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PhD Business and Management / Overview

Year of entry: 2024

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  • Bachelor's (Honours) degree at 2:1 or above (or overseas equivalent); and
  • Master's degree in a relevant cognate subject - with an overall average of 65% or above (or overseas equivalent)
  • Professional qualifications other than a Bachelors Degree and/or relevant and appropriate experience may be taken into account for entry to a PhD programme.

Full entry requirements

Apply online

Please ensure you include all required supporting documents at the time of submission, as incomplete applications may not be considered.

Application Deadlines

The current deadline for consideration in internal funding competitions is 15 March 2024.

If you are applying for or have secured external funding (for example, from an employer or government) or are self-funding, you must submit your application before the below deadline to be considered. You will not be able to apply after this date has passed.

  • For September 2024 entry: 30 June 2024

Programme options

Programme overview.

This  PhD programme provides advanced training to develop innovative research in all areas of business and management.

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For entry in the academic year beginning September 2024, the tuition fees are as follows:

  • PhD (full-time) UK students (per annum): £4,786 International, including EU, students (per annum): £21,000
  • PhD (part-time) UK students (per annum): £2,393 International, including EU, students (per annum): £10,500

Further information for EU students can be found on our dedicated EU page.

Scholarships/sponsorships

To apply University of Manchester funding, you must indicate in your application the competitions for which you wish to be considered. The current deadline for most internal competitions, including Alliance Manchester Business School studentships is 15 March 2024.

All external funding competitions have a specified deadline for submitting your funding application and a separate (earlier) deadline for submitting the online programme application form, both of which will be stated in the funding competition details below.

For more information about funding, visit our funding page to browse for scholarships, studentships and awards you may be eligible for.

  • ESRC North West Social Science Doctoral Training Partnership (NWSSDTP) PhD Studentships - Competition Closed for 2024 Entry
  • Alliance Manchester Business School PhD Studentships 2024 Entry - Competition Closed for 2024 Entry
  • Commonwealth PhD Scholarships (High Income Countries)
  • Humanities Doctoral Academy Humanitarian Scholarship 2024 Entry
  • Commonwealth PhD Scholarships (Least Developed Countries and Fragile States)
  • RADMA Doctoral Studies Funding 2024 Entry - Competition Closed for 2024 Entry
  • PhD Scholarship for Research into Productivity
  • President's Doctoral Scholar (PDS) Awards - Competition Closed for 2024 Entry
  • Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council Doctoral Training Partnership Studentship (EPSRC DTP)

Contact details

Programmes in related subject areas.

Use the links below to view lists of programmes in related subject areas.

  • Business and Management

Regulated by the Office for Students

The University of Manchester is regulated by the Office for Students (OfS). The OfS aims to help students succeed in Higher Education by ensuring they receive excellent information and guidance, get high quality education that prepares them for the future and by protecting their interests. More information can be found at the OfS website .

You can find regulations and policies relating to student life at The University of Manchester, including our Degree Regulations and Complaints Procedure, on our regulations website .

phd management uk

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.

UCL Library with Flaxman Gallery reflected in the window

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] )

phd management uk

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PhD/ MPhil/ MSc Management (Research)

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Our PhD in Management comprises a short taught component followed by a longer research phase. The programme will allow you to broaden and deepen your knowledge of research methods whilst undertaking your own research and developing a set of transferable professional skills.

The PhD programme in Management will facilitate the creation and interpretation of new knowledge by the research student, demonstrated through the thesis. The taught component is designed to ensure that doctoral researchers understand the breath of techniques used in modern social science research.

Doctoral researchers will be capable of analysing a range of data using a range of qualitative and quantitative techniques. They will be able to explain theories underlying different approaches to social science research. Doctoral researchers are expected to participate to the fullest possible extent in the life of the Business School. This means attending seminars organised by the Business School thereby helping expose doctoral researchers to new ideas emanating from outside their own area of specialisation. It also requires actively participating in PhD workshops and conferences organised by the Business School and Graduate School as well as institutions outside the University of Birmingham.

Ultimately all doctoral researchers will have the ability to characterise and solve business and management problems using advanced research tools. They should be able to derive policy implications from their research and communicate these to policy makers, practitioners and other academics in a manner which is comprehensible. They will also be able to peer review others’ research and offer constructive criticism; and to extend the frontiers of the discipline through their own innovative research.

Doctoral researchers may choose to become academics, work in Government, businesses, supranational organisations or in the research arms of major financial institutions. They are expected to achieve a substantial understanding of contemporaneous management and business issues enabling them to take a lead in ongoing debates within society. They will be aware of and understand the function of related institutions at both a national and international level.

Fees 2024 - 2025

  • Code 8169 - £4,778 (UK) PhD Full time
  • Code 8171 - £2,389 (UK) PhD Part time
  • Code 8169 - £23,520 (International) PhD Full time
  • Code 698B - £2,389 (UK) Distance Learning 8 Years Part time
  • Code 8165 - £4,778 (UK) MPhil Full time
  • Code 8168 - £2,389 (UK) MPhil Part time
  • Code 8165 - £23,520 (International) MPhil Full time
  • Code 8176 - £4,778 (UK) MSc (Research) Full time
  • Code 8179 - £2,389 (UK) MSc (Research) Part time
  • Code 8176 - £23,520 (International) MSc (Research) Full time

Learn more about fees and funding

Scholarships and studentships

Scholarships may be available. International students can often gain funding through overseas research scholarships, Commonwealth scholarships or their home government.

