PhD Scholarship Opportunity in Marketing at Copenhagen Business School (Denmark) – 2026
Copenhagen Business School (CBS), one of Europe’s leading business universities, is inviting applications for a fully funded PhD Scholarship in the field of Marketing at its Department of Marketing. This opportunity is ideal for highly motivated graduates who are passionate about academic research and interested in building a strong research-oriented career either within academia or in research-intensive roles in the private or public sector.
The scholarship is scheduled to commence on 1 September 2026, and the application deadline is 28 February 2026.
About Copenhagen Business School and the Department of Marketing
Located in architecturally stunning buildings in central Copenhagen, Copenhagen Business School is globally recognized for excellence in business-related education and research. CBS is deeply rooted in the Nordic socio-economic model and focuses on addressing key challenges facing businesses and societies in the 21st century.
The Department of Marketing at CBS delivers high-quality, research-led education to an international audience. The department is home to a vibrant and diverse research environment and consists of five main research clusters:
- Advances in Branding Research
- B2B Marketing-Sales Research
- Consumer Research
- Digital Marketing Research
- Tourism and Hospitality Management
Faculty members employ a wide range of qualitative and quantitative methodologies and draw on interdisciplinary perspectives to strengthen marketing research. Research output from the department is published in top-tier journals listed in the Academic Journal Guide (AJG). Through research-based teaching, the department contributes significantly to CBS’s undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs.
About the PhD Scholarship
The PhD program at CBS runs for three years and offers candidates the opportunity to conduct independent, high-impact research under close supervision by experienced faculty members. PhD students are supported through structured research training courses and are encouraged to actively participate in international academic conferences. As part of the program, candidates are also expected to spend time as visiting PhD students at leading universities abroad.
PhD candidates will be enrolled in the CBS PhD School and are required to be physically present at the Department of Marketing on a regular basis, contributing to the department’s active and collaborative research culture.
Research Areas and Topics
Applicants are encouraged to propose research topics aligned with the department’s core research fields. While candidates may suggest their own topics, some illustrative research areas include:
Branding in the digital age, focusing on subjectivity, innovation, consumption, and organizational dynamics
AI sycophancy, examining how artificial intelligence systems reinforce user opinions and influence human judgment and decision-making
Frontline work in intelligent and sustainable systems, including:
- Collaboration between human employees and AI agents
- Algorithmic management and perceived fairness
- Circular economy implementation and frontline performance
- Identity, trust, satisfaction, and performance in AI-supported service roles
Each topic is associated with a tentative supervisor, and applicants are welcome to contact supervisors for further clarification before applying.
Qualifications and Eligibility
- Applicants must have completed a relevant Master’s degree in line with the Bologna Process (a 3-year Bachelor’s degree and a 2-year Master’s degree, or equivalent).
- A background in the social sciences is preferred.
- Candidates must demonstrate strong academic performance, including specific GPA requirements and a minimum grade for the Master’s thesis.
- Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory.
- Proficiency in Danish is considered an advantage, particularly for teaching responsibilities.
Salary and Benefits
The PhD scholarship is a fully salaried position under the Danish national collective agreement. Monthly salaries range approximately from DKK 29,691 to DKK 36,180, depending on seniority, plus a pension contribution of 18.07%. The scholarship also covers tuition fees, office space, and approved course and travel expenses.
PhD candidates are required to undertake teaching and academic duties totaling 416 work hours over the three-year period.
Application Process
Applications must be submitted through CBS’s electronic recruitment system and include a complete set of required documents, such as:
- A motivation letter
- Detailed PhD project proposal
- Academic transcripts
- CV
- references
- selected academic work.
– Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.
– Shortlisted applicants will be evaluated by an Assessment Committee of marketing experts.
– Final decisions are expected by May 2026, and all applicants will be informed of the outcome.
Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
Copenhagen Business School is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive academic environment. Applications are welcomed from all qualified candidates regardless of gender identity, age, ethnicity, religion, disability, or cultural background. Support is available for applicants requiring assistance during the recruitment process.
Why Apply?
This PhD scholarship offers an exceptional opportunity to pursue advanced research at a world-class institution, gain international exposure, and develop highly valued research and analytical skills. Graduates of the program are well-positioned for careers in academia, multinational corporations, policy institutions, and global organizations.
If you aspire to contribute to cutting-edge marketing research while living and studying in Denmark, this opportunity at Copenhagen Business School is one you should not miss.
Subscribe to OFY for more opportunities like this….
Discover more from Opportunities for Youth
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
