Programme Overview

The PhD Programme in Leadership and Sustainable Development aspires to be an unparalleled academic exchange platform, meticulously crafted for accomplished elites and senior executives from both Chinese and international enterprises. Our commitment is to actively advance education and training at the highest level of doctoral studies. Through a blend of top-tier, systematic education and a comprehensive corporate management curriculum, students will engage in direct, substantive discussions with ministers, distinguished global professors, representatives from pertinent United Nations agencies, and leaders of multinational corporations.

This transformative programme enables participants to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of economic development in the era of globalization. By drawing insights from the management experiences of world-class companies across various domains, students will be equipped to anticipate and adapt to emerging trends. Our primary goal is to cultivate a cadre of peace elites and leaders, instilling in them a global perspective, strategic acumen, innovation, leadership prowess, and a profound sense of social responsibility.

The overarching purpose of the PhD Programme is to make a significant contribution to the attainment of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. In doing so, we aim to play a pivotal role in shaping individuals who not only excel in their respective fields but also actively contribute to a sustainable and harmonious global future.

The programme is dedicated to offering transdisciplinary and multicultural avenues for studying subjects pertaining to leadership and sustainable development. It seeks to empower PhD students to delve into, comprehend, and critically assess theories, concepts, competencies, values, and ethics associated with leadership. This involves a thorough examination of the latest developments in the business environment, cutting-edge management theories, and corporate business concepts. Throughout this journey, students are not only prompted but also nurtured to cultivate and critically examine precise strategies for effectively implementing these philosophies.

Required Documentation

The admission standard is on a comprehensive basis, including personal experience, educational background, work experience, team spirit, and leadership skills. Priority will be given to applicants who meet the following requirements:

1. Hold a Master’s degree (or equivalent qualification) from a recognized university
2. Possess at least 10 years of managerial or decision-making experience
3. Have made outstanding contributions to enterprises, industries, society, or the country
4. Multi-award Winners and Honorees
5. Talents and Experts

The following documentation is required to complete your application process for the PhD Programme in Leadership and Sustainable Development. Please have them ready and on hand before beginning your application process, as they will need to be uploaded into the system.

Required supporting documents to be uploaded:

1. Copy of applicant’s highest diploma (if the original is not in English, please provide the copy of the original and the English translation version)
2. Copy of personal identity card
3. Curriculum vitae (Chinese and English copy)
4. Job certificate (issued by the public institution)
5. Business card
6. Identification photo (must have been taken in the past 3 months
7. Enterprise profile
8. Doctoral dissertation summary (maximum 2 pages), including a brief description of the research proposal
9. Application form

Curriculum

The PhD Programme in Leadership and Sustainable Development is carried out in hybrid format through both face-to-face and online lectures.

The programme is designed to be completed in a minimum of two and a half (2.5) years.

The teaching languages are Chinese and English (UN official languages).

This programme totals 100 credits, broken down into:

• Participation in virtual and in-person lectures = 60 credits
• Thesis = 40 credits (process to begin once the curriculum has been completed)

Doctoral students are required to earn 100 credits before being awarded a degree.

You can find the full Programme Listing here.

Learning Modules

The flexible combination of face-to-face courses and virtual modules allows participants to retain full-time jobs while completing their doctoral degree courses.

Participants will be awarded a PhD degree in Leadership and Sustainable Development from the University for Peace.

Our programme features:

• World-class lecturers: Course lectures are provided by UPEACE professors, distinguished professors, experts from within the UN System, and professors from partner universities worldwide. The aim is to stimulate students’ minds, open windows of wisdom, and present cutting-edge academic results.
• Applied learning: This programme focuses on applied learning, where practical learning provides a solid foundation for solving complex real-world problems. Distinguished professors of the University for Peace with a doctorate degree or equivalent will impart real-world experience in global management and authoritative policy interpretations, which aims to help participants better understand real-world policy and management.

All of the virtual courses offered in this doctoral programme are provided by UPEACE professors, experts from the UN System, and professors from partner universities, guaranteeing the high quality and academic rigor of this programme.