The Business School and the University provide some scholarships and bursaries for postgraduate research students.For details of these, please contact the Business School's Research Office at [email protected] . For further information contact the School directly or email [email protected] .

How To Apply

  • How to apply

To apply for a postgraduate research programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online. We have put together some helpful information on the research programme application process and supporting documents on our how to apply page . Please read this information carefully before completing your application.

Our Standard Requirements

The Business School's entry requirement is a good honours degree (first or upper second class honours) awarded by a recognised University in an appropriate subject, and a merit in a relevant Master’s degree. We usually ask students for an average of 65 in the taught component of their Masters. All international students also need to show that they have adequate knowledge of written and spoken English. Learn more about entry requirement

Writing your Research Proposal

Your research proposal should illustrate your ability to plan an independent research study and the relevance of your topic to the research interests and expertise of Birmingham Business School.You need to demonstrate that you understand the field that you plan to research, identify an interesting and original research question, and develop a tentative plan of study. It's critical that your research proposal is written to the guidelines specified below.

Guidelines for the Research Proposal

International requirements.

Applicants for postgraduate research programmes should hold a Bachelors degree and a Masters degree, with a GPA of 14/20 from a recognised institution to be considered. Applicants with lower grades than this may be considered on an individual basis.

Holders of the Licenciado or an equivalent professional title from a recognised Argentinian university, with a promedio of at least 7.5, may be considered for entry to a postgraduate degree programme. Applicants for PhD degrees will normally have a Maestria or equivalent

Applicants who hold a Masters degree will be considered for admission to PhD study.

Holders of a good four-year Diplomstudium/Magister or a Masters degree from a recognised university with a minimum overall grade of 2.5 will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Students with a good 5-year Specialist Diploma or 4-year Bachelor degree from a recognised higher education institution in Azerbaijan, with a minimum GPA of 4/5 or 80% will be considered for entry to postgraduate taught programmes at the University of Birmingham.

For postgraduate research programmes applicants should have a good 5-year Specialist Diploma (completed after 1991), with a minimum grade point average of 4/5 or 80%, from a recognised higher education institution or a Masters or “Magistr Diplomu” or “Kandidat Nauk” from a recognised higher education institution in Azerbaijan.

Applicants for postgraduate research programmes should hold a Bachelors degree and a Masters degree, with a GPA of 3.0/4.0 or 75% from a recognised institution to be considered. Applicants with lower grades than this may be considered on an individual basis.

Applicants for postgraduate research programmes should hold a Bachelors degree and will usually be required to have completed a Masters degree, with a CGPA of 3.0-3.3/4.0 or higher for 2:1 equivalency from a recognised institution to be considered for entry. Applicants with lower grades than this may be considered on an individual basis.

Students who hold a Masters degree from the University of Botswana with a minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0 or 3.5/5.0 (70%/B/'very good') will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees.

Please note 4-year bachelor degrees from the University of Botswana are considered equivalent to a Diploma of Higher Education. 5-year bachelor degrees from the University of Botswana are considered equivalent to a British Bachelor (Ordinary) degree.

Students who have completed a Masters degree from a recognised institution will be considered for PhD study.

A Licenciatura or Bacharelado degree from a recognised Brazilian university:

  • A grade of 7.5/10 for entry to programmes with a 2:1 requirement
  • A grade of 6.5/10for entry to programmes with a 2:2 requirement

Holders of a good Bachelors degree with honours (4 to 6 years) from a recognised university with a upper second class grade or higher will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes.  Holders of a good Masters degree from a recognised university will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Holders of a good post-2001 Masters degree from a recognised university will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Students with a minimum average of 14 out of 20 (or 70%) on a 4-year Licence, Bachelor degree or Diplôme d'Etudes Superieures de Commerce (DESC) or Diplôme d'Ingénieur or a Maîtrise will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees.

Holders of a bachelor degree with honours from a recognised Canadian university may be considered for entry to a postgraduate degree programme. A GPA of 3.0/4, 7.0/9 or 75% is usually equivalent to a UK 2.1.

Holders of the Licenciado or equivalent Professional Title from a recognised Chilean university will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees. Applicants for PhD study will preferably hold a Magister degree or equivalent.

Students with a bachelor’s degree (4 years minimum) may be considered for entry to a postgraduate degree programme. However please note that we will only consider students who meet the entry guidance below.  Please note: for the subject areas below we use the Shanghai Ranking 2022 (full table)  ,  Shanghai Ranking 2023 (full table) , and Shanghai Ranking of Chinese Art Universities 2023 .

