Doctor of Philosophy in Natural, Mathematical, and Computational Sciences

The Venture Science Ph.D. emphasizes science-based entrepreneurship, wherein students learn how to launch and run a science- based startup, and how to bring scientific innovations to market. Additionally, the focus is on deeptech projects—that is, projects dependent confronting significant scientific or engineering challenges—in areas such as agriculture, computation, climate, and pharmaceuticals.

• Target Audience

  • Ages 19-30, 31-65

• Target Group

  • It aims to cultivate science-based entrepreneurship, producing graduates with startup-ready projects and the expertise to launch and manage a startup. The goal is to increase the pipeline of talent in cutting-edge science, and to facilitate entrepreneurial talent’s entry into academic spaces, and vice versa.

• Mode of attendance

  • Full-Time and Part-Time

• Structure of the programme

  • Entire programme is divided into three modules, each building upon the previous. It has a large research component consisting of both structured research preparation and the creation of an extensive final thesis in which students undertake cutting-edge, original, independent research.

  • All students are required to complete 3 stages of the thesis, during which they are closely supervised in producing a substantial piece of written research. The thesis allows students to produce sustained and focused research in a structured and personalised environment.

    • Tier One (MQF 8, 1500 Hours)

      • Module(s)

        • Introduction to Venture Science (MQF 7, 75 Hours)

        • Narrative Design and Storytelling (MQF 7, 75 Hours)

        • High Performance Culture (MQF 7, 75 Hours)

        • Introduction to Scoping (MQF 7, 75 Hours)

        • Scoping 1: Academic Research and Expert Interview (MQF 7, 75 Hours)

        • Scoping 2: Customer Development (MQF 7, 75 Hours)

        • Scoping 3: Feasibility and Techno-economics (MQF 7, 75 Hours)

        • Complex Decision Making (MQF7, 75 Hours)

        • Sector-Specific Business Model Design (MQF 7, 75 Hours)

        • Research: Tests (Theory, Practice, Reflection) (MQF 7, 75 Hours)

        • Venture Research (MQF 8, 750 Hours)

    • Tier Two

      • Research Progress and Progress Review (MQF 8, 1500 Hours)

    • Tier Three

      • Thesis Completion and Viva Voce Examination (MQF 8, 1500 Hours)

  • Although these tiers are represented as co-equal in duration, in practice many students will find that they vary: For example, perhaps the plan of study (from Advanced Research Planning and Methodology) is completed midway through year 1, but the research phase may well take three semesters. Their equivalence here represents the importance of the three moments of the degree, rather than prescribing a specific model to a student and their supervisor.

• Grading System

  • Within any individual module assessment is of two kinds: assessment of regular assignments (typically weighted 20% as a whole) and assessment of a final assignment or project (typically weighted 80%). These grades, however, are regarded only as indicators of progress while the student is progressing through the program.

  • The Ph.D. is awarded on a pass/fail basis as a consequence of the viva voce examination.

• Dates of Next Intake

  • Rolling admission

• Pass rates

  • 2023 pass rates will be publicised in the next cycle, contingent upon ensuring sufficient student data for anonymization.

• Identity Malta’s VISA requirement for third country nationals: https://www.identitymalta.com/unit/central-visa-unit/