strategic management phd uk

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PhD Strategy, Operations and Leadership

SoSS Research and Knowledge Exchange Office

+44(0) 131 451 4454

[email protected]

This group comprises seven academics including experts in Quality Management, Business Performance, Project Management, Strategic Management, Management, Management and Business History, and International Management. Collectively, they are some of the most highly cited global leaders in their fields. The group represents a diverse range of research interests that include Policy and strategy development and organizational change with a particular interest in what people do in the development of strategy:

• Measuring and managing business performance with a view to understanding what makes high performing organisations different and how organisational controls could be optimised to underpin sustainable long term business performance
• Business process management and the use of Lean Six Sigma, quality management and wider business improvement approaches in a wide range of sectors and industries
• Management of strategic projects and strategic management and organisational controls in temporary organisations  
• The international political economy of infrastructure systems
• Internet portals, website quality, social networks and the market reach of rural small firms
• Strategic and performance management of SMEs
• Origins, history and cultural practices of hospitality; and philosophical, ethical and cultural underpinnings of contemporary management practices.

Research of the group is informed by significant industry engagement across public and private sector organisations. The Strategy, Operation and Leadership group includes the following academics:

• Jiju Antony
• Umit Bititci
• Amos Haniff
• Robert MacIntosh
• John Sanders
• Colin Turner

Entry requirements

• Fees and funding

Strategy, Operations and Leadership Group research project 1

There is a distinct relationship between how managers conceptualise their organisations and how they manage performance. The purpose of this line of research would be to investigate: How to capture the managers’ mental models? How to compare these conceptualisations? How differences in mental models management reflect organisational performance?

• Susan Cowan

Strategy, Operations and Leadership Group research project 2

Collaboration between organisations through joint-venture projects (eg. multi-organisation product development or social case-teams) is increasing. Person-centred leadership is effective in professional and projects contexts, but it is unclear how this works in multi-agency project contexts.  The research would explore this, and include investigation of related factors such as accountability.

Potential supervisors:

Academic degree

To apply to study a PhD in Strategy, Operations and Leadership, please select ' PhD Management ' in the application form's drop-down menu.

All applications will be reviewed within the relevant department with a shortlisting decision made based on qualifications, the research proposal and the availability of a supervisory team.  Shortlisted applicants must have the equivalent of a 1st class honours undergraduate degree, or a Masters degree with an average mark of 65% or higher and a dissertation mark of 65% or higher.  Applicants who are unsure if their qualifications meet the minimum criteria should contact [email protected] .  Please note that possession of the minimum qualifications does not guarantee shortlisting for interview.

English Language requirements

If you have not already studied a degree programme that was taught and examined in the medium of English we require evidence of language proficiency. For IELTS: the minimum overall IELTS score is 6.5 with no score lower than 6.0 in Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening.  

Further information can be found on the UK Government's Knowledge of English page.

Research proposal

The research proposal should contain as much as possible of the following: an introduction or outline of the proposed topic; a statement of objectives and/or specific research questions; a summary of some of the relevant literature which supports the research objective(s); an indication of the intended research methodology; an indication of the theoretical structure and/or conceptual outline; a provisional timetable of the major phases of the research process; results expected from the research e.g. practical value of the research or possible contributions to knowledge or policy or methodology. At this stage we are not looking for a definitive document but merely an indication that you have thought through most of the above issues. Please note that work submitted may be subject to screening via plagiarism software.

If you have references available these should be submitted with your application.  If they are not currently available please ensure that you provide the names and contact details, including email addresses, of two academic referees on the application form.

Candidates may also submit a Curriculum Vitae.

Queries may be directed to [email protected]

• Your residency 'status' is usually defined as the country where you have been ordinarily resident for the three years before the start of your course. Find out more about tuition fees .
• Overseas includes applications from European Union countries who do not hold Pre-Settled or Settled status in the UK. Read more about the application process for EU nationals .

Additional fees information

Self-funded.

We welcome self-funded PhD research candidates from around the world. The majority of academic supervisors are open to applications from self-funding students and potential candidates should match their application to the research expertise and interests of the Business Management department. If you are interested in research areas that are not advertised here then please look at our research web pages and contact staff working in your area of interest. We also welcome good quality self-funded research projects from industry. For self-funded research from industry, we may be able to cover a percentage of the fee via a scholarship. Queries may be directed to Dr. Babak Taheri [email protected]

Scholarships and bursaries

We aim to encourage well-qualified, ambitious students to study with us and we offer a wide variety of scholarships and bursaries to achieve this. Over £6 million worth of opportunities are available in fee and stipend scholarships, and more than 400 students benefit from this support.

View our full range of research scholarships .

Additional scholarship information

The Business Management Department offers a number of scholarships every year. These opportunities are advertised on our Postgraduate Research Scholarships page during the period from January to April.

Shortlisted candidates are then interviewed, and those awarded the scholarships would normally start in September or early October. 

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Management (Entrepreneurship and Strategy)

• Entry year 2024
• Duration Full time 3 Years

Top reasons to study with us

9th for Business and Management in the UK

QS World University Rankings (2023)

70th for Business and Management in the world

Lancaster University is top 10 in The Complete University Guide 2024

Do you want to focus your research on entrepreneurship, strategy, leadership, family business or innovation, and benefit from cutting-edge insights from research-active staff? We are the most research-intensive business school in the UK, according to the latest Research Excellence Framework . In our welcoming environment, ideas can flourish and connections can be made.

Our PhD programme connects you with the following leading research centres and research forum to develop your expertise:

• The Centre for Family Business
• The Academy for Gender, Work and Leadership

We pride ourselves in offering a strong learning environment. You will have access to state-of-the-art computing facilities, IT support and dedicated office space. There will be opportunities to participate in various seminar series, workshops and conferences. You will also be able to access advanced training courses, including those delivered by the Economic and Social Research Council-funded North West Social Science Doctoral Training Partnership (NWSSDTP).

As we have a strong focus on practice, we will expect your doctoral research to have impact for practitioners as well as being theoretically thorough.

As a PhD student, you will study topics related to research design in management, including qualitative and quantitative research methods and research ethics. Subject experts will guide and supervise you during your PhD programme.

In addition to your thesis, an oral examination will form an integral part of the assessment of your doctoral research.

Part-time PhD study over 5 years is available through the Theory and Practice of Management PhD .

Your department

• Entrepreneurship and Strategy Lancaster University Management School
• Make an enquiry form
• Telephone +44 (0)1524 592938

Programme Structure

The PhD in Management - Entrepreneurship and Strategy pathway includes compulsory modules covering topics related to research design in management, and qualitative and quantitative research methods.

Below is an overview of the modules you will study throughout your PhD. You will also study a range of optional research training seminars to enhance your skills.

• Induction Workshop which includes Ethics and Plagiarism training and assessment
• Foundations of Management Research
• Central Themes in Management
• Research Skills – Data Collection & Analysis
• Delivering Impactful Research
• Structured Writing Retreats
• Communicating with Different Research Audiences

Entry requirements

Academic requirements.

A relevant UK Master's degree with the minimum of 65% overall and 65% in the dissertation, or a non-UK Master's degree, graded at the equivalent level.

We may also consider non-standard applicants, please contact us for information.

If you have studied outside of the UK, we would advise you to check our list of international qualifications before submitting your application.

Additional Requirements

As part of your application you will also need to provide a viable research proposal of up to 5000 words which has potential to make a significant contribution to prior literature. Guidance for writing a research proposal can be found on our writing a research proposal webpage.

English Language Requirements

We may ask you to provide a recognised English language qualification, dependent upon your nationality and where you have studied previously.

We normally require an IELTS (Academic) Test with an overall score of at least 7.0, and a minimum of 6.0 in each element of the test. We also consider other English language qualifications .

If your score is below our requirements, you may be eligible for one of our pre-sessional English language programmes .

Contact: Admissions Team +44 (0) 1524 592032 or email [email protected]

Fees and funding

The tuition fee for students with home fee status is set in line with the standard fee stipend provided by the UK Research Councils. The fee stipend for 2024/25 has not yet been set. For reference, the fee stipend for 2023/24 was full-time £4,712.

The international fee for new entrants in 2024/25 is full-time £20,790.

General fees and funding information

There may be extra costs related to your course for items such as books, stationery, printing, photocopying, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits. Following graduation, you may need to pay a subscription to a professional body for some chosen careers.

Specific additional costs for studying at Lancaster are listed below.

College fees

Lancaster is proud to be one of only a handful of UK universities to have a collegiate system. Every student belongs to a college, and all students pay a small College Membership Fee  which supports the running of college events and activities. Students on some distance-learning courses are not liable to pay a college fee.

For students starting in 2023 and 2024, the fee is £40 for undergraduates and research students and £15 for students on one-year courses. Fees for students starting in 2025 have not yet been set.

Computer equipment and internet access

To support your studies, you will also require access to a computer, along with reliable internet access. You will be able to access a range of software and services from a Windows, Mac, Chromebook or Linux device. For certain degree programmes, you may need a specific device, or we may provide you with a laptop and appropriate software - details of which will be available on relevant programme pages. A dedicated  IT support helpdesk  is available in the event of any problems.

The University provides limited financial support to assist students who do not have the required IT equipment or broadband support in place.

For most taught postgraduate applications there is a non-refundable application fee of £40. We cannot consider applications until this fee has been paid, as advised on our online secure payment system. There is no application fee for postgraduate research applications.

For some of our courses you will need to pay a deposit to accept your offer and secure your place. We will let you know in your offer letter if a deposit is required and you will be given a deadline date when this is due to be paid.

The fee that you pay will depend on whether you are considered to be a home or international student. Read more about how we assign your  fee status .

If you are studying on a programme of more than one year’s duration, the tuition fees for subsequent years of your programme are likely to increase each year. Read more about  fees in subsequent years .

Scholarships and bursaries

You may be eligible for the following funding opportunities, depending on your fee status and course. You will be automatically considered for our main scholarships and bursaries when you apply, so there's nothing extra that you need to do.

Unfortunately no scholarships and bursaries match your selection, but there are more listed on scholarships and bursaries page.

If you're considering postgraduate research you should look at our funded PhD opportunities .

We also have other, more specialised scholarships and bursaries - such as those for students from specific countries.

Browse Lancaster University's scholarships and bursaries .

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Find a PhD Topic

Discover the research interests of our academics to find a synergy with your desired area of research.

Studentships and Funding

Find out more about our range of options to help you fund your postgraduate studies.