需要具备学士学位(4年制)的申请人可申请研究生课程。请根据所申请的课程查看相应的入学要求。 请注意,中国院校名单参考 软科中国大学排名2022(总榜) ,  软科中国大学排名2023(总榜) ,以及 软科中国艺术类高校名单2023 。  

Business School    - MSc programmes (excluding MBA)  

商学院硕士课程(MBA除外)入学要求

School of Computer Science – all MSc programmes 计算机学院硕士课程入学要求

College of Social Sciences – courses listed below 社会科学 学院部分硕士课程入学要求 MA Education  (including all pathways) MSc TESOL Education MSc Public Management MA Global Public Policy MA Social Policy MA Sociology Department of Political Science and International Studies  全部硕士课程 International Development Department  全部硕士课程

  All other programmes (including MBA)   所有其他 硕士课程(包括 MBA)入学要求

Please note:

  • Borderline cases: We may consider students with lower average score (within 5%) on a case-by-case basis if you have a relevant degree and very excellent grades in relevant subjects and/or relevant work experience. 如申请人均分低于相应录取要求(5%以内),但具有出色学术背景,优异的专业成绩,以及(或)相关的工作经验,部分课程将有可能单独酌情考虑。
  • Please contact the China Recruitment Team for any questions on the above entry requirements. 如果您对录取要求有疑问,请联系伯明翰大学中国办公室   [email protected]

Holders of the Licenciado/Professional Title from a recognised Colombian university will be considered for our Postgraduate Diploma and Masters degrees. Applicants for PhD degrees will normally have a Maestria or equivalent.

Holders of a good bachelor degree with honours (4 to 6 years) from a recognised university with a upper second class grade or higher will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes.  Holders of a good Masters degree from a recognised university will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Holders of a good Bacclaureus (Bachelors) from a recognised Croatian Higher Education institution with a minimum overall grade of 4.0 out of 5.0, vrlo dobar ‘very good’, or a Masters degree, will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Holders of a Bachelors degree(from the University of the West Indies or the University of Technology) may be considered for entry to a postgraduate degree programme. A Class II Upper Division degree is usually equivalent to a UK 2.1. For further details on particular institutions please refer to the list below.  Applicants for PhD level study will preferably hold a Masters degree or Mphil from the University of the West Indies.

Applicants for postgraduate research programmes should hold a good Bachelors degree from a recognised institution with a minimum overall grade of 6.5 out of 10, or a GPA of 3 out of 4, and will usually be required to have completed a good Masters degree to be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes. Applicants with lower grades than this may be considered on an individual basis.

Holders of a good Bakalár from a recognised Czech Higher Education institution with a minimum overall grade of 1.5, B, velmi dobre ‘very good’ (post-2004) or 2, velmi dobre ‘good’ (pre-2004), or a good post-2002 Magistr (Masters), will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Applicants for postgraduate research programmes should hold a good Bachelors degree from a recognised institution with a minimum overall grade of 7-10 out of 12 (or 8 out of 13) or higher for 2:1 equivalence and will usually be required to have completed a good Masters/ Magisterkonfereus/Magister Artium degree to be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes. Applicants with lower grades than this may be considered on an individual basis.

Holders of the Licenciado or an equivalent professional title from a recognised Ecuadorian university may be considered for entry to a postgraduate degree programme. Grades of 70% or higher can be considered as UK 2.1 equivalent.  Applicants for PhD level study will preferably hold a Magister/Masterado or equivalent qualification, but holders of the Licenciado with excellent grades can be considered.

Applicants for postgraduate research programmes should hold a Bachelors degree and a Masters degree, with a GPA of 3.0/4.0 or 75% from a recognised institution. Applicants with lower grades than this may be considered on an individual basis.

Holders of a good Bakalaurusekraad from a recognised university with a minimum overall grade of 4/5 or B, or a good one- or two-year Magistrikraad from a recognised university, will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Students who hold a Masters degree with very good grades (grade B, 3.5/4 GPA or 85%) will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees. 

Holders of a good Kandidaatti / Kandidat (old system), a professional title such as Ekonomi, Diplomi-insinööri, Arkkitehti, Lisensiaatti (in Medicine, Dentistry and Vetinary Medicine), or a Maisteri / Magister (new system), Lisensiaatti / Licenciat, Oikeustieteen Kandidaatti / Juris Kandidat (new system) or Proviisori / Provisor from a recognised Finnish Higher Education institution, with a minimum overall grade of 2/3 or 4/5, will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Applicants for postgraduate research programmes should hold a should hold a Bachelors degree and will usually be required to have completed a Masters/Maîtrise with a minimum overall grade of 13 out of 20, or a Magistère / Diplôme d'Etudes Approfondies / Diplôme d'Etudes Supérieures Specialisées / Mastère Specialis, from a recognised French university or Grande École to be considered for entry. Applicants with lower grades than this may be considered on an individual basis.

Holders of a Magister Artium, a Diplom or an Erstes Staatsexamen from a recognised university with a minimum overall grade of 2.5, or a good two-year Lizentiat / Aufbaustudium / Zweites Staatsexamen or a Masters degree from a recognised university, will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Students who hold a Bachelor degree from a recognised institution will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees. Most taught Masters programmes require a minimum of an upper second class degree (2.1) with a minimum GPA of at least 3.0/4.0 or 3.5/5.0 Students who have completed a Masters degree from a recognised institution will be considered for PhD study.

Applicants for postgraduate research programmes should hold a good four-year Ptychio (Bachelor degree) with a minimum overall grade of 6.5 out of 10, from a recognised Greek university (AEI), and will usually be required to have completed a good Metaptychiako Diploma Eidikefsis (Masters degree) from a recognised institution to be considered for entry. Applicants with lower grades than this may be considered on an individual basis.

