BI Norwegian Business School is inviting applications for a four-year PhD Candidate position in Marketing starting in August 2027. The doctoral position is based in Oslo, Norway, and is open to applicants from Norway and internationally, including international students.
The successful candidate will receive a PhD scholarship currently valued at NOK 623,200 per year, equivalent to approximately £47,415 based on the conversion provided by jobs.ac.uk. The salary is based on the Norwegian State Salary Scale and is subject to adjustment in 2027.
The PhD position is a full-time opportunity and combines doctoral research and coursework with teaching responsibilities equivalent to 25% of a full-time professor position.
The application deadline is 1 December 2026, while the expected start date is 16 August 2027.
About the PhD in Marketing
The PhD specialisation in Marketing at BI Norwegian Business School is designed to develop advanced theoretical knowledge and methodological skills needed for careers in academic and research environments.
The Department of Marketing is internationally oriented and research-intensive, with faculty members publishing in leading journals including the Journal of Consumer Research, Journal of Marketing, Journal of Marketing Research and Marketing Science.
The department also has an international presence through leading academic conferences and has a strong record of placing doctoral graduates at universities and business schools around the world.
Research environments associated with the department have contributed to doctoral placements at institutions including Bayes Business School, Grenoble Ecole de Management, Nanyang Technological University and the University of Groningen.
What the PhD Programme Offers
The PhD programme lasts four years. Successful candidates will receive close supervision and follow-up from research faculty while undertaking doctoral research and coursework.
Candidates will also contribute to teaching, with responsibilities corresponding to 25% of a full-time professor position.
The position is based at BI Norwegian Business School’s campus in Oslo, Norway.
The combination of doctoral research, advanced coursework and teaching experience is designed to prepare candidates for academic and research careers in marketing and related fields.
PhD Funding and Salary
The PhD candidate will be employed full-time and receive a salary under the Norwegian State Salary Scale.
The current annual salary is:
NOK 623,200 per year
This is approximately £47,415 per year based on the conversion displayed by jobs.ac.uk when the position was advertised. The salary is subject to adjustment in 2027.
The position also normally includes membership in BI’s collective pension scheme.
Because the PhD candidate is employed as a full-time member of staff, the opportunity provides both doctoral study and paid employment while completing the four-year programme.
Who Can Apply?
BI Norwegian Business School welcomes applications from candidates with strong academic backgrounds in areas such as:
- Business
- Economics
- Psychology
- Statistics
- Marketing
- Related disciplines
Applicants must have completed, or expect to complete by early summer 2027, a qualifying degree such as a two-year Master of Science degree with thesis work, a research Master’s or MPhil degree, or an equivalent degree relevant to the Marketing specialisation.
Final-year Master’s students are encouraged to apply.
Applicants should note that an MBA degree does not meet the admission requirement.
BI requires applicants to have completed a two-year Master’s programme and have an average grade of B or higher.
English Language Requirements
Applicants will normally need to demonstrate English-language proficiency through an approved TOEFL or IELTS examination.
The minimum accepted scores are:
- TOEFL: 90 internet-based
- IELTS: 6.5
Certain applicants may qualify for an exemption.
Exemptions may apply to applicants whose native language is English, candidates who have completed at least two years of higher education taught in English, and certain applicants from EU/EEA and Council of Europe/UNESCO-Cepes countries who meet BI’s specified requirements.
Applicants may also request a TOEFL or IELTS waiver in certain circumstances.
Where required, English-language test results must normally have been obtained within the previous two years.
Required Application Documents
Applicants are expected to submit a comprehensive application package through BI’s electronic application platform.
Required documents include:
- Master’s degree certificate or equivalent and transcript.
- Bachelor’s degree certificate or equivalent and transcript.
- Diploma Supplement or equivalent documentation explaining the degree and grading system.
- An original 5–10-page research project proposal.
- CV.
- At least two letters of recommendation from relevant employers, professors or academic supervisors.
- Documentation relating to previously completed doctoral-level courses, where relevant.
- A complete list of publications and other documented academic activities.
- Signed verification document.
- TOEFL or IELTS documentation, unless an exemption or approved waiver applies.
The research proposal should outline the proposed research topic, methodology and schedule.
Applicants should also be aware that if generative AI is used when preparing the research proposal or other submitted material, this use must be clearly stated and appropriately cited.
How to Apply
All application documents must be uploaded through BI Norwegian Business School’s electronic application platform using the official application process.
Applicants should use the Apply button provided in the official vacancy listing.
Applications submitted by email will not be considered.
Candidates who are completing their Master’s degree in 2027 and do not yet have their final certificate may submit the certificate after the application deadline in accordance with BI’s requirements.
Shortlisted candidates may subsequently be asked to provide additional information or participate in an interview.
Successful applicants will later be required to prepare a detailed four-year progress plan covering milestones and doctoral courses.
Application Deadline: 1 December 2026
Expected Start Date: 16 August 2027
Location: Oslo, Norway
Contact: Carlos Velasco, BI Norwegian Business School — [email protected]
PhD Opportunity Summary
Programme: PhD in Marketing
Institution: BI Norwegian Business School
Degree: PhD
Duration: Four years
Location: Oslo, Norway
Funding: NOK 623,200 per year
Approximate advertised equivalent: £47,415 per year
Study/Employment: Full-time
Teaching: 25% of a full-time professor position
Eligible applicants: UK, EU and international students
Expected Start: 16 August 2027
Application Deadline: 1 December 2026
About BI Norwegian Business School
BI Norwegian Business School is one of Europe’s leading business schools and Norway’s largest provider of business education.
The institution has more than 20,000 students, approximately 1,000 employees and more than 300,000 alumni. BI offers bachelor’s, master’s, PhD and executive education programmes and maintains partnerships with Norwegian and international companies, organisations and academic institutions.
Its Department of Marketing provides an internationally oriented research environment focused on high-quality research and doctoral education.