Alumni Profiles

PhD Management, 2021

M. Isabella Cavalcanti Junqueira

PhD Management, 2019

Dr Ian Hesketh

PhD Management, 2016

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UCL School of Management

University college london, phd in management.

Start date:  September 2024 Duration: 5 years (1 year MRes + 4 years PhD) Fees:  We offer fully funded scholarships to all admitted students Application deadline: 01 February 2024 (17:00 UK time). A late submission window closes on 05 April 2024 (17:00 UK time), although we encourage you to apply early as places are limited and applications are subject to close sooner if places are filled. Entry:  Minimum of a first class bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a relevant discipline. International students, please note that UCL’s English language requirement for this programme is a ‘ Level 1 ’ (IELTS and TOEFL are the preferred test, however others on the UCL recognised test list will be accepted if required) - further details regarding this can be found on the  UCL English Language Requirements  page.

PhD students pursue their studies in one of the Operations & Technology, Strategy & Entrepreneurship, Marketing & Analytics, and Organisations & Innovation groups. All four groups offer a unique education and research experience to a small number of highly motivated students, with the intent of preparing them for scholarly careers at the highest level.

PhD studies in Operations and Technology

Across the different research themes , there is a shared interest in management science, operations management and business technologies. Topics of interest include R&D management, innovation and new product development, service systems, supply chain management and healthcare operations. For candidates in this area, a degree in engineering (e.g. industrial, electrical, computer, mechanical etc), economics, mathematics, statistics or operational research is preferred. 

PhD studies in Strategy and Entrepreneurship

S&E faculty research  focuses on understanding what makes firms successful, how they cope with a complex and dynamic environment, and what leads to new business formation and growth. Doctoral training involves close collaboration between the doctoral student and faculty members on shared research interests, coursework at UCL and other institutions, and independent research. Doctoral students also benefit from the S&E group’s collaborative research community, a lively program of research speakers from other institutions, and links with researchers worldwide. Topics of interest include digitization, big data analytics, machine learning, information environment, platform ecosystems, new organisational forms, learning, innovation, competition, interorganisational relationships, corporate strategy, entrepreneurial strategy, entrepreneurship for development, social innovation. 

PhD studies in Marketing and Analytics

Topics of interest in this group include branding, retailing, advertising, pricing, product development, marketing channels, business marketing, marketing strategy and e-commerce. The researchers in this group use diverse quantitative methodologies that include big data analytics, regression analysis, choice models, field experiments and Bayesian econometrics.

PhD studies in Organisations and Innovation

O&I faculty research focuses on understanding individual and team outcomes within organisations. Group members engage with a variety of perspectives and approaches including network research, experiments and ethnographies. There is a shared interest in the topics of creativity, innovation, social networks and diversity. For applicants to the PhD programme, prior training in social science (e.g. social psychology, sociology or economics) is highly relevant. 

PhD studies in Financial Economics

Our MRes and PhD Programme in Financial Economics with UCL’s Department of Economics now has more information about how to apply and what you can expect from the programme on a brand new programme page, please see the specific entry requirements and programme structure here . 

PhD Structure

• The programme typically consists of five years of full-time study, starting with one year of modules registered as MRes. These modules are typically advanced postgraduate modules to provide rigorous methodological training to prepare students for their PhD research. Along with the School’s modules, students typically take some of these from other UCL departments (e.g., Economics, Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology), the London Business School, Bayes Business School, and Imperial College Business School.
• In addition to methods modules, students also undertake a first-year research project under the tutoring and supervision of a faculty member later in the MRes year (Term 3 + Summer period).
• Progression from MRes to PhD is not automatic . Superior performance in taught modules and independent, original research is required for progression from MRes to PhD.
• Our highly selective and small-sized PhD programme ensures that each student receives personal attention and guidance from our faculty members throughout their doctoral study. The close mentorship process forms the foundations of a successful academic career. 
• We expect our PhD graduates to have as their goal an academic career as a faculty member in a top business school or engineering department of a world-class university
• PhD applications are reviewed once a completed application form has been submitted online . 

Students take a total of 180 credits in the MRes year. This is made up of the MRes Research Project:

• MSIN0135 - MRes Research Project: 8,000-10,000 words . 105 credits.

Students take 75 credits of taught modules, of which the following three are compulsory modules:

• MSIN0131 - Research Presentation and Critical Writing Skills . 15 credits
• MSIN0132 - Seminar in Organisation Theory . 15 credits
• MSIN0240 - Designing Management Research Projects.  15 credits

Finally, students choose elective modules (15 credits each) among those offered by the School of Management, other UCL Departments (e.g., Economics, Psychology), and partner universities in London.

Students can take additional (non-credit) modules at UCL and our partners schools in the remaining years to complement their learning, but there is no requirement to take modules after the MRes year.

The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, and class discussion based on case studies and other activities. Student performance is assessed through simulations, presentations, coursework, group projects, class participation, and examinations. 

Students typically study 3 compulsory modules over Terms 1 and 2. Students will also typically study 2 optional modules which may take place in Terms 1, 2 or 3. Students will also undertake a substantial research project, which would usually be undertaken over Terms 2 and 3. 

Each taught module is delivered over 10 weeks, with 3 contact hours per week comprising lecture content and interactive components. 

In addition, students typically spend approximately 6-8 hours a week for each module on assessment and independent study to further develop the skills and knowledge covered in lectures and seminars. The total number of weekly hours will vary according to the weekly activities being undertaken.

Why choose us

What our students say:.

‘The UCL School of Management PhD programme is designed to provide students with skills that lead to academic excellence. Candidates are part of a dynamic and vibrant group and benefit from the programme’s flexibility, as they can choose from a wide range of disciplines. The frequent cooperation with world-leading faculty members enhances our knowledge and skills and ultimately leads to high-quality research output, laying the foundations for a subsequent successful academic career.’ 

UCL School of Management has forged a reputation for world-leading research in management studies with 95% of the School’s research deemed to be world-leading or internationally excellent, the second highest percentage of any business school in the UK, according to the 2021 REF. 

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Applications

Applying for our mres/phd programme.

Entry requirements and admissions criteria:

We seek to recruit highly motivated, ambitious students with strong educational backgrounds. The ideal candidate will have a first-class Bachelor’s degree from the UK or an overseas qualification of equivalent standard from a leading university. We encourage students from a wide variety of backgrounds (e.g, engineering, economics, business, mathematics/statistics, psychology, sociology, and anthropology, among others) to apply to our programme. Also, notice that a Master’s or graduate level degree is not required for admission, you can apply with only an undergraduate (e.g. bachelors) degree. 

In your personal statement you are expected to suggest one or more faculty members as potential supervisors. On the application form you may see that it states that it is preferred that you contact potential supervisors beforehand – you do not need to do so. In fact, applicants are discouraged from randomly contacting individual faculty members or potential supervisors when applying to our programme. All applications are first evaluated by a joint admissions committee, so contacting potential supervisors separately will not increase your chances.

All MRes/PhD applicants are normally expected to take either a GMAT test or GRE test (UCL’s institution code is 3344, but also make sure you include a scanned copy of your test result on your online application), although the School has no minimum score requirements.  

We also require you to submit IELTS or TOEFL scores if English is not your first language. Our School requires a “Level 1” English qualification which corresponds to:

• IELTS: Overall grade of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each of the sub-tests.
• TOEFL: Score of 92, plus 24/30 in the reading and writing subtests and 20/30 in the listening and speaking subtests.  

Application Deadline

The application window closes 01 February 2024 (17:00 UK time) and a late submission window closes on 05 April 2024 (17:00 UK time). We advise those interested in the programme to apply before 01 February 2024, as those applying in the late submission window will only be considered if there are still places remaining.

Application Procedure

Apply via UCL Postgraduate Admissions System here . When starting the application, you must select the MRes option. In addition to filling out the online application form, please upload a copy of the following documents:

• Official Transcripts of Grades / Course marks
• A 2-3 page personal statement or research proposal* that clearly indicates: (i) which research group you are interested in (i.e., Organisations & Innovation, Strategy & Entrepreneurship, Marketing & Analytics or Operations & Technology, (ii) your research interests and preliminary research ideas, (iii) potential faculty member(s) you may want to work with (this is a suggested list, you don’t need to contact potential supervisors beforehand), and (iv) your motivation to do a PhD.
• Your  GRE / GMAT  score report**
• Your IELTS/TOEFL score report, if English is not your first language.

* While submission of a full research proposal is not required, you can send us one if you have already written it up.

** You can submit your application even if you don’t have a GRE/GMAT score —simply indicate when you plan to take the test. Funding/Scholarships

We offer fully funded five year MRes/PhD scholarships in the UCL School of Management to all admitted students. The scholarship is open to all nationalities. It covers all tuition fees, and includes an annual stipend of £25,000, which is tax-free.

Additional costs 

This programme does not have any compulsory additional costs outside of purchasing books or stationery, printing, thesis binding or photocopying.  

Students may have the opportunity to participate in conferences in the UK and internationally. The UCL School of Management provides MRes/PhD students with an annual budget for conferences, which students will use to cover the travel, accommodation, food and other costs whilst at conferences, in line with UCL’s expenses policy. 

Apply today

For queries about the MRes/PhD Programme that are not addressed on our web pages, please contact [email protected] .

Frequently Asked Questions about the UCL School of Management MRes/PhD Programme

Programme Information

Application process, admissions requirements, further information.

If you have any other questions regarding the programme that are not addressed on our web pages please email the programme team ( [email protected] )

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Strategic management and leadership

The SML research cluster addresses strategy research in its widest sense. We have an inclusive and broad perspective on strategic management and leadership. In contrast to strategy groups in other business schools, we do not just focus on commercial organisations and the private sector, but also consider strategy in public service organisations – including the public sector and not-for-profit organisations – which better reflects the make-up of our student population and society in general. Being culturally diverse, we have a global perspective on strategy and leadership, and we conduct research in Africa and Asia as well as the UK and Europe.

Entry requirements

Minimum 2:1 undergraduate degree (or equivalent). If you are not a UK citizen, you may need to prove your knowledge of English .

Potential research projects

Any research related to corporate social responsibility and corporate political activity. Potential research may include interactions between political aspects and social aspects of non-market strategy, non-market risk management (e.g. in foreign direct investments), CSR and CPA approaches among companies from emerging and developing economies.

International strategy

Any research related to strategies of international organisations, which can include multinational corporations, small new ventures and public service organisations with international operations. Potential research may include internationalisation approaches, strategies of African and Asian companies as well as strategic agility.

