The PhD in Accounting and Finance (English) at Marmara University is an advanced graduate programme offered by the Social Sciences Institute under the Department of Business Administration. This programme aims to train researchers and professionals with deep knowledge in accounting, corporate finance, financial markets, auditing, and financial regulation. Students study a combination of accounting standards, financial analysis, corporate risk management, capital markets, and empirical financial research methods — preparing them for both academic research and high-level practice. The programme is conducted in English, making it suitable for both domestic and international students.
Located in Istanbul — Türkiye’s major financial and commercial hub — this doctoral programme provides access to a vibrant academic and business environment. Students benefit from the department’s experienced faculty, opportunities for research in financial institutions, and the chance to engage with real-world accounting and finance challenges. The programme’s combination of rigorous academic training and practical relevance aligns with global standards in finance education, helping graduates build strong analytical and research skills in a dynamic and international context.
Key information
Key Facts
- Degree: Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
- Standard period of study: 8 semesters (typical structure for four-year undergraduate background)
- Location: Istanbul
- Study Type: Doctorate (full-time, research-oriented)
- Admission semester: Fall semester only
- Area of study: Accounting, Corporate Finance, Financial Markets, Auditing, Risk Management, Financial Regulation
- Admission modus: With admission requirement (master’s degree, necessary exam scores and evaluation)
- Main language: English
Program Structure
Semester 1 – Foundations of Accounting & Finance
- Advanced Financial Accounting Theory
- Corporate Finance & Financial Statement Analysis
- Research Methods & Quantitative Techniques in Finance
- Seminar: Contemporary Issues in Accounting and Finance
Semester 2 – Core Finance & Markets Analysis
- Financial Markets and Instruments
- Auditing, Corporate Governance and Regulatory Frameworks
- Risk Management and Financial Institutions
- Seminar: International Finance & Comparative Financial Systems
Semester 3 – Specialization & Research Preparation
- Elective Topic I (e.g. Advanced Corporate Finance, Financial Derivatives, Banking Finance)
- Elective Topic II (e.g. Auditing, Financial Reporting Standards, Behavioral Finance)
- Academic Writing & Publication Skills
- Research Project I (supervised study)
Semester 4 – Doctoral Qualification Phase
- Written Qualifying Exam (core accounting & finance theory)
- Oral Qualifying Exam
- Dissertation Proposal Preparation
- Research Colloquium / Seminar Series
Semester 5 – Doctoral Research I
- Independent Thesis Research (theoretical, empirical or applied)
- Data Collection or Case Study / Field Research
- Doctoral Seminar I
- Progress Review with Advisor
Semester 6 – Doctoral Research II
- Thesis Writing (Intermediate Stage)
- Doctoral Seminar II
- Conference or Workshop Participation
- Research Article Preparation
Semester 7 – Dissertation Development & Review
- Advanced Thesis Writing
- Advisory Committee Feedback and Revision
- Pre-Defense Preparation
- Academic Presentation / Publication Activities
Semester 8 – Dissertation Completion & Defense
- Final Dissertation Submission
- Oral Defense Examination
- Publication & Research Dissemination
- Completion of PhD Degree Requirements
Career Opportunities
Graduates of this programme are qualified for academic positions as researchers or faculty in universities, focusing on accounting, finance, auditing, or financial markets. They may also work in public institutions, regulatory agencies, banks, audit & consultancy firms, or corporate finance departments where advanced accounting and finance expertise is needed. In addition, they can serve as financial analysts, auditors, risk managers, consultants, or policymakers in public and private sectors. The programme’s strong analytical and research training allows graduates to contribute to financial regulation, corporate governance, financial reporting, and economic policy work.
Why Choose This Program
Choosing the PhD in Accounting and Finance means enrolling in a programme that combines rigorous academic training with practical relevance in finance and accounting. Students benefit from experienced faculty, a research-oriented curriculum, and opportunities to engage with real financial institutions and markets. The English-medium instruction and Istanbul’s dynamic financial environment enhance international collaboration and exposure. This strong foundation helps students develop the confidence and expertise needed to address complex financial challenges.
Moreover, the programme offers flexibility to specialize in various subfields — from corporate finance and auditing to banking, financial markets, and risk management — allowing students to tailor their research and career paths. Through coursework, empirical research, seminar participation, and dissertation work, graduates build strong quantitative, analytical, and policy-relevant skills that are valuable in academia, finance industry, and regulatory sectors. These opportunities ensure that graduates can contribute meaningfully to both academic research and real-world financial decision-making.
Contact Information
Marmara University – Student Advisory Service
Göztepe Campus
34722 Kadıköy, Istanbul, Turkey
Tel: +90 216 414 05 45
Fax: +90 216 338 65 65
Email: info@marmara.edu.tr
Department of Accounting & Finance – Programme Contact (PhD Accounting & Finance English)
Faculty of Business Administration, Marmara University
Göztepe Campus, Kadıköy, Istanbul, Turkey
Tel: +90 216 414 05 45
Email: af_eng_phd@marmara.edu.tr
International Office – Marmara University
Göztepe Campus
34722 Kadıköy, Istanbul, Turkey
Tel: +90 216 777 17 00
Fax: +90 216 777 17 99
Email: international@marmara.edu.tr