4-year Licenciado is deemed equivalent to a UK bachelors degree. A score of 75 or higher from Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala (USAC) can be considered comparable to a UK 2.1, 60 is comparable to a UK 2.2.  Private universities have a higher pass mark, so 80 or higher should be considered comparable to a UK 2.1, 70 is comparable to a UK 2.2

The Hong Kong Bachelor degree is considered comparable to British Bachelor degree standard. Students with bachelor degrees awarded by universities in Hong Kong may be considered for entry to one of our postgraduate degree programmes.

Students with Masters degrees may be considered for PhD study.

Holders of a good Alapfokozat / Alapképzés or Egyetemi Oklevel from a recognised university with a minimum overall grade of 3.5, or a good Mesterfokozat (Masters degree) or Egyetemi Doktor (university doctorate), will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Applicants for postgraduate research programmes should hold a Bachelors degree and will usually be required to have completed a Masters degree, with a 60% or higher for 2:1 equivalency from a recognised institution to be considered for entry. Applicants with lower grades than this may be considered on an individual basis.

Holders of the 4 year Sarjana (S1) from a recognised Indonesian institution will be considered for postgraduate study. Entry requirements vary with a minimum requirement of a GPA of 2.8.

Applicants for postgraduate research programmes should hold a Bachelors degree and a Masters degree, with a score of 14/20 or 70% from a recognised institution to be considered. Applicants with lower grades than this may be considered on an individual basis.

Applicants for postgraduate research programmes should hold a Bachelors degree and will usually be required to have completed a Masters degree from a recognised institution, with 100 out of 110 or higher for 2:1 equivalency from a recognised institution to be considered for entry. Applicants with lower grades than this may be considered on an individual basis.

Students who hold the Maitrise, Diplome d'Etude Approfondies, Diplome d'Etude Superieures or Diplome d'Etude Superieures Specialisees will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees (14-15/20 or Bien from a well ranked institution is considered comparable to a UK 2.1, while a score of 12-13/20 or Assez Bien is considered comparable to a UK 2.2).

Students with a Bachelor degree from a recognised university in Japan will be considered for entry to a postgraduate Masters degree provided they achieve a sufficiently high overall score in their first (Bachelor) degree. A GPA of 3.0/4.0 or a B average from a good Japanese university is usually considered equivalent to a UK 2:1.

Students with a Masters degree from a recognised university in Japan will be considered for PhD study. A high overall grade will be necessary to be considered.

Students who have completed their Specialist Diploma Мамаң дипломы/Диплом специалиста) or "Magistr" (Магистр дипломы/Диплом магистра) degree (completed after 1991) from a recognised higher education institution, with a minimum GPA of 2.67/4.00 for courses requiring a UK lower second and 3.00/4.00 for courses requiring a UK upper second class degree, will be considered for entry to postgraduate Masters degrees and, occasionally, directly for PhD degrees.  Holders of a Bachelor "Bakalavr" degree (Бакалавр дипломы/Диплом бакалавра) from a recognised higher education institution, with a minimum GPA of  2.67/4.00 for courses requiring a UK lower second and 3.00/4.00 for courses requiring a UK upper second class degree, may also be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes.

Students who hold a Bachelor degree from a recognised institution will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees. Most taught Masters programmes require a minimum of an upper second class degree (2.1) with a minimum GPA of at least 3.0/4.0 or 3.5/50

Holders of a good Postgraduate Diploma (professional programme) from a recognised university or institution of Higher Education, with a minimum overall grade of 7.5 out of 10, or a post-2000 Magistrs, will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Applicants for postgraduate research programmes should hold a Bachelors degree and a Masters degree, with a score of 16/20 or 80% from a recognised institution to be considered. Applicants with lower grades than this may be considered on an individual basis.

Holders of a Bachelors degree from a recognised university in Libya will be considered for postgraduate study. Holders of a Bachelors degree will normally be expected to have achieved score of 70% for 2:1 equivalency or 65% for 2:2 equivalency. Alternatively students will require a minimum of 3.0/4.0 or BB to be considered.

Holders of a good pre-2001 Magistras from a recognised university with a minimum overall grade of 8 out of 10, or a good post-2001 Magistras, will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes

Holders of a good Bachelors degree from a recognised Luxembourgish Higher Education institution with a minimum overall grade of 16 out of 20, or a Diplôme d'Études Supérieures Spécialisées (comparable to a UK PGDip) or Masters degree from a recognised Luxembourgish Higher Education institution will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Students who hold a Masters degree will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees (70-74% or A or Marginal Distinction from a well ranked institution is considered comparable to a UK 2.1, while a score of 60-69% or B or Bare Distinction/Credit is considered comparable to a UK 2.2).

Holders of a Bachelors degree from a recognised Malaysian institution (usually achieved with the equivalent of a second class upper or a grade point average minimum of 3.0) will be considered for postgraduate study at Diploma or Masters level.

Holders of a good Bachelors degree from the University of Malta with a minimum grade of 2:1 (Hons), and/or a Masters degree, will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Students who hold a Bachelor degree (Honours) from a recognised institution (including the University of Mauritius) will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees.  Most taught Masters programmes require a minimum of an upper second class degree (2:1).