Management innovation and open innovation

Any research related to novel management practices and open innovation. Potential research may include social innovation, innovations related to the COVID-19 pandemic, managerial innovations among emerging market companies and the role of alliances in innovation.

Potential supervisors

• Dr Giacomo Carli
• Dr Despoina Filiou
• Professor George Frynas
• Dr Richard Godfrey
• Dr Anna John
• Dr Charles Mbalyohere
• Professor Edoardo Ongaro

Some of our research students are funded via The Grand Union Doctoral Training Partnership or the Open-Oxford-Cambridge AHRC Doctoral Training Partnership ; some are funded by University studentships; others are self-funded.

For detailed information about fees and funding, visit  Fees and studentships .

To see current funded studentship vacancies across all research areas, see  Current studentships .

• The Open University Business School
• Business School funded PhD opportunities

Get in touch

If you have an enquiry specific to this research topic, please contact:

Email: FBL-PHD Phone: +44 (0)1908 858365

If you’re interested in applying for this research topic, please take a look at the application process .

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PhD with Integrated Study in Management

Our PhD with Integrated Study in Management programme challenges students to make the most of their potential. Our objective is that when you graduate as an alumnus of the Business School, you will be able to enjoy international recognition for your achievements.

This programme is currently undergoing the final approval process. We anticipate applications will open in January 2024.

PhD with Integrated Study in Management at a glance

• Study over four years full-time, with an additional 'writing-up' year available to all
• During your first year, undertake 180 of taught courses designed to train you in the theory and methods necessary to conduct high-quality research
• As part of a collaborative academic community, we support students with cross-disciplinary interests to find expertise, support, and supervision across the University of Edinburgh
• We encourage our students to aim higher, presenting papers at prestigious conferences and submit articles for publication
• Access to a wide range of professional and personal development opportunities during your studies
• While we invite students from around the globe to join our community, we don't offer this programme online or by distance learning

Entry requirements

Find out our academic, English language, and application requirements for the PhD in Management.

Programme overview

View the learning outcomes and a typical training course schedule for a first-year student.

Fees and living expenses

When budgeting please consider associated administration fees and expenses as well as our funding support.

Ready to apply?

Review our application checklist and make your application to the PhD in Management.

Professional pathway

This route allows students to maintain their current occupational role while also studying for a PhD with the Business School.

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Choose start date: Start date: September 2024 Duration: Five to six years Deadline: Applications are now closed Fee: Fully funded Location: London, UK Admissions Funding and scholarships

A fully-funded PhD for aspiring scholars seeking an academic career 

We believe that rigorous academic analysis can provide practical solutions to complex problems in society. Our fully-funded PhD programme provides students with the opportunity to conduct their own research in a world-leading university, finding solutions to key challenges in modern business. As a Business School, we rank first in the UK for research environment and second for management and business students, while Imperial College London ranks first in the UK overall for research (REF 2021). 

Starting with a one or two-year Master’s in Research (MRes), depending on your chosen research area, you will gain a strong theoretical grounding and thorough research training to prepare you for the PhD. As a doctoral student you will have the benefit of supervision from leading world scholars. You will develop the expertise and research skills necessary to pursue a career in academia with previous Imperial doctoral graduates finding success in other leading universities such as Copenhagen Business School, Tsinghua University, University of Amsterdam, University College London, and The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.

97% world-leading or internationally excellent research (REF 2021) #1 in the UK for research (Imperial College London, REF 2021) 1% top one per cent of business schools worldwide to have achieved triple accreditation 6 research areas Explore the programme

Advance your academic success at a world class research institution

3rd in Europe (Imperial College London, Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024)

6th in the world (Imperial College London, QS World University Rankings 2024)

#1 city for students (London, QS Best Student City Rankings 2024)

Build your career with our global reputation

With particular expertise in finance, entrepreneurship, health, and sustainable business, the Business School is recognised as leading the field. Benefit from strong industry partnerships and a diverse alumni network. 

A fully-funded programme

Every student on our Doctoral programme is offered full funding, including a full tuition fee waiver (Home/EU or Overseas fees) plus a living stipend for up to five years. Funding for a 6th year can be considered on a case-by-case basis, with the potential to undertake a teaching or research assistant studentship with one of the Business Schools research centres.  

World-class faculty

Our internationally admired faculty are leaders in their respective fields, bringing a wealth of experience and academic distinction. They are deeply invested in developing the research interests of our PhD students, fostering an environment of intellectual growth and innovation. 

Impact on industry

Working closely with businesses and governments, we drive policy and practice through inspiring collaboration and research excellence, giving you the opportunity to observe the impact of research on business and society. 

Inspiring intellectual community

Engage with a diverse cohort of fellow PhD students and researchers, creating an inspiring and collaborative environment that encourages intellectual development and professional connections. 

Programme content

The Business School Master’s in Research (MRes) is an integral part of the PhD, introducing theory and research methods in Finance, Economics and Management, providing you with a solid foundation for your doctoral studies. Depending on the research area you choose to specialise in, you will embark on a one or two-year MRes programme as shown below. 

*Please note programme content is subject to change. The modules mentioned below are just a sample of what is available in the programme.

Data Analysis Tools

This course provides students with a basic foundation in mathematics and statistics required to undertake further quantitative research methods courses. This course consists of two parts, statistics and mathematics. Topics covered include: matrix algebra; optimization; differential equations; random variables and probability distributions; moments of a random variable; probability distributions; joint, marginal and conditional distributions; functions and transformation of a random variable; hypothesis testing; univariate regression.

Systematic Reviews

When starting new research, the first step is usually a literature review: scanning what is already known about a given topic and figuring out where the gaps are. However, novice researchers tend to be anything but systematic in their literature review: they have no method for scanning the literature, and they usually have little idea of what is relevant and what is not. The Systematic Review method opens a way to create research syntheses that add real value and novel insight – in a way that is potentially publishable in its own right.

Specialist Modules

Optimisation

Stochastic Processes - This module introduces you to basic tools for modelling stochastic phenomena. The focus of the module is the theory of stochastic processes, but applications will be drawn from operations research, analytics / ML, and finance to illustrate the usage of the models for studying real-world business problems

Machine Learning for Analytics - This module gives you an overview of machine learning methods for analytics. Applications in the module will be drawn from various sources including medical applications (e.g. patient discharge from hospitals), recommender systems and the Netflix prize, advertising and marketing, estimating scofflaw rates, reputations systems and Google's PageRank algorithm, filtering, text mining, sports analytics etc.

Decision Making Under Uncertainty - This module gives you an overview of different paradigms of decision making in dynamic uncertain environments, including dynamic programming, stochastic optimisation and robust optimisation. Along with theory, applications in operations management and analytics will be introduced, with the aim of preparing you for research in these areas.

Industrial Organisation

Sustainable Behaviour - This module aims to provide you with an in-depth exposure to the emerging academic field of sustainable behaviour. You will be presented with the main methodological tool used in behavioural research (lab and field experiments) as well with the multiple articles and journals which have published cutting-edge experimental research on sustainable behaviour across a wide variety of contexts.

Consumer Behaviour - This module aims to give you a robust foundation in consumer behaviour and how it relates to marketing. The module covers topics such as how consumers process marketing communications, how consumer involvement affects decision making, and how external factors impact consumer behaviour.

Microeconomics 1

Microeconomics 2

Research methods modules

Applied Microeconometrics

Applied Microeconometrics 2

Econometrics 1

Econometrics 2

Qualitative Methods 1

Qualitative Methods 2

Quantitative Methods 2

Other elective modules

You can choose from a range of elective modules relevant to your pathway.

Asset Pricing Theory 

Corporate Finance

Consumer Behaviour

Empirical Asset Pricing

Entrepreneurship 

Financial Economics of Climate Sustainability

Machine Learning for Analytics

Machine Learning for Economic Analysis

Macroeconomics

Macro-Finance

Micro Development Economics

Organisational Behaviour

Organisation Theory 

Topics in Empirical Banking 

Topics in Environmental Resource Economics 

Topics in Health Economics

Topics in Household Finance 

Business Models and Intellectual Property*

Contemporary Topics in Health Policy*

Digital Marketing Analytics*

Healthcare and Medical Analytics*

Logistics and Supply Chain Analytics*

Optimisation and Decision Models*

Retail and Marketing Analysis*

Workforce Analytics*

*These modules are available subject to capacity and timetabling constraints in other faculties and are differently weighted to the MRes Business electives

Year one compulsory modules for Economics and Public Policy pathway

Applied Microeconometrics I  - This module will provide an introduction to the practice of applied microeconometrics. Students will learn the standard empirical methods in current use by applied researchers and be exposed to a handful of frontier approaches. The focus will be on implementation beyond simply estimating a parameter of interest: getting the standard errors right, validation and conducting appropriate robustness exercises, and adapting methods to fit new contexts.

Applied Microeconometrics II  - This module will be an introduction to some of the most important themes for students wishing to conduct their own research in Empirical Corporate Finance. For other students, this module will help students gain a better understanding of research related to your own field. Topics covered include: regression refresher, causality and randomized experiments, instrumental variables, difference-in-difference, regression discontinuity, standard errors, event studies, discrete response models, matching methods, and non-parametric methods

Econometrics I  - The module has the objective to provide the students with econometric tools necessary to conduct their empirical research and discuss fundamentals of econometric theory behind them. Students will learn how to conduct - and how to critique - empirical studies in finance, economics and related fields.

Macroeconomics  - This course covers research issues that arise in the intersection of macroeconomics and finance. Topics include portfolio choice, general equilibrium models with heterogeneous agents and dynamic asset pricing models.

Microeconomics I  - The module covers the main tools of microeconomic theory and focuses on preferences, consumer theory, choice under uncertainty, producer theory, and game theory. Time permitting, it introduces general equilibrium in competitive markets. The emphasis is on economic intuition as well as techniques. The fundamental concepts of microeconomic theory are discussed.

Microeconomics II  -   This module covers competitive equilibrium, markets with imperfect, competition and asymmetric information, general equilibrium, Social choice and mechanism design

Research Experience  – This module is intended to give students practical experience of research preparation for their dissertation the following year.  They will undertake research tasks under the supervision of a faculty member on a topic chosen by the faculty member.  Students can select those projects that fit their research interests.

