It was established in 1911 and is one of the largest and oldest business schools in the Nordic countries. It is a thesis program and comparable to a master's degree in most countries. There are 3300 students altogether. During the doctoral studies students should acquire a deep understanding in their own field and area of research, develop the ability for independent and critical thinking, and be able to produce new knowledge independently. The requirements for the licentiate s degree are a licentiate's thesis and studies in the main field and research methods.
Students participate in a licentiate seminar during the thesis writing process.
The course requirements are specified in a course plan revised annually. The dissertation consists of independent research and is publicly defended. The structure is the same as for the DSc degree. The PhD degree is primarily intended for those who do not have sufficient previous studies in business administration and economics. In practice, this alternative usually concerns those with a master's degree in a field other than business administration or economics.