Students who hold the Licenciado/Professional Titulo from a recognised Mexican university with a promedio of at least 8 will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees.

Students who have completed a Maestria from a recognised institution will be considered for PhD study.

Applicants for postgraduate research programmes should hold a Bachelors degree, licence or Maîtrise and a Masters degree, with a score of 14/20 or 70% from a recognised institution to be considered. Applicants with lower grades than this may be considered on an individual basis.

Students with a good four year honours degree from a recognised university will be considered for postgraduate study at the University of Birmingham. PhD applications will be considered on an individual basis.

Applicants for postgraduate research programmes should hold a Bachelors degree and will usually be required to have completed a Masters degree, with 60-74% or higher for 2:1 equivalency from a recognised institution to be considered for entry. Applicants with lower grades than this may be considered on an individual basis.

Holders of a good Doctoraal from a recognised Dutch university with a minimum overall grade of 7 out of 10, and/or a good Masters degree, will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Students who hold a Bachelor degree (minimum 4 years and/or level 400) from a recognised institution will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees.  Most taught Masters programmes require a minimum of an upper second class degree (2.1) with a minimum GPA of at least 3.0/4.0 or 3.5/5.0

Applicants for postgraduate research programmes should hold a good Bachelors degree from a recognised institution with a minimum GPA of B/Very Good or 1.6-2.5 for a 2.1 equivalency, and will usually be required to have completed a good Masters, Mastergrad, Magister. Artium, Sivilingeniør, Candidatus realium or Candidatus philologiae degree to be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes. Applicants with lower grades than this may be considered on an individual basis.

Applicants for postgraduate research programmes should hold a Bachelors degree and will usually be required to have completed a Masters degree, with a CGPA of 3.0/4 or higher for 2:1 equivalency from a recognised institution to be considered for entry. Applicants with lower grades than this may be considered on an individual basis.

Holders of a Bachelors degree from a recognised university in the Palestinian Territories will be considered for postgraduate study. Holders of Bachelors degree will normally be expected to have achieved a GPA of 3/4 or 80% for 2:1 equivalency or a GPA of 2.5/4 or 70% for 2:2 equivalency.    

Holders of the Título de Licenciado /Título de (4-6 years) or an equivalent professional title from a recognised Paraguayan university may be considered for entry to a postgraduate degree programme. Grades of 4/5 or higher can be considered as UK 2.1 equivalent.  The Título Intermedio is a 2-3 year degree and is equivalent to a HNC, it is not suitable for postgraduate entry but holders of this award could be considered for second year undergraduate entry or pre-Masters.  Applicants for PhD level study will preferably hold a Título de Maestría / Magister or equivalent qualification, but holders of the Título/Grado de Licenciado/a with excellent grades can be considered.

Holders of the Licenciado, with at least 13/20 may be considered as UK 2.1 equivalent. The Grado de Bachiller is equivalent to an ordinary degree, so grades of 15+/20 are required.  Applicants for PhD level study will preferably hold a Título de Maestría or equivalent qualification.

Holders of a good pre-2001 Magister from a recognised Polish university with a minimum overall grade of 4 out of 5, dobry ‘good’, and/or a good Swiadectwo Ukonczenia Studiów Podyplomowych (Certificate of Postgraduate Study) or post-2001 Magister from a recognised Polish university with a minimum overall grade of 4.5/4+ out of 5, dobry plus 'better than good', will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Holders of a good Licenciado from a recognised university, or a Diploma de Estudos Superiores Especializados (DESE) from a recognised Polytechnic Institution, with a minimum overall grade of 16 out of 20, and/or a good Mestrado / Mestre (Masters) from a recognised university, will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Applicants for postgraduate research programmes should hold a good Bachelors degree from a recognised Romanian Higher Education institution with a minimum overall grade of 8 out of 10, and will usually be required to have completed a Masters degree/Diploma de Master/Diploma de Studii Academice Postuniversitare (Postgraduate Diploma - Academic Studies) or Diploma de Studii Postuniversitare de Specializare (Postgraduate Diploma - Specialised Studies) to be considered for entry. Applicants with lower grades than this may be considered on an individual basis.

Holders of a good Диплом Специалиста (Specialist Diploma) or Диплом Магистра (Magistr) degree from recognised universities in Russia (minimum GPA of 4.0) will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes/PhD study.

Students who hold a 4-year Bachelor degree with at least 16/20 or 70% will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees.   

Students who hold a Maitrise, Diplome d'Etude Approfondies,Diplome d'Etude Superieures or Diplome d'Etude Superieures Specialisees will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees. A score of 14-15/20 or Bien from a well ranked institution is considered comparable to a UK 2.1, while a score of 12-13/20 or Assez Bien is considered comparable to a UK 2.2

Students who hold a Bachelor (Honours) degree from a recognised institution with a minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0 or 3.5/5.0 (or a score of 60-69% or B+) from a well ranked institution will be considered for most our Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees with a 2:1 requirement.

Students holding a good Bachelors Honours degree will be considered for postgraduate study at Diploma or Masters level.

