English speakers who completed an English-medium bachelor's.

A written and oral qualifying examination is taken during the programme.

Careers

Graduates pursue academic faculty positions and advanced research roles in finance at universities, central banks and financial institutions.

Accreditation & Professional Recognition

AACSB-accredited School of Business Administration; UAE CAA-licensed

Programme Details

Award

PhD in Finance

Start Date

August 2026 (Fall)

Typical Offer

Master's degree with CGPA 3.00/4.0 (or direct-entry bachelor's at CGPA 3.50), IELTS 6.5 / TOEFL iBT 80; up to 15 credits of bridging courses may be required

Duration

4 years

Qualification

Doctorate

Subject Area

Business & Finance

Campus

Sharjah

Course Type

Doctor of Philosophy

Study Pattern

Full time

Delivery Format

In person

Tuition Fee

AED 82,200/yr

Apply online at apply.aus.edu with transcripts, a CV, references and a statement of purpose where required. The graduate application fee is AED 450 + 5% VAT. AUS offers graduate assistantships to qualified applicants.

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