Year one compulsory modules for Finance pathway

Empirical Corporate Finance  - This module will provide an introduction to the practice of applied microeconometrics. Students will learn the standard empirical methods in current use by applied researchers and be exposed to a handful of frontier approaches. The focus will be on implementation beyond simply estimating a parameter of interest: getting the standard errors right, validation and conducting appropriate robustness exercises, and adapting methods to fit new contexts.

Econometrics II    - This module will be an introduction to some of the most important themes for students wishing to conduct their own research in Empirical Corporate Finance. For other students, this module will help students gain a better understanding of research related to your own field. Topics covered include: regression refresher, causality and randomized experiments, instrumental variables, difference-in-difference, regression discontinuity, standard errors, event studies, discrete response models, matching methods, and non-parametric methods. 

Econometrics I  - The module has the objective to provide the students with econometric tools necessary to conduct their empirical research and discuss fundamentals of econometric theory behind them. Students will learn how to conduct - and how to critique - empirical studies in finance, economics and related fields.

Microeconomics I  - The module covers the main tools of microeconomic theory and focuses on preferences, consumer theory, choice under uncertainty, producer theory, and game theory. Time permitting, it introduces general equilibrium in competitive markets. The emphasis is on economic intuition as well as techniques. The fundamental concepts of microeconomic theory are discussed.

Corporate Finance  - This module is taught in two parts, starting with a historical background, and then considering the theory of investment decisions, capital structure, financial innovation, and corporate governance.

Asset Pricing Theory  - The first part of this module deals with representative investors, portfolio choice and dynamic securities markets in discrete time before covering portfolio choice in continuous time and option pricing. The second part starts from the asset pricing implications of a general equilibrium Lucas-tree economy. Then, it discusses the main asset pricing puzzles implied by these economies. Finally, we will explore optimal portfolio choice, multiple trees economies and some of the latest attempts in the asset pricing literature to solve some of these puzzles.

Empirical Asset Pricing  -   The module is intended for students with a prior knowledge of asset pricing theory, capital markets and econometrics, and will concentrate on discrete-time methods and use a variety of econometric techniques. The module will cover these econometric tools in order to empirically address meaningful economic questions.

Research Experience  - This module is intended to give students practical experience of research preparation for their dissertation the following year.  They will undertake research tasks under the supervision of a faculty member on a topic chosen by the faculty member.  Students can select those projects that fit their research interests.

Year one compulsory modules for Innovation and Entrepreneurship pathway

Introduction to the Practice of Research  - This module will introduce you to the craft of research. You will develop the skills and knowledge you need to effectively produce research questions and hypotheses, ensuring consistency between theory, research design, methods and measures, and developing a clear and compelling argument.

Qualitative Methods I  - This module covers research methods required in qualitative research. You will develop skills in all aspects of the research process, including research design, data collection, data analysis, theory building, writing up as well as reviewing papers and responding to referees. The module is essential for those who wish to author qualitative research but will also be useful for quantitative researchers.

Quantitative Methods I  - This module provides an overview of the primary quantitative methods employed in management research. It will enable you to develop the ability to interpret the results of your own research as well as to critically assess the findings presented in other studies. The emphasis will be on the practical application of different estimation models using STATA rather than on the econometrics and mathematical specification.

Organisational Behaviour  - In this module you will be introduced to a selection of most seminal papers in organisational behaviour with a particular focus on classic and contemporary theories, ongoing controversies, and ground-breaking empirical studies. The emphasis is on providing a foundational overview of the field.

Organisational Theory  - This module will expose you to the major theoretical perspectives and issues studied in organisation theory research. You will also be exposed to a set of approaches to understanding how and why organisations form, survive and grow.

Strategy  - In this module you will develop the fundamentals of strategy including the theories of competitive advantage, industry analysis, understanding of resource based view/knowledge based view, and corporate strategy.

Innovation Management  - This module will offer a thorough theoretical understanding of the key themes of innovation research, combined with practical insights into the challenges of innovation management in organisations. You will address topics ranging from technological change, creativity, the role of networks in innovation, and appropriability/value capture from innovation.

Entrepreneurship  - This module introduces students to the major theoretical threads and debates in the field of entrepreneurship. Students will learn to make connections between theory and empirical research, practice critiquing and identifying insight in research, engage with fundamental debates in the field and formulate directions how the field may be further advanced.

Year one compulsory modules for Strategy and Organisational Behaviour pathway

Elective modules for economics and public policy pathway.

Asset Pricing Theory

Decision Making Under Certainty

Econometrics I

Econometrics II 

Financial Economics of Climate and Sustainability

Machine Learning for Economics Analysis

Macroeconomics 

Microeconomics I

Microeconomics II 

Sustainable Behaviour

Topics in Empirical Banking

Topics in Environmental Resource Economics

Topics in Household Finance

Elective modules for Finance pathway

Advanced Financial Statistics

Asset Allocation and Investment Strategies

Big Data in Finance I

Big Data in Finance II

Decision Making Under Uncertainty

Econometrics II

Financial Economics for Climate Sustainability

Microeconomics II

Elective modules for Innovation and Entrepreneurship pathway

Advanced Topics in Organisational Behaviour

Corporate Sustainability

Interdisciplinary Research

Qualitative Methods II

Readings in Digital Business

Readings in Social Networks/Social Capital

Social Network Analysis

Social Data Science

Special Topics in Organisational Theory/Strategy

Elective modules for Strategy and Organisational behaviour pathway

Advanced Topics in Organisational Behaviour 

Social Network Analysis 

Research Project

During the second year, students work on their MRes project which is formally assessed and counts towards the overall MRes mark. Students are expected to approach potential supervisors from within the department’s academic staff. Students submit their proposed research project title and a brief outline by the end of September of Year two. Students submit a Progress Report in February, outlining their progress to date with the thesis. During the Summer Term, students will submit their MRes dissertation. This will be followed by an oral exam

Research plan 

When you progress from the MRes to the PhD, you will work with your supervisors, chosen based on your research interests. Your supervisors will help you develop your research question, identify research and teaching opportunities and support you through your studies and the academic job application process.  

Seminars and conferences

Being part of the School’s inspirational research community is a crucial aspect of the doctoral experience – as is gaining familiarity with cutting edge research from world-leading academics. Each department runs seminars where internal and external academics discuss their latest work.  

As well as providing insight into yet-to-be-published research, the seminars offer networking opportunities and visiting academics often lead special topic workshops for research students. The Doctoral programme also supports the participation of research students in international conferences where you can present your own research and participate in doctoral consortia. 

Early Stage Assessment 

The Early Stage Assessment (ESA) takes place in the summer of year one of the PhD and is assessed by a panel of faculty. The ESA outlines the research question, the work you have done to date and the future research activities to be carried out to complete the project. 

It consists of a written report and presentation to which all PhD students and research department faculty are invited. The purpose of the ESA is not only to assess your personal progress but it also gives you the opportunity to discuss your work at its early stages and get feedback and ideas from faculty to improve your research. 

Armed with feedback from the Early Stage Assessment, you will work intensely on your thesis, focusing on the collection and analysis of empirical data and developing theoretical frameworks. Under the guidance of your supervisors, the thesis gives you the opportunity to conduct a substantial piece of original research. 

Late stage review

The Late Stage Review (LSR) takes place in the summer of year two of the PhD and follows the same principle as the Early Stage Assessment, in that its purpose is to assess your progress and provide you with feedback and advice on the direction and scope of your research. 

Our research areas

What our students say

“The programme structure is different from many other business schools because during the first year at Imperial we study the Master’s of Research (MRes), which is focused on developing strong foundations before continuing to the PhD programme. This also gives us additional time to discover opportunities and find the right paths for our research.”

Class profile 2022

20 new students per year

51% female students

20 nationalities represented

Funding and scholarships

Request a brochure, career impact.

In recent years, our PhD students have joined leading universities, research centres and institutions such as Tsinghua University, University College London, Copenhagen Business School, the Bank of England, the University of Bath, King’s College London, National Chengchi University, the University of Sussex and Renmin University in China. Others have sought top positions in industry or founded successful start-ups.

The doctoral programme has been re-structured in recent years to focus more on academic development and it is anticipated that over the coming years placements will focus more on academia than industry.

Find out more about career outcomes

Meet your faculty

Our PhD programme provides close collaboration between leading Analytics & Operations faculty and doctoral students, developing your research interests and providing continuous support and guidance throughout the programme.  

Alexander Michaelides

Kalyan Talluri

Wolfram Wiesemann

Edward Anderson

Martin Haugh

Xiaocheng Li

Reza Skandari

Jiankun Sun

Carol Propper

Franco Sassi

Jonathan Haskel

Marisa Miraldo

Richard Green

Pedro Rosa Dias

Esther Bøler

Franklin Allen

Patrick Bolton

Ramana Nanda

Lara Cathcart

Enrico Biffis

Christopher Hansman

Clara Martinez-Toledano

Alan Hughes

Celia Moore

Markus Perkmann

Christopher Tucci

James Barlow

Ileana Stigliani

Mark Kennedy

James Eteen

Eduardo B. Andrade

Andreas Eisingerich

Rajesh Bhargave

Sven Mikolon

Michelle Rogan

Frequently asked questions, how long does it take to complete the doctoral programme.

The Doctoral programme is structured to take between four to six years full-time. In the first year, all students undertake a one or two year MRes programme depending on their chosen research area specialism. Subject to satisfactory academic progress, students then progress to the PhD which takes between 3-4 years.

When does the academic year start?

The Doctoral programme has one intake each year in September and is spread over four to six years.

Do you offer any distance learning or part-time research programmes?

It is not possible to enrol on the Doctoral programme on a part-time or distance learning basis. Students must be in attendance throughout the full period of study.

Can I transfer from my current Doctoral programme to Imperial College Business School's Doctoral programme?

It is not usually possible to transfer onto the Doctoral programme as it is unlikely that previous studies would perfectly overlap with the School’s expertise.

Can I come to Imperial College Business School as a visiting student?

Please visit Imperial College London's visiting students page .

Can I have a part-time job whilst enrolled in the programme?

The Doctoral programme is full time. Students are able to undertake part-time work if this does not break any relevant visa and/or scholarship conditions, however the programme offers a living stipend to support students during their studies.

How many students do you accept onto the Doctoral programme every year?

Admission onto the Doctoral programme is highly competitive as we accept around 15 students each year, from a total of approximately 200 applications.

Is there a workspace assigned to Doctoral students?

There is a designated workspace which includes a computer and relevant software assigned to all enrolled Doctoral students. You will share working space with other PhD students in your cohort.