Holders of a good three-year Bakalár or pre-2002 Magister from a recognised Slovakian Higher Education institution with a minimum overall grade of 1.5, B, Vel’mi dobrý ‘very good’, and/or a good Inžinier or a post-2002 Magister from a recognised Slovakian Higher Education institution will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Holders of a good Diploma o pridobljeni univerzitetni izobrazbi (Bachelors degree), Diplomant (Professionally oriented first degree), Univerzitetni diplomant (Academically oriented first degree) or Visoko Obrazovanja (until 1999) from a recognised Slovenian Higher Education institution with a minimum overall grade of 8.0 out of 10, and/or a good Diploma specializacija (Postgraduate Diploma) or Magister (Masters) will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Students who hold a Bachelor Honours degree (also known as Baccalaureus Honores / Baccalaureus Cum Honoribus) from a recognised institution will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees. Most Masters programmes will require a second class upper (70%) or a distinction (75%).

Holders of a Masters degree will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Holders of a Bachelor degree from a recognised South Korean institution (usually with the equivalent of a second class upper or a grade point average 3.0/4.0 or 3.2/4.5) will be considered for Masters programmes.

Holders of a good Masters degree from a recognised institution will be considered for PhD study on an individual basis.

Applicants for postgraduate research programmes should hold a Bachelors degree and will usually be required to have completed a Masters degree, with 7 out of 10 or higher for 2:1 equivalency from a recognised institution to be considered for entry. Applicants with lower grades than this may be considered on an individual basis.

Applicants for postgraduate research programmes should hold a Bachelors degree and will usually be required to have completed a Masters degree, with 60-74% or a CGPA 3.30/4.0 or higher for 2:1 equivalency from a recognised institution to be considered for entry. Applicants with lower grades than this may be considered on an individual basis.

Holders of a good Kandidatexamen (Bachelors degree) or Yrkesexamen (Professional Bachelors degree) from a recognised Swedish Higher Education institution with the majority of subjects with a grade of VG (Val godkänd), and/or a good Magisterexamen (Masters degree), International Masters degree or Licentiatexamen (comparable to a UK Mphil), will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Holders of a good "PostGraduate Certificate" or "PostGraduate Diploma" or a Masters degree from a recognised Swiss higher education institution (with a minimum GPA of 5/6 or 8/10 or 2/5 (gut-bien-bene/good) for a 2.1 equivalence) may be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Applicants for postgraduate research programmes should hold a Bachelors degree and a Masters degree, with a GPA of 3.0/4.0, 3.5/5 or 75% from a recognised institution to be considered. Applicants with lower grades than this may be considered on an individual basis.

Holders of a good Bachelor degree (from 75% to 85% depending upon the university in Taiwan) from a recognised institution will be considered for postgraduate Masters study. Holders of a good Masters degree from a recognised institution will be considered for PhD study.

Students who hold a Bachelor degree from a recognised institution will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees.  Most taught Masters programmes require a minimum of an upper second class degree (2.1) Students who have completed a Masters degree from a recognised institution will be considered for PhD study.

Holders of a good Masters degree from a recognised institution will be considered for entry to our postgraduate research programmes.

Holders of a good Masters degree or Mphil from a recognised university will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Students with a Bachelors degree from the following universities may be considered for entry to postgraduate programmes:

  • Ateneo de Manila University - Quezon City
  • De La Salle University - Manila
  • University of Santo Tomas
  • University of the Philippines - Diliman

Students from all other institutions with a Bachelors and a Masters degree or relevant work experience may be considered for postgraduate programmes.

Grading Schemes

1-5 where 1 is the highest 2.1 = 1.75 2.2 = 2.25 

Out of 4.0 where 4 is the highest 2.1 = 3.0 2.2 = 2.5

Letter grades and percentages 2.1 = B / 3.00 / 83% 2.2 = C+ / 2.5 / 77%

Holders of a postdoctoral qualification from a recognised institution will be considered for PhD study.  Students may be considered for PhD study if they have a Masters from one of the above listed universities.

Holders of a Lisans Diplomasi with a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0/4.0 from a recognised university will be considered for postgraduate study at Diploma or Masters level.

Holders of a Yuksek Diplomasi from a recognised university will be considered for PhD study.

Students who hold a Bachelor degree from a recognised institution will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees. Most Masters programmes will require a second class upper (2.1) or GPA of 3.5/5.0

Applicants for postgraduate research programmes should hold a good Bachelors degree / Диплом бакалавра (Dyplom Bakalavra), Диплом спеціаліста (Specialist Diploma) or a Dyplom Magistra from a recognised Ukrainian higher education institution with a minimum GPA of 4.0/5.0, 3.5/4, 8/12 or 80% or higher for 2:1 equivalence and will usually be required to have completed a good Masters degree to be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes. Applicants with lower grades than this may be considered on an individual basis.

The University will consider students who hold an Honours degree from a recognised institution in the USA with a GPA of:

  • 2.8 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) for entry to programmes with a 2:2 requirement 
  • 3.2 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) for entry to programmes with a 2:1 requirement 

Please note that some subjects which are studied at postgraduate level in the USA, eg. Medicine and Law, are traditionally studied at undergraduate level in the UK.

Holders of the Magistr Diplomi (Master's degree) or Diplomi (Specialist Diploma), awarded by prestigious universities, who have attained high grades in their studies will be considered for postgraduate study.  Holders of the Fanlari Nomzodi (Candidate of Science), where appropriate, will be considered for PhD study.

