Course Curriculum

The HEC Paris PhD program is a full-time, research-focused program designed to prepare students for academic careers at leading institutions worldwide. Success in academia requires deep expertise in a chosen research field, rigorous training in research methods, and practical experience in data collection and analysis, as well as skills in academic writing, presenting research, networking, and publishing. The program is structured in two main phases, with the Law and Regulation specialization offering a three-year track that begins directly with the doctoral studies phase. The first phase, the Research Master Phase, spans the initial two years and includes intensive coursework covering foundational subjects in management and economics, research methods such as econometrics, statistics, machine learning, experimental design, and qualitative approaches, advanced specialization courses, electives, and professional development workshops. Optional French language courses are also offered. From the first year, students engage in research under faculty supervision, producing a Summer Paper and a Research Thesis, culminating in an accredited Research Master Degree. The Doctoral Studies Phase, covering years three to five, focuses on the paper-based dissertation, with continued mentorship, additional coursework if needed, and annual presentations to departmental panels for feedback. Students are encouraged to present at international conferences, with financial support for travel, lodging, visas, and fees, and many undertake academic visits to top universities worldwide to build networks, collaborate with faculty, and prepare for the job market. In the final year, students receive dedicated job market training through workshops, mock interviews, and practice job talks. Upon successfully defending their dissertation, graduates are awarded a PhD in Management, Economics, or Law and Regulation, fully equipped to pursue academic positions and contribute to research and scholarship globally.