How do I apply and what documents do I need to submit with my application?

All applications to the Doctoral programme are made via our online platform. You will either need to select 'Business (MRes 1YFT)' or 'Business (MRes 2YFT)' based on your research area of interest. Further information can be found on our  Doctoral programme page.

Please refer to the  How to apply page  to see application deadlines, what documents you are required to submit with your application and to view the selection process.

When is the application deadline?

To find out more about application deadlines for our Doctoral programme please  visit the How to apply page .

What do I need to include in my statement of purpose?

One of the most important parts of our application form is the ‘statement of purpose’ section. It should be no more than one or two A4 pages and should cover the following points:

Your motivation for undertaking the programme

A discussion of possible research areas that you might pursue and how these are a good fit for Imperial College Business School

What interests you most about your chosen field of study

Relevant past study, industry, or research projects

Long-term career goals

I haven't decided what area I want to specialise in for my PhD, what should I do?

You should browse the description of the different research groups in the Business School and the webpages of faculty members. This will give an overview of their research interests and current projects. The MRes gives you an opportunity to pursue potential interests through courses and a project prior to committing to the PhD

Do I need a willing supervisor prior to application?

No, although in your application you should list a member of  faculty  you have identified as a potential supervisor. You can demonstrate in your statement of purpose how your research interests are aligned to a potential supervisor and the Business School.

Checking the research profiles of faculty members and Business School projects will give you an indication of whether the Business School is a good fit for you. If no faculty are working in your area of interest it is unlikely that you would be shortlisted, as we may not be able to provide supervisory support during your PhD.

During the MRes year, you will become part of the research community at Imperial College Business School and interact with faculty and other PhD students during taught courses and at seminars, which we hope will influence and help shape your research ideas for the PhD.

Are all applicants interviewed?

Not all applications progress to the interview stage of the selection process, however we interview all shortlisted candidates before making an offer. In the case of overseas candidates we will arrange an interview by telephone or via Skype.

Is GMAT/GRE a compulsory requirement?

Yes. A GMAT/GRE score must be submitted before we will consider an application. Any applications submitted without a GMAT/GRE score will be considered incomplete until we receive a score. Please note that we do not make offers on the condition that a candidate achieves a satisfactory GMAT/GRE score. To see the GMAT/GRE scores we look for, please refer to the  Entry Requirements page .

Do you offer Doctoral funding and stipend?

We offer a fully funded Doctoral programme at Imperial College Business School – this includes a tuition fee waiver and a stipend for up to five years. The 2024-25 rate of the Graduate Teaching Assistant scholarship stipend is £25,000. Rates are reviewed annually and are expected to increase for 2025-26 in line with Research Council UK rates. Stipends are tax-free and the continuation of the stipend will depend on your satisfactory progress on the programme.

What living costs should I allow for in London?

Living costs vary considerably depending on the area of London you choose to live in and your choice of accommodation.

Read more about  estimated London living costs  and  accommodation for postgraduates .

Do you offer Doctoral scholarships?

Within Imperial, we also have funding opportunities from various external studentships, including EPSRC, ESRC, and the Imperial College President’s PhD Scholarships .

Students who are eligible for other PhD  funding opportunities  that may be available to them are expected to apply for them.

Explore more

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Keep up to date about news, events, and application deadlines for our PhD programme by joining our mailing list.

Attend an event

Wherever you are in the world, our Recruitment team holds events where you can meet staff and students, and get your questions answered. 

Start your journey

Study your doctoral programme at a global top 10 university offering world-class faculty, leadership coaching, global business experience, industry connections, specialist careers support and an exciting London location. 

International Business and Strategy PhD Opportunities

This PhD programme will focus on critical developments in international business and organisations’ strategic response to these.

At a glance

• 50 years experience of teaching and research in International Business
• Attend the Henley International Business Masterclasses
• Learn from leading research centres
• Option to gain a Double PhD with Politecnico di Milano (POLIMI)
• Join an internationally-renowned faculty

This PhD programme will offer you the opportunity undertake original and business relevant research in International Business and Strategy . In this programme you will develop your critical thinking, intellectual capacity and creativity. Our postgraduate research students are drawn from all over the world. You will benefit from a dynamic research environment and supervision from internationally renowned faculty, dedicated support and outstanding facilities.

For over 50 years we have stood at the forefront of teaching and research in International Business. We continue to help define the research agenda in the field as well as in International Business History and International Human Resource Management. High quality teaching spans a broad range of programmes and focuses on critical developments in international business and organisations’ strategic response to these developments.

As a part of the PhD in International Business and Strategy, we offer Henley International Business Masterclasses . We provide these intensive courses on current debates and conceptual issues in International Business to give you broader learning opportunities. Each masterclass offers the opportunity to engage in key International Business topics taught by notable intellectual figures in the field.

Double PhD opportunities

Alongside the PhD in International Business and Strategy, we offer the opportunity of a Double PhD with Politecnico di Milano (Italy) or Copenhagen Business School (Denmark).

Politecnico di Milano (POLIMI) has a strong commitment to the excellence, distinctiveness and relevance of its teaching and research activities. The Doctoral Program at POLIMI is highly international and PhD graduates are held in high esteem. Not only in academia, but also in public institutions and companies where their research qualifications are increasingly demanded. More information on POLIMI can be found here .

The Double PhD programme between Henley Business School and POLIMI allows you to spend a period of normally twelve months at Politecnico di Milano, when Henley is the home university. You will benefit from joint supervision by one member of faculty from each institution throughout your PhD.

Copenhagen Business School (CBS) was established in 1917. Today, with 20,000 students and 1,500 employees, CBS is one of the largest business schools in Europe. CBS is committed to communicating knowledge and new ideas to tomorrow’s business leaders and society in general. Its main contribution in this field is research and research-based education, and investment in research and high academic standards is therefore crucial to CBS’ contribution to society.

The CBS PhD school aims to create an active national and international high quality research environment as a framework for the development of all PhD students as researchers at CBS. This framework should help CBS PhD students to create new knowledge in their respective field of research and to succeed after graduation either in a professional academic research career or in a professional career outside of academia, for example in private firms or public institutions, where advanced research skills are in high demand. The CBS PhD school is linked with all active academic research environments at CBS.

The Double PhD programme between Henley Business School and CBS allows you to spend a period of six to twelve months at CBS, when Henley is the home university. During this period you will complete course work offered by CBS of minimum 15 ECTS points, including any mandatory courses required by the department at CBS, and you will present your research at one seminar. You will benefit from joint supervision by one member of faculty from each institution throughout your PhD.

If you’re interested in applying for either of the Double PhD programmes, you should clearly mention it in your PhD application.

Leading research centres.

Henley Business School’s research in International Business and Strategy is driven through centres that are at the forefront of research. This includes the John H. Dunning Centre for International Business and the Centre for International Business History .

We welcome applicants seeking to conduct postgraduate research in the following fields:

• Business History
• International Business
• International Human Resource Management

Please see our Research areas for more information.

Course structure Open

The module descriptions set out on this page are correct for modules being taught in the current academic year. Optional module listings are indicative and may be subject to change.

During your first year of studies, you will be required to:

• Attend and obtain at least 60 credits from PhD/Masters level courses in Research Methods and other relevant courses plus a no-credit bearing course (see below);
• Attend some short courses (2-3 hours each) required for the Reading Researcher Development Programme at the Graduate School (overseeing PhD studies within the University of Reading);
• Attend the Preparing to Teach training programme (which is necessary to be able to complete any teaching-related activities within Henley Business School);
• Participate in weekly research seminars organised by your Department and others relevant to your area of interest;
• Hold regular meetings with your supervisor(s).

Required Taught Component

We have a slightly different path of taught components for students primarily using quantitative vs. qualitative research methods.

Quantitative Path

Qualitative path, confirmation of registration.

In the middle of the second year, 15-18 months from the start of your PhD (see differences between departments), you will submit a substantive Research Proposal of c.ca 10,000 words that will be defended in front of Faculty members and/or assessed by independent examiners. This process will coincide with your confirmation of registration and, if successful, it will grant you the status of a PhD candidate.

The research proposal will be a significant development of the initial proposal you submitted for your application. It will include material you may have produced during the first year courses in research methods (e.g. literature review, methodologies, data description, etc.). If you plan to do a PhD thesis combining three papers, you are expected to include a draft of the first paper in your research proposal. Alternatively, if you intend to use a book-like structure for your thesis, the document should include the draft of at least one of the three/four key chapters.

Year 2 and 3

During your 2nd and 3rd year you will:

• Continue to work on your PhD dissertation drafting the other two papers / key chapters;
• Hold regular meetings with your supervisor(s);
• Attend some short courses (2-3 hours each) required for the Reading Researcher Development Programme at the Graduate School;
• Contribute to Business School and Departmental teaching/research activities and events;
• Present posters/papers at national/international conferences;

Your thesis should be completed before your viva examination at the end of your third or fourth year (4 years is the maximum registration period according to the University rules).

*The module or course content descriptions set out on this page are correct for those being taught in the current academic year. Modules or course content marked as optional are indicative and may be subject to change. Please note, constraints in timetable scheduling may mean you are unable to take some optional modules at the same time as others.

How to apply Open

The application process normally consists of three main steps :

1. Formal application

Before applying formally, you may want to contact a potential supervisor who is working in your area. They could be interested in your topic. Please avoid contacting multiple faculty members simultaneously. We do talk to each other and this is not seen as a professional practice. You can contact a faculty member before your formal application, if you wish to.

2. Shortlisting based on the documents you uploaded in your application

3. Formal interview to assess your suitability to pursue a PhD at Henley Business School

The deadline to be considered for a scholarship varies between departments.

The key requirements for a successful application are:

• Top grades in your Masters degree (minimum requirement is Merit or equivalent, but we prefer Distinction)
• Top grade in your Masters Dissertation (or equivalent research-based piece of work) because this may show your research attitude and skills
• A well-developed research proposal. Guidance on writing the research proposal can be found here

A reasonable intended timeline reflecting issues you may encounter in the study as presented above. For example, if you have to collect primary data. The time spent on data collection will be much longer than if you intend to use secondary data sources.

Fees & funding Open

For fees, please visit the Graduate School website .

Overseas applicants should refer to the non-laboratory based fees listed in the tables (International Band 1 for non UK/Home students).