Holders of the Licenciatura/Título or an equivalent professional title from a recognised Venezuelan university may be considered for entry to a postgraduate degree programme. Scales of 1-5, 1-10 and 1-20 are used, an overall score of 70% or equivalent can be considered equivalent to a UK 2.1.  Applicants for PhD level study will preferably hold a Maestria or equivalent qualification

Holders of a Bachelors degree from a recognised Vietnamese institution (usually achieved with the equivalent of a second class upper or a grade point average minimum GPA of 7.0 and above) will be considered for postgraduate study at Diploma or Masters level.  Holders of a Masters degree (thac si) will be considered for entry to PhD programmes.

Students who hold a Masters degree with a minimum GPA of 3.5/5.0 or a mark of 2.0/2.5 (A) will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees.   

Students who hold a good Bachelor Honours degree will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees. 

International Students

English requirement - IELTS 7 with no less than 6.5 in any band or equivalent.

The diversity of our research strengths at Birmingham Business School means we cover a wide range of management specialisms and if your application is successful you would join one of the five departments that collectively contribute to the PhD programme in Management.

Business and Labour Economics  - Research interests include labour markets, employment regulation and incentives, international trade, piracy and production and global value chains.

Entrepreneurship & Local Economy  - Research interests include leadership, local and regional economic development and entrepreneurship.

Organisation, Work and Employment  - Research interests include work and employment in contemporary organisations in the public and private sectors, human resource management and employment relations.

Procurement and Operations Management  - Research interests include organisational buying behaviour, supplier relationship management, public sector contracting, project management, small firm operations and high value engineering management.

Strategy and International Business  - Research interests include corporate social responsibility and sustainability, internationalisation and China, knowledge and innovation and also resilience and extreme events.

>Doctoral researchers in Management are registered for a full time 3-year PhD or a part-time 6-year PhD. In the first year of the programme (first two years for those registered part-time) students are required to take 60 credits of core Research Methods modules from the MA Social Research programme. They are also recommended to take Advanced Training Modules from the MA Social Research Programme as appropriate to their research and training needs.

Depending on their needs and accredited prior learning and subject to supervisory approval doctoral researchers can substitute 20 credits of the introductory MA Social research modules for Advanced Training Modules. By the end of their first year doctoral students will have completed an 8,000 word research proposal that they will present at the first annual review.  This forms the basis for supervised research over the remaining two years of the programme and the production of an 80,000 word thesis.

If I gain a postgraduate research degree from Birmingham Business School, what are my career prospects?

Birmingham’s Business graduates are sought after by a wide range of financial, commercial and public sector employers. They can typically offer a wide range of skills including analytical & research, numeracy, communication, team working and political & commercial awareness.

For those entering employment after graduating, traditionally popular areas include banking, accountancy/professional services and financial services. Many of our programmes involve studying towards a professional qualification. Outside of these areas, options include teaching abroad and retail management. Many PhD graduates also go on to forge successful academic careers of their own in teaching and academic research.

What type of career assistance is available to doctoral researchers in Birmingham Business School?

The University of Birmingham has invested heavily in careers and employability support.  The Careers Team have been praised for enhanced developments within their team and for adopting a model of integrated employability and internship support; something that has been rolled out and implemented across all Schools and Colleges at the University.

Doctoral researchers at Birmingham Business School will benefit from this additional investment; the school  now has its own well qualified dedicated Careers Team to support students with employment opportunities, work placements, internships and how to succeed at interview. In addition, a range of career management, personal development and employer events are run each year by the Careers in Business Team to help you make the most of the opportunities available. 

The University also has dedicated careers advisors for International students who run workshops and networking opportunities with potential employers. These are especially popular with International postgraduate researchers.

  • Online chat events

School for Business and Society

PhD in Management

Unleash your curiosity and develop key skills to support a career in academia, industry, consultancy or research.

Our PhD programme offers high-quality training and a supportive collegial environment in which to pursue your passion for research.

Study for your doctorate in a professional and challenging school, where academic rigour and excellence is at the heart of everything we do. You will have the opportunity to work with leading academics and be part of a growing and vibrant community of doctoral scholars. 

We welcome applicants who share our vision and want to undertake innovative and exciting research as part of our academic community.

Join researchers from across the globe, who are building new understanding of business and management.

[email protected] +44 (0)1904 321228

Related links

  • Accommodation
  • International students
  • Visiting research students
  • Life at York
  • How to apply

Your research

As a doctoral student, the focus of your work will be an independent research project. We provide training which will equip you with skills in a wide range of research methods to support your growing expertise. Your research will culminate in a thesis which, to successfully pass the programme, will represent an original contribution to knowledge and have the potential to influence practice, policy and understanding in your field of interest.

We welcome applications from students interested in undertaking management research in the following areas:

phd management uk

  • Actuarial science
  • Accounting 
  • Finance 
  • Employment relations
  • Human resource management
  • International business and strategy (including business history)
  • Operations management
  • Organisational behaviour

phd management uk

Meet our current students

Research excellence

Our management research is a UK top 30 research discipline, and 100% of our research environment - the support we give to researchers - is rated 3* or higher. (REF 2021).

Culture of inclusivity

At the School for Business and Society, we offer dedicated in-house student support for our students and we're proud of our two Bronze Athena Swan Awards, recognising our work to promote gender equality.

Great facilities

Church Lane offers a modern setting with bespoke areas for study, student exhibitions, collaboration, interaction and social engagement as well as a large cafe.

phd management uk

Explore Business and Society funding for MPhil/PhD researchers and wider postgraduate support. We also have ESRC White Rose Social Sciences scholarship funding available for research students.

phd management uk

Supervision

You will be supported by two academic supervisors. Supervisors will normally share or complement your research interests.

Training and support

You will have at least one meeting with your supervisory team every six to seven weeks. You will also interact with your supervisors and colleagues across the School at research seminars, conference events and informal gatherings.

In your first year you will have a Training Needs Assessment with your Supervisor and Advisory Team, they will recommend additional training areas for you and possible courses to audit.

You'll also take compulsory training modules covering  Methods for Critical Literature Reviewing and Dissemination , and  Philosophy and Process of Management Research . These modules include assignments which you must pass in order to progress.

phd management uk

Researcher development

Throughout the course you will have access to training from the University's Building Research and Innovation Capacity Team , who will help you develop your professional skills and career profile. You can also take advantage of the following opportunities for learning:

  • White Rose Doctoral Programme  Advanced methodology training
  • The Northern Advanced Research Training Initiative (NARTI) Doctoral Conference
  • European Doctoral Programmes Association in Management & Business Administration (EDAMBA)  training and conference opportunities
  • University of York Management School seminar series  and various other engagement activities

Teaching opportunities

A PhD helps you to develop the skills you need to work in academia - including teaching. There are opportunities for paid teaching in the Management School and across the University.

Postgraduate tutors receive training and support. There are opportunities for you to gain accredited teaching qualifications.

  • Teach while you study

Course location

This course is run by the School for Business and Society.

You will be based in the  Church Lane Building on Campus West . Most of your training and supervision meetings will take place here, though your research may take you further afield.

You should live in or near York during your PhD programme, whether part-time or full-time. We do not offer distance learning arrangements.

Entry requirements

For entry to the PhD programme, you should have (or expect to obtain) a minimum of a 60% average on a Masters-level programme, with a good mark on your dissertation.

If you haven't completed a Masters degree or appropriate research training, you may wish to consider our  MA Social Research .

English language requirements

If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence of your ability.

Apply for the PhD in Management

Take a look at the  supporting documents  you may need for your application.

Find out more about how to apply .

Identify a supervisor

You should identify a potential supervisor in our faculty whose area of research overlaps with yours. We encourage you to contact them to discuss your research proposal before you apply.

Find a supervisor

Submit your application

We require you to submit the following documents:

  • 4,000-word research proposal
  • Academic transcripts
  • Details of two academic referees
  • Your curriculum vitae (CV)
  • Personal statement

You can apply and send all your documentation electronically through our online system. You don’t need to complete your application all at once: you can start, save, and finish it later.

We will respond to your application in four to six weeks. You may track the status of your application and view any official correspondence online. If you have applied for an advertised scholarship or Graduate Teaching Assistant position, decisions on funded places may take a little longer.

If you are shortlisted, you will be invited to attend an online interview. It is important that you demonstrate an understanding of your topic and its supporting theories.

Careers and skills

Your PhD will help to develop your qualifications alongside your research and critical thinking skills. You will further gain transferable skills around communication, project management as well as critical and creative analysis and problem solving, preparing you for the next stage in your career.

Our dedicated careers team offer specific support including a programme of professional researcher development and careers workshops and 1:1 career support sessions. They will help you to build up your employability portfolio and to engage in activities that will build up your skills and experience within and outside of your research work.

Career opportunities

  • Government director
  • Product manager
  • Teaching fellow
  • Assistant professor

phd management uk

Discover York

phd management uk

We offer a range of campus accommodation to suit you and your budget, from economy to deluxe.

phd management uk

Discover more about our researchers, facilities and why York is the perfect choice for your research degree.

phd management uk

Graduate Research School

Connect with researchers across all disciplines to get the most out of your research project.

Meet us online or on campus

Find out all you need to know about applying to York

Scholarships

Find scholarships to support your studies

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Management PhD

Key information.

phd management uk

  • 1st  in the UK for annual research income in  2019-2022   (Chartered Association of Business Schools)
  • 8th  in the UK for citations in Business and Economics   (The Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023)
  • 16th  in the UK for Economics &   Business   (NTU Ranking 2022)

You’ll work with world-leading faculty whose findings go beyond academia – to practitioners and professionals in industry, associations, chartered institutes, decision-making bodies and public-policy organisations.

Accreditation

You’ll join the EQUIS and AMBA-accredited University of Sussex Business School. Learn more about all of our course accreditations here. Find out more

Areas of study

Our research focuses on questions such as:

  • what factors influence new product/service development?
  • how do institutional and geographical factors influence enterprise development?
  • how do we tackle gender and race discrimination?
  • how can we motivate individuals and nurture leaders?
  • what could be done to promote environmental sustainability across supply-chain networks?

Find out more about research at the University of Sussex Business School

We expect successful applicants to be admitted to the Integrated PhD. This provides the rigorous research training you need to become a skilled practitioner. If you’re unsure which route to apply for, please apply for the Integrated PhD .

We understