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University Cambria of Art, Science and Technology

The programme offers multidisciplinary courses in Finance, Banking & Insurance with a focus on Asian-centricity. The main aim of the programme is to achieve research excellence by pooling resources and balancing learning opportunities. Graduates of the programme should be able to demonstrate critical understanding of the most advanced knowledge in Finance, Banking and Insurance. They should also be poised for upperlevel positions whether in organisations, consulting or academia. They are expected to contribute towards improvement in their places of employment and to the nation.

Doctor of Finance (PhD)

The programme focuses intensively on preparing candidates for academic careers and to conduct highly specialised scholarly research, both in theory and application. The focus will be more on the development of new theory in the fields of banking, finance, insurance and stockbroking.

Multiple academic collaborations contribute to the exceptional program quality, starting with the involvement of highly renowned and recognised academics as Directors of Studies. Our Doctor candidates are supported on an individual base by both UCAST Professors and visiting Professors from a wide variety of international Universities.

Today, academia has no more borders. Therefore, the knowledge and expertise of experienced academics influence the structure and content of our Doctor Programs, from which candidates can select the option that accommodates their necessity.

The Doctor of Finance will be awarded by the internationally recognised UCAST. UCAST is committed to impress and to express: impress through the value of the studies resulting in Degrees, which express the outstanding skills of those being awarded. This gives them the possibility to develop a top career in industries, administration and academia.

Two major pathways are offered to Doctoral Candidates. The first pathway is known as Professional Doctorate. The notion ‘professional’ should not be misunderstood. They are by no means only professional qualifications. Professional doctoral studies have been globally developed and are accepted as fully-fledged doctoral degrees. In contrast to PhD studies, their purpose is applied sciences: research in what is called the real world, for practical application in it. Likewise, the most preferred degree pathway here is the Doctor of Finance (PhD. Fin).

It is a program that can be completed between 2-5 years. A candidate for the PhD. Fin conducts fundamental research with the goal of resolving a real-world business problem. Typical PhD. Fin research topics are medical, science, finance, logistics, environmental management and climate control. Typical outcomes are real-world solutions that have an effect on the subject under research.

It requires the mastery of key skills and mindset required in the planning and execution a full fledged doctorate level research, along with empirical data collection, data analysis, and presentation of evidence-based recommendations for real-life improvements at workplace.

Publication Route

We also accept Practitioner’s Doctorate Route which involves submitting previously published scholarly work, such as books, magazines, and journal articles, which together form a coherent body of work and show evidence of an original contribution to a particular field of study.


This route is most suitable for those who are extensively published and who has deep understanding and vast experience base in a specialised field of expertise. The previously published scholarly work would be assesses to the same rigorous standards as a traditional doctorate by thesis.

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100% Online

Our distance learning program is as flexible as possible – you can study anytime, anywhere. All you need is an internet connection and any device (computer, tablet or mobile phone). Each PhD. Fin candidate will receives seamless support from a dedicated supervisor and a mentor, and access to digital libraries and live (digital) events. Joining the PhD. Fin program at UCAST gets you access to our International Expert Group as well as guest lectures from top experts around the world. 

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Flexible Entry

We consider application from all walk of life and we believe one's qualification is not defined by their work experience  or formal qualification, there we accept APEL.Q.

The award of academic qualification to individual learners through the evaluation and assessment of Prior Experiential Learning towards fully accredited programmes offered by UCAST.

Details
Professional Doctorate Route

Candidates start off with a module in research methodology, involving both quantitate and qualitative approaches, work on producing a written research proposal, and then proceed to carrying out a full action research and concluding it with a written doctorate thesis of no less than 30,000 words, under the guidance and coaching of an expert supervisor, duly appointed by the university’s academic administration team.

The course ensures the mastery of key skills and mindset required in the planning and execution a full fledged doctorate level research, along with empirical data collection, data analysis, and presentation of evidence-based recommendations for real-life improvements at workplace.

Candidates start off with a module in research methodology, involving both quantitate and qualitative approaches, work on producing a written research proposal, and then proceed to carrying out a full action research and concluding it with a written doctorate thesis of no less than 30,000 words, under the guidance and coaching of an expert supervisor, duly appointed by the university’s academic administration team.

Details
Practitioner's Doctorate

Practitioner’s Doctorate Route candidates are expected to provide a written supporting statement, which could range from 5,000 to 10,000 words, and present their scholarly work to UCAST’s academic committee. Specially assigned supervisors would assist candidates with selecting relevant publications to submit for consideration, as well as assist the candidates with creation of appropriate supporting statement.  

Candidates choosing qualified such route to Doctorate degree would need to defend their previous publication in front of at least 3 senior external examiners. Candidates are also expected to attend and/or present scholarly papers, related to their field of research, in national or international conference or seminar of their choice.

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Supervision

During the duration of the study, candidates are also expected to attend and/or present scholarly papers, related to their field of research, in national or international conference or seminar of their choice.

  • The nominated supervisor will act in a similar role to that of a supervisor for a standard Doctorate Project, but with more emphasis on being a mentor to the candidate. They will act as a source of support and guidance during the preparation of the research material for examination (oral defense) and for administration of the examination (oral defense) process. The supervisor will:
  • Guide the candidate in the final selection of publications for inclusion in the submission;
  • Support and advise on the development of the introductory section;
  • Guide the candidate in relation to the coherence of the body of work to be submitted;
  • Advise the candidate in relation to any research training requirements:
  • Make arrangements for the examination (oral defense), including nomination of the examining team;
  • Support the candidate through the examination (oral defense) process.

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Viva voce

A viva voce is conducted at the end of the thesis writing and submission, where candidates face the scrutiny and evaluation of at least 3 external senior examiners. Candidates are required to present their research work during the viva voce, and defend their thesis by answering questions posed by the 3 external senior examiners.

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MODULES 

Doctorate Through Research/Thesis (DTR) - 180 ECTS: 


Module 1: UCAST Proof of Concept Research Methodology: Quantitative and Qualitative Analyses (30 credit)

Module 2: RBL820 Scholarly Conference / Seminar I (15 credits)

Module 3: RBL830 Scholarly Conference / Seminar II (15 ECTS)

Module 4: VIVA920 Viva Voce (30 ECTS)

Module 5: DSSR980: Doctorate Thesis (90 ECTS)

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Doctor of Finance (phD)

• Synthesise knowledge and contribute to original research that broadens the frontier of knowledge in the field of Finance, Banking & Insurance. 

• Appraise problems in the Finance, Banking & Insurance field critically, conduct advanced research independently, and adhere to legal, ethical and professional codes of practice. 

• Adapt practical skills leading to innovative ideas in the field of Finance, Banking & Insurance. 

• Provide expert advice and display leadership qualities to society in the field of Finance, Banking & Insurance.

Practical Learning

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of our published course information. However, our programmes are subject to ongoing review and development. Changing circumstances may cause alteration to, or the cancellation of, courses. Changes may be necessary to comply with the requirements of accrediting bodies or revisions to subject benchmarks statements. As well as to keep courses updated and contemporary, or as a result of student feedback. We reserve the right to make variations if we consider such action to be necessary or in the best interests of students.

Future Career

The programme is designed for banker, finance leaders, managers, executives and professionals who wish to deepen their knowledge and enhance their leadership skills in finance and banking. It comprised of core courses and applied research to complete in order to graduate. It aims to develop leaders to be visionary, think critically and strategically, implement effective business policies to achieve finance and banking goals.