PhD in Circular Economy & Resource Management

This 3-year PhD program is designed to develop advanced researchers and thought leaders capable of driving the transition from linear to circular economic models through innovative resource management strategies. Aligned with EQF Level 8 (third cycle qualifications), the program integrates transdisciplinary knowledge spanning economics, engineering, environmental science, policy, and business innovation.

The program follows a structured progression: Year 1 focuses on advanced coursework and research design; Year 2emphasizes intensive research execution and publication; Year 3 culminates in dissertation completion, defense preparation, and professional positioning. Students engage with real-world circular economy challenges through partnerships with industry, government, and research institutions, producing original contributions at the frontier of circular economy knowledge and practice.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, graduates will demonstrate:

Knowledge

Mastery of circular economy theories, principles, and research at the highest international level.
Deep understanding of resource management systems, industrial metabolism, and material flow dynamics across multiple scales.
Critical awareness of policy instruments, regulatory frameworks, and governance mechanisms enabling circular transitions.

Skills

Design and execute original, rigorous research using advanced qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods.
Synthesize and evaluate complex, interdisciplinary information to develop novel circular economy solutions and business models.
Communicate research findings effectively to academic, professional, and public audiences through publications, presentations, and policy briefs.

Responsibility and Autonomy

Demonstrate scholarly integrity, innovation, and sustained commitment to advancing circular economy knowledge and practice.
Lead research projects in complex, unpredictable contexts with substantial authority and independence
Initiate and manage national and international research collaborations with scientific rigor and ethical responsibility

Career and Professional Development Areas

Postdoctoral researcher or principal investigator in circular economy, sustainability science, or resource management.
University faculty position (teaching and research) in environmental studies, engineering, business, or public policy.
Research institute leadership (think tanks, international organizations, EU-funded projects).

Ecological Transition Officer – Lead municipal or regional circular economy strategy.
Policy Advisor – Develop and evaluate circular economy regulations, EPR schemes, and green procurements.
International Development Specialist – Circular economy programs in multilateral agencies (UN, World Bank, EU).

Circular Economy Strategy Manager – Develop and implement corporate circularity roadmaps.
Sustainable Resource Management Engineer – Optimize material flows, industrial symbiosis, and waste recovery.
LCA and Environmental Impact Consultant – Advanced life cycle assessment, carbon accounting, ESG reporting.
Ecodesign and Innovation Manager – Design products and services for circularity, reuse, and regeneration

Circular Economy Consultant – Advise organizations on circular business models, supply chain transformation, and sustainability metrics.
Social Entrepreneur – Launch startups focused on resource recovery, sharing platforms, or circular innovation.
Independent Research and Advisory Practice – Provide expert analysis, white papers, and strategic guidance.

With experience, graduates can advance to:

Director of Sustainability / CSR / Environmental Transition

Head of Circular Economy Department or Innovation Lab

Senior Advisor or Partner in international consulting firms

Executive leadership in environmental NGOs or international organizations

Earned

Duration

Program Learning Outcomes

Career and Professional Development Areas

Business Intelligence: Data Informed Business Decision‑Making with AI

Cybersecurity Awareness and Digital Compliance

Digital Literacy

Digital Marketing Strategist

Innovation & Entrepreneurship in the Digital Economy

Marketing Tourism & Lived Experience

Bachelor’s in International Business & Geopolitics

Bachelor’s in AI-Powered Digital Marketing & Growth Analytics

Bachelor’s in Business Management Specialization in Business Intelligence

Bachelor’s in Business Management Specialization in Digital Marketing & Data Analytics

Bachelor’s in International Studies Specialization in Globalization

Master’s in Digital Marketing, Data and AI-Driven Marketing

Master’s in Entrepreneurship in the Age of AI

Master’s in Hospitality & Lived Experience

Master’s in Impact Investing & Social Finance

Master’s in International Supply Chain Management

Master’s in International Trade & Geopolitics