Further PhD funding

• UK/EU nationals : The University of Reading takes part in the South East DTC (Doctoral Training Centre). If you’re interested in applying, please follow the link for further details.
• Nationals from India and developing countries : The Felix Scholarship competition is open to candidates applying for either taught Masters or Postgraduate Research Degrees who are either Indian nationals, or from developing countries, and who fulfil the required criteria. For more information and how to apply please follow the link.
• Regional PhD Bursaries : They are available for PhD applicants normally living within 25 miles of the University. The scheme is not open to students who have already started their study at the University of Reading. For further information, please go to Graduate School website.
• Former UoR Graduate : If you have already studied at the University of Reading you will get up to £1,000 off fees through the alumni fee discount .
• Other : For information on further opportunities, please see the find funding section on the University website.
• Fully-funded PhD studentship on changes in household expenditure and behaviour over the twentieth century.

Current scholarships

International business & strategy scholarship, entry requirements open, the application process normally consists of three main steps:.

Before applying formally you may want to contact a potential supervisor who is working in your area and could be interested in your topic. We advise against contacting multiple faculty members simultaneously as it is not seen as a professional practice.

The deadline to be considered for a scholarship varies between departments. The scholarship application deadline for International Business and Strategy is Wednesday 15 March 2023.

• Top grades in your Masters degree (minimum requirement is a Merit or equivalent, but we prefer a Distinction)
• Top grade in your Masters dissertation (or equivalent research-based piece of work) as this may show your research attitude and skills
• A well-developed research proposal. Guidance on writing the research proposal can be found here .

English requirements: Applicants whose first language is not English are expected to have obtained an overall score of 7.0 in IELTS (with no element below 6.0). Alternatively, applicants could undertake a TOEFL Internet-based test with an overall score of 100 and no less than a score of 20 in Listening, Writing and Reading, and 21 in Speaking, or pass a TEEP test at the University of Reading and obtain a score of 7.0 (with no element below 6.0). For all other equivalent score requirements in the English Language tests that we accept, please refer to information provided here .

Careers, accreditation & progression Open

How henley careers can help you.

We have an award-winning careers team here to support you through your time at Henley and 4 years after graduating.

Henley Careers and Professional Development run numerous events throughout the autumn and spring terms to help you gain industry experience. These events are aimed to enhance your professional development and network with employers. We also offer one-to-one career coaching appointments where you can talk to a Careers Consultant about your professional development. This may include planning your ideal career journey or building confidence in a particular area. It could also involve practicing for interviews or having your CV checked.

For more information please see our Careers page .

Continuing your career

A PhD in the area of International Business and Strategy from Henley can open doors to a highly successful career. This includes academia, in large multinationals, leading consulting firms and governmental and non-governmental organisations worldwide.

What our students have gone on to do

• Steve Altman , Senior Research Scholar, New York University
• Tom Buckley , Lecturer in International Business Strategy, University of Sheffield
• Eko Budi Harjo, Faculty Member, Telekom Corporate University, Indonesia
• Pattana Buonchoo , Assistant Professor, Thammasat University
• Maggie Cooper, Lecturer in Management Accounting, Henley Business School
• Chipoong Kim, Senior Researcher at Samsung Economic Research Institute
• Sylvia Kim, Assistant Professor of Accounting, Fresno Pacific University
• Jongmin Lee, Lecturer in International Business and Strategy, Henley Business School
• Sirinuch Loykulnanta, Lecturer Prince of Songkla University, Thailand
• Quyen Nguyen, Associate Professor of International Business and Strategy, Henley Business School
• Karina Pavlisa , Teaching Fellow, Henley Business School
• Ziyi Wei, Lecturer in Chinese Studies, University of Sheffield

Research Areas Open

Research proposal.

A key element of the application is a research proposal. Guidance on writing the research proposal can be found here. It is important that the applicant spends some time exploring the research that we are involved in to see if it fits alongside their own. Below are the main research areas of our staff.

Research Interest and faculty: International Business and Strategy

International Business:

• Theories of MNE; Economic analysis of supply chains: Professor Mark Casson
• Firms’ internationalisation choices, innovation, and economic performances; MNEs location decisions; MNEs and the cities: Professor Davide Castellani
• Strategic leadership of the multinational enterprise. Micro-level antecedents of international business strategy. Executive careers, turnover and pay: Dr Peder Greve
• Foreign direct investment, local labour markets and educational choices; Global Value Chains and human capital development; Emerging market MNEs’ internationalisation strategies: Jose Eduardo Ibarra Olivo
• International management; staffing strategy; knowledge management; Regional diversification; Headquarters and subsidiary relationships; Emerging market MNEs: Dr Jongmin Lee
• The role of MNEs in development, innovation and industrial policy; R&D alliances; Outsourcing: Professor Rajneesh Narula
• Multinational subsidiary strategy and performance: Dr Quyen Nguyen
• Internalization theory and its applications to a wide variety of international business phenomena, such as the internationalization of family firms, the creation of subsidiary specific advantage, the impact of regional integration on entry mode choices, the growth of emerging economy multinational enterprises, the rise of international new ventures: Professor Alain Verbeke
• Value co-creation with suppliers; Business unit strategy using a capabilities-based perspective: Professor Marc Day

Research Interest and faculty: International Human Resource Management

• International and comparative human resource management; new technology and work; international mobility: Professor Chris Brewster
• International HRM strategy of MNE’s; transferring HRM practice across countries in MNEs; knowledge creation and sharing in MNEs: International experiences and subsidiary staffing: Dr Chul Chung
• Alternative work arrangements; Flexible working practices; International human resource management and links with attitudes, behaviour and performance: Dr Rita Fontinha
• Strategic HRM and the processes that hinder/facilitate employee-organisation relationship; Individual interpretations and reactions to HRM practices, strategic management of human capital, well-being, counterproductive work behaviours, workplace justice, trust and leadership: Dr Charmi Patel
• International Human Resource Management, Expatriation, Migration, Social Status, Diversity & Inclusion: Washika Haak-Saheem

Research Interest and faculty: Business History

• Innovation strategies in Britain, the United States and Europe; Knowledge creation within and outside the firm; The development and evolution of industrial clusters and districts; The impact of social and business networks on innovation and performance; The British Industrial Revolution: Dr Joe Lane
• Business history; Internationalisation of the media and creative industries: Professor Peter Miskell
• History of the banking system; Regulation of 19th century British joint-stock banks and the creation of an identity around these new entrants to the market; Creation of identity for 20th century UK retail banks; Governance and shareholder rights of 19th century corporations: Dr Lucy Newton
• Professor Peter Scott has developed two specific PhD studentship projects that draw on the resources and research areas of the Centre for Economics Institutions and Business History : - British economic elites in early and mid-twentieth century Britain - Strategies for surviving in a hostile climate: major retailers and the decline of the British high street, 1970 – present Students potentially interested in these projects can contact him for further information at: [email protected] .
• British and American retail managerial revolution; Spatial competition in product markets and between firms in automobile markets; Academic performance and pay; Varieties of capitalism: Professor James Walker

Teaching staff Open

Professor chris brewster.

Professor Mark Casson

Dr Chul Chung

Professor Davide Castellani

Dr Peder Greve

Dr Rita Fontinha

Dr Washika Haak-Saheem

Dr J. Eduardo Ibarra-Olivo

Dr Joe Lane

Professor Peter Miskell

Professor Rajneesh Narula

Professor Lucy Newton

Dr Quyen Nguyen

Dr Charmi Patel

Professor Peter Scott

Professor Alain Verbeke

Prof James T Walker

International Business Masterclasses Open

The Henley International Business Masterclasses are an initiative developed in the International Business and Strategy unit at Henley Business School. We provide these intensive courses on current debates and conceptual issues in International Business to give broader learning opportunities to PhD students and post-doctoral researchers. Each masterclass offers the opportunity to engage in key International Business topics taught by notable intellectual figures in the field.

The masterclasses are delivered in two sets each academic year, in the Autumn and Spring session.

Masterclasses Modules:

Autumn Term:

• MMD005 - Theory of the MNE: Foundations of Global Corporate Success by Prof. Alain Verbeke
• MMD003 - Economics of International Business by Prof. Mark Casson

Spring Term:

• MMD007 - International Business, Innovation and Economic Geography by Prof. Davide Castellani
• MMD006 - International Business, Development and Policy by Prof. Rajneesh Narula
• MMD004 - International Human Resources Management by Prof. Chris Brewster

For more information about upcoming masterclasses and application process is available here .

To find details about our previous Masterclasses click here

“The International Business Masterclasses provide an incredible platform to Ph.D. students from all over the world to understand the finest nuances of key theories of International Business and how the contemporary issues are making it imperative to revisit these theories thereby providing an opportunity to push the boundaries of IB as a field of study. Attending both the modules, Strategy and International Business taught by Prof. Alain Verbeke, and the Economics of International Business by Prof. Mark Casson and Prof. Gabriel Benito has immensely added to my knowledge of the subject and helped me develop a more holistic perspective on my ongoing Ph.D. research work. The classes are very well-structured and designed in a manner to allow free flow of discussion among the participants and with the professors. All the professors were very committed to understand and resolve the queries raised by the participants. The module on strategy and international business included students’ presentations of their current research and provided an excellent opportunity to take critical feedback from professors as well as the peers. Besides the academic content, masterclasses are a wonderful forum of meeting and developing network with fellow researches across the globe. I am extremely grateful to the organizers at the Henley Business School, University of Reading for giving us this opportunity and especially to Jana Oslejova for her exceptional assistance, support, and hospitality. She has been excellent in her job and pivotal in the running of the Masterclasses. Finally, my heartfelt thanks to the organizers for selecting me for the Alan Rugman Scholarship and Mrs. Helen Rugman to fund the same. It was an absolute honor to meet the very gentle lady, Mrs. Helen Rugman, and receive the award and attendance certificate directly from her. The masterclasses are the powerhouse of invaluable learning and meeting people with similar intellectual pursuits, because of which I strongly recommend them to every aspiring International Business Scholar and/or researcher.”

If you have any questions, please contact Jana Oslejova

“My experience at Henley provided a solid foundation for my achievements. The university offered professional courses and training, nurturing my research thinking and professional skills. The guidance from professors and exposure to cutting-edge knowledge enhanced my academic development.”

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Strategic Studies and Management, MSc

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Strategic Studies and Management

Introduction.

Our MSc in Strategic Studies and Management provides a mix of in-depth business understanding combined with a strategic approach to understanding global threats, risk and growth.

This course has January and September start dates. Apply Now .

Eligible self-funded international Masters students will receive the Aberdeen Global Scholarship. Visit our Funding Database to find out more.

Study Information

Study options.

The programme delivers clear understanding of cotemporary links between various uses of coercion by states and non state actors and the complexities of managing large and small organisations in the modern governmental, economic and business environment. You will look at negotiation, selling, business rhetoric, communication and web presence and you learn the theories and techniques from economics and sociology applied to business situations, recognising that decisions are affected by human agency, structure and durability. From this, you will then look at decision making and effective leadership, the invention of new goods and services and the delivery of change.

Programme Fees

Compulsory courses.

Candidates must take the following compulsory courses:

15 Credit Points

This course provides an opportunity to explore and develop an understanding of your own leadership behaviour. Through workshops, group activities and discussions we investigate how personality, past experience, current situations and culture shape the way each of us behave in a leadership role. Using this information as a starting point we then explore how different leadership theories and approaches can be used as frameworks for developing a deeper understanding of leadership behaviour. You will also have an opportunity to try out a range of practical tools and techniques to assist you in the development of your own approach to leadership.

The concepts of change and innovation have never been more topical, especially given the commercial context of fierce business competition, shorter product life cycles and more demanding customers.  Increasingly, long-term commercial success is based on an ability to manage change, to act creatively and to promote innovation; These processes interconnect and overlap and often present major challenges to modern organizations; We address these issues through providing detailed case illustrations ranging from the workplace to the wider business market. Learning is encouraged through interaction, reading, investigation, video and case analysis, and critical discussion.

This course, which is prescribed for all taught postgraduate students, is studied entirely online, takes approximately 5-6 hours to complete and can be taken in one sitting, or spread across a number of weeks.

Topics include orientation overview, equality and diversity, health, safety and cyber security and how to make the most of your time at university in relation to careers and employability.

Successful completion of this course will be recorded on your Enhanced Transcript as ‘Achieved’.

Optional Courses

Candidates will select one course from the following electives:

30 Credit Points

International terrorism and counterterrorism dominate both contemporary scholarly debates in International Relations (IR) and policy discussions. This course examines these debates by focusing, on the one hand, on the (individual and/or structural) causes and different manifestations of terrorism and, on the other hand, on debates on how to respond to terrorism not only effectively but also without violating humanitarian principles and international law. Overall, the course aims to provide students with an overview of current research on international terrorism and counterterrorism in IR and its neighbouring disciplines and to enable them to develop an in-depth knowledge and understanding of core aspects of the issue.

The focus of this module is the key approaches, institutions, and contemporary issues in global security relating to the rise of China. Set in the context of broader global security issues, this module offers students an introduction to Chinese security policy and approaches to international relations. It lifts the vale on a very misunderstood, controversial, and increasingly critical feature of global security and world affairs. It will explore debates on China's rise, China's growing involvement in international politics, and global security.

60 Credit Points

The Strategic Studies dissertation is a compulsory element of the MSc Strategic Studies, Strategic Studies & International Law and Strategic Studies & Management degree programmes.

Candidates must take the following courses:

Business Strategy covers a broad range of topics that come under the general heading of “Business Strategy” / “Strategic Management”. The course introduces participants to concepts, frameworks and models that are useful in providing explanations of how companies operate with respect to goal setting, understanding their competitive landscape, assessing opportunities, managing own capabilities, coordinating their activities with other companies, and competing to create value for customers. The course is interactive in nature, applying a learning-by-doing method involving students taking on roles as part of a series of simulation exercises.

This core module considers the contribution of strategy, as the mechanism for the application of power and force, to national, regional, and international security. It explores what strategy is (the pursuit of continuing advantage) and how to think clearly about it. Topics addressed include the nature of strategy, deterrence, arms control, strategic stability, nuclear policy, and emerging technology and future warfare.

Business cannot be conducted without some form of communication between the participants involved. This course examines a wide variety of different types of interpersonal communication in different types of business contexts and, by so doing, provides students with a detailed and practical overview of this vitally important subject area.

The concepts of change and innovation have never been more topical, especially given the commercial context of fierce business competition, shorter product life cycles and more demanding customers. Increasingly, long-term commercial success is based on an ability to manage change, to act creatively and to promote innovation; These processes interconnect and overlap and often present major challenges to modern organizations; We address these issues through providing detailed case illustrations ranging from the workplace to the wider business market. Learning is encouraged through interaction, reading, investigation, video and case analysis, and critical discussion.

Available Programmes of Study

Fees for individual programmes can be viewed in the Programme(s) above.

We will endeavour to make all course options available; however, these may be subject to timetabling and other constraints . Please see our InfoHub pages for further information.

Related Programmes

You may also be interested in the following related postgraduate degree programmes.

• Finance and Real Estate (with CFA Level 1 Examination)
• International Business Management
• Marketing Management
• Real Estate (International Option)
• Strategic Studies
• Strategic Studies and International Law

Fee Information

Additional fee information.

• Fees for individual programmes can be viewed in the Programmes section above.
• In exceptional circumstances there may be additional fees associated with specialist courses, for example field trips. Any additional fees for a course can be found in our Catalogue of Courses .
• For more information about tuition fees for this programme, including payment plans and our refund policy, please visit our InfoHub Tuition Fees page.

International Applicants

Further Information about tuition fees and the cost of living in Aberdeen

Scholarships

Eligible self-funded international Masters students will receive the Aberdeen Global Scholarship. Visit our Funding Database to find out more and see our full range of scholarships.

How You'll Study

Learning methods.

• Individual Projects

Assessment Methods

By written examination, essay work and class presentation, as prescribed for each course and by submission of a dissertation.

Why Study Strategic Studies and Management?

• The programme scrutinises salient, real-world security issues which challenge governments, armed services, international organisations & business around the world.
• This programme has produced graduates of high repute with excellent career prospects for over thirty years, with a network of alumni internationally.
• There are plenty of Strategic Studies Alumni from Aberdeen around the world & the student body is international with many countries represented.
• This programme provides you with a strong methodology & knowledge to interpret situations that present in a wide range of areas of work globally.
• This programme will arm you with many transferable skills; critical for the competitive working environment including oral communications skills, written communications skills, critical analysis, problem-solving, teamwork skills (eg negotiation, persuasion, decision-making, leadership), IT skills, & working independently (eg establishing & prioritising objectives, working to deadlines).
• This programme encourages collaboration with course experts who have experience of public policy, government departments, & international organisations (eg NATO, EU, UN, and think-tanks), or working as advisers to government (including in the UK, the US, EU, & East Asia).
• PIR hosts an exciting range of events, including research seminars with world-renowned guest speakers, international policy, academic conferences, & other global policy-focussed forums.
• The programme will allow you to gain exciting opportunities in a range of internships, fellowship & other kinds of work experience.
• The programme delivers a balanced and comprehensive appreciation of the complex character of international security, in particular the energy dimension.
• Inculcate an awareness of the costs & benefits of the strategies deployed, often of a military nature, to address energy security issues.
• Enhance your understanding of the difficulties encountered when attempting to assess the prospects for stability and security in key, pivotal 'energy-rich' & 'energy-poor' regions of the international system. 
• You will gain an insight to the immutable & enduring influence of certain core strategic issues, inherent in the management of power & coercion, on the international system regardless of levels of economic & social development.
• Strategic Studies convenes a Wargaming Club that students can participate in to sharpen their skills in strategic thinking, tactics, diplomacy, communication, & team-work.

Interested in this programme?

Entry requirements, qualifications.

The information below is provided as a guide only and does not guarantee entry to the University of Aberdeen.

Applicants for admission will normally be expected to hold a relevant Honours degree with a 2:1 standard from a recognised university or body.

Applicants without this qualification may be admitted subject to having an alternative qualification, or an approved level of work experience appropriate to the field of study. Also taken into careful consideration is the trajectory of results, an applicant without an overall 2.1 but with 2.1 results in their final two years of study may be admitted.

Please enter your country to view country-specific entry requirements.

English Language Requirements

To study for a Postgraduate Taught degree at the University of Aberdeen it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write English fluently. The minimum requirements for this degree are as follows:

IELTS Academic:

OVERALL - 6.5 with: Listening - 5.5; Reading - 6.0; Speaking - 5.5; Writing - 6.0

OVERALL - 90 with: Listening - 17; Reading - 21; Speaking - 20; Writing - 21

PTE Academic:

OVERALL - 62 with: Listening - 59; Reading - 59; Speaking - 59; Writing - 59

Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency:

OVERALL - 176 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 169; Speaking - 162; Writing - 169

Read more about specific English Language requirements here .

Document Requirements

You will be required to supply the following documentation with your application as proof you meet the entry requirements of this degree programme. If you have not yet completed your current programme of study, then you can still apply and you can provide your Degree Certificate at a later date.

• Information about visa and immigration requirements
• Military Officers
• Intelligence Analysts
• Political Analysts
• University Lecturers
• Journalists
• Law enforcement Officers
• Senior Associates
• Senior Research Officers
• Freedom of Information Officers

Chinese Security Issues

In this short video, Dr James Johnson tells us more about the course "Chinese Security Issues".

Useful Fact about this Subject

In this lecture, Dr Jim Johnson introduces one of MSc Strategic Studies courses, ‘Strategic Theory’.

7th and 9th in the UK

We are ranked 7th in the UK for International Relations and 9th in the UK for Politics by the Guardian University Guide 2024.

Our Experts

A small and cohesive group of highly skilled academic staff with many years of graduate teaching experience, who are part of a network of high quality academics.

• Strategic Theory: Dr Jim Johnson
• Interpersonal Management, Negotiation and Persuasion: Dr Colin Clarke
• Business Strategy : Dr Raluca Bunduchi
• Chinese Security Issues: Dr Jim Johnson
• The Leadership Challenge: Dr Ian Heywood
• Managing Change and Innovation: Professor Patrick Dawson
• Summer dissertation coordinator: Dr Jim Johnson

Information About Staff Changes

You will be taught by a range of experts including professors, lecturers, teaching fellows and postgraduate tutors. Staff changes will occur from time to time; please see our InfoHub pages for further information.

The Department of Sociology is held within the School of Social Science. All of our degrees provide thorough advanced level training in the principles of social science with a wide choice of specialised subjects in preparation for the practice of social research and a wide variety of career opportunities.

We provide computer facilities, reading rooms, study spaces and a range of cafes to suit all international tastes.

Politics & International Relations Society

The student-led Politics and International Relations Society is one of the largest societies on campus. It's a place for students to come together and explore their curiosities with like-minded people, whilst having lots of fun!

Regular Seminar Series and Guest Speakers

We have regular seminar series hosted by the department of Politics and International Relations along with guest speakers throughout the year.

Cutting Edge Research-led Teaching

PIR focuses on topics such as energy policy, environmental policy, health policy, and identity politics (gender and ethnicity), all of which span the traditional division between domestic/comparative and international politics.

Get in Touch

Contact details.

• Enquire Now Using an online form

Oxford Strategic Management Executive Programme

Start dates:

• 20 March 2024
• 22 May 2024
• 6 months (Including orientation and 2 week-long breaks)

Time commitment:

About the programme

To succeed in today's increasingly dynamic world, business executives need a holistic and strategic set of capabilities that will empower them to drive their careers, and organisation, forward in the face of complexity.

Gain the knowledge and tools to enhance your management capabilities and become a more effective leader on the Oxford Strategic Management Executive Programme.

This learning journey leverages content from three leading online Oxford programmes to provide you with core leadership, strategy, and finance skills to drive a competitive advantage for your company. As you progress through the programme, you’ll learn how to better manage teams, make more informed financial decisions, and achieve organisation-wide strategic objectives.

• The ability to successfully navigate change and uncertainty using an integrated approach to management.
• The leadership knowledge to think critically about the current business landscape and drive effective decision-making.
• The skills to bring greater value to your teams and organisation as you lead them forward to achieve strategic goals.
• Exclusive insights gained from the research and experience of leading faculty from the University of Oxford and over 60 guest experts.

Curriculum - Section 1 - Executive Leadership

Orientation module.

Welcome to your Online Campus

Effective leadership – Leading for high performance

The job of the leader - Envisioning and engaging

The job of the leader - Choosing and connecting

Leading with power and influence

Leading teams for effective performance

Strategies and models for leading change

Mastering complexity and plurality

Reflect on your purpose as a leader

Curriculum - Section 2 - Executive Finance

Programme break - Orientation to executive finance

Valuation: Time value of money, net present value (NPV), and internal rate of return (IRR)

Financial decision-making: Measuring risk, return, and the cost of capital

Corporate finance - raising capital effectively

Exit strategies: Initial public offerings (IPOs) and mergers and acquisitions (M&As)

Corporate governance

Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors

Curriculum - Section 3 - Executive Strategy

Programme break - Orientation to executive strategy

Unlocking strategy - The Oxford view

Working with futures - Addressing changing environments

Making strategy purposeful - Managing plurality

Engaging players - Developing strategy statements that count

Building partnership - Collaborating and competing

Broadening strategy processes - Designing new strategy processes

Strategy into practice - Assembling your playbook

Meet the faculty

Emeritus Professor, Saïd Business School

Richard Whittington

Professor of Strategic Management, Saïd Business School

Senior Fellow in Management Practice, Saïd Business School

Joel Shapiro

Professor of Financial Economics, Saïd Business School

About the certificate

Upon successful completion of the programme, you’ll receive an executive certificate  to validate your skills as a strategic leader.

Assessment is continuous and based on practical assignments completed online. You’ll need to meet the requirements outlined in the programme handbook. The handbook is shared as soon as you begin the programme.

The CPD Certification Service

This programme is certified by The CPD Certification Service. It may be applicable to individuals who are members of, or are associated with, UK-based professional bodies.

Our CPD membership

• If you have any questions, please contact us.
• [email protected]

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Need help funding your degree programme studies at Cambridge Judge?

Explore our scholarship and loan opportunities.

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Not sure which programme is for you?

Search our portfolio of over 40 well-crafted programmes that will expand your skills and understanding in service of your organisational, personal development and career objectives.

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Exploring the rise of the global B Corp movement

The B Corp movement is helping to shift the focus of capitalism from shareholders to all stakeholders: find out how Cambridge fits in.

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We have faculty, who can speak on many current UK and global issues, and are happy to be contacted by journalists.

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Join us in achieving real world impact

We invite you to invest in our future and help us to remain at the forefront of global business research and education.

• PhD & research …

MPhil in Innova…

Join the specialist research MPhil in Innovation, Strategy and Organisation and prepare for your research career.

• Curriculum overview
• Core courses

Career impact

• Class profile

Programme details

October 2024

You must be resident in Cambridge during your programme

Pursue your new research career  

Extend your knowledge of social science methodologies. Learn how to apply those to the interdisciplinary study of organisations. Develop the skills and expertise that are relevant to your research interests. 

The MPhil in Innovation, Strategy and Organisation (ISO) is a 9-month, specialist research programme ideal for those wishing to continue to a Cambridge Judge Business School PhD via both the Strategic Management and the Organisational Theory and Information Systems pathways. 

The programme stands out for its emphasis on management studies in a modern world and it prepares you to carry out focused research in the fields of strategy, organisations and information systems relevant to innovation. 

Why Cambridge Judge Business School? 

Join one of the world’s most prestigious universities. Cambridge is a beautiful, exciting and dynamic city, home to the most successful technology entrepreneurship cluster in Europe. We welcome all cultures, backgrounds, orientations and identities at Cambridge Judge – there is no typical student here.  

Here you will: 

• be part of Cambridge’s legacy of learning
• become a member of one of the 31 Cambridge Colleges and after graduation, join the global University of Cambridge alumni network 
• have access to the University of Cambridge’s excellent careers service

Curriculum 

The MPhil in Innovation, Strategy and Organisation is an interdisciplinary programme exploring innovation and change through three interconnecting themes: innovation and work practices, innovation and strategic change, and new organisational forms. 

The programme provides the foundation for further research and is aimed at students intending to continue to a PhD degree, whether in Cambridge or elsewhere.  

The MPhil in Innovation, Strategy and Organisation programme consists of:  

• three core courses, one for each of the 3 areas of Innovation, Strategy and Organisation
• two research methodology core courses
• a specialist elective 
• 12,000-word dissertation

Explore the curriculum

The programme provides the foundation for further research and is aimed at students intending to continue to a PhD degree.

Who we’re looking for

The MPhil in ISO attracts bright students, from all over the world. They form a terrific cultural and discipline pool, which creates an inspiring classroom experience, where students learn from faculty and each other. 

The Master of Philosophy in Innovation, Strategy and Organisation is for you if:  

• you have a UK First-Class Honours degree or international equivalent
• your first degree was in a social science or humanities
• you wish to continue to the PhD at Cambridge or elsewhere

Class profile: MPhil in Innovation, Strategy and Organisation

Find out more about the MPhil in Innovation, Strategy and Organisation class.

Applying for the MPhil in Innovation, Strategy and Organisation

Entry to the MPhil programme is highly competitive, so we advise you to apply early, especially if you wish to be considered for funding. 

Application deadline and process

Applications for entry in 2024 are now closed. Admissions for 2025 will open in September 2024.

Check out our step-by-step guide on how to apply.

Fees and funding options

The fees for the MPhil in Innovation, Strategy and Organisation in 2024/25 are: £14,490 (home status) or £36,744 (overseas/international status).

Learn more about the opportunities available to help you fund your studies.

Hone your academic career and prepare for your PhD.

Professor Matthew Grimes: “How has this experience in going through the MPhil in ISO programme here at Cambridge opened up some unexpected opportunities in your life and career?”

Lucy Caines (MPhil ISO, PhD): “Well, it’s maybe not so unexpected, given it’s why I came back. But for me, I was at the point in my career, prior to returning, where I thought perhaps going down the academic route was closed off to me. And so I found it brilliant to find this course, which actually sort of reopened that door and showed me that actually, yes, an academic career is the one that I want to pursue. So it definitely unlocked that route for me. I think the second thing is, we haven’t really mentioned yet the advantages of being part of the broader University of Cambridge ecosystem. And so I can’t necessarily pick out one or two examples. But the fact that there are fascinating seminars and interesting people everywhere you go is a great opportunity and certainly one to take advantage of while you’re here.”

Jonah Zankl (MPhil ISO, PhD): “I think for me, it solidified the decision to want to continue into academia, to pursue a PhD and an academic career, that I wasn’t so sure of coming into the programme. So I think it’s opened up an entire new pathway and direction in life, including potential international moves, extended time abroad, which, yes, I wouldn’t have thought of nearly five years ago now.

“And then I think to build on Lucy’s point a little bit is you’re part of a really vibrant university and a really vibrant city that is so international, so diverse, both in terms of background, the type of activity going on here, that’s opened all kinds of doors, whether that’s having conversations with policy fellows here in the ecosystem, all the way through to meeting inspiring entrepreneurs, and also my classmates who have gone on to do amazing things in other parts of the world, both in academia, in the startup space and in the policy space as well.

“So I think being able to build these really interesting bridges that hopefully will provide research opportunities in the future but also opportunities to create impact in a way that I don’t think would have had staying inside a single organisation in the hometown where I grew up in Canada.”

Matthew: “And I think a number of you are avid rowers, is that correct?” [Jonah and Matt nod] “And Matt, what additional unexpected opportunities has this opened up for you?”

Matt Cummins (MPhil ISO): “Wow. So I was clear, given my interest, that I wanted to go over to North America for my PhD. That kind of made sense. I had no idea at the reception I would receive. And actually, it turned out that people know about this programme and it’s a respected programme. So yeah, I kind of overperformed relative to my expectations at that stage, in terms of the kinds of offers I was receiving. In fact, I think almost all of the places I applied were at least somewhat interested in talking to me further about studying for the five-year PhD with them. So yeah, that was a pleasant surprise. Thanks, ISO!”

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Student experience

Find out what to expect as an MPhil student at Cambridge Judge Business School and what it means to join one of the oldest and most prestigious institutions in the world.

Learn more about the application process and deadlines

Explore fees and funding options

Contact the admissions team

Is the MPhil in Innovation, Strategy and Organisation a research or taught programme?

The MPhil in Innovation, Strategy and Organisation is classified as a taught programme for HESA purposes; however, within the structure of Cambridge Judge it is part of the research-oriented programmes.

Can I visit Cambridge Judge Business School/talk to faculty or someone from Admissions in person?

Due to the large number of applications we receive, it is not possible for staff to arrange meetings with individual candidates. There are, however, opportunities to meet some members of the admissions team during open days. The team is also able to answer any queries you have via the online query form.

Do you hold “open days” for MPhil programmes?

The University of Cambridge Postgraduate Open Day is usually in November. Visit the Postgraduate Admissions Events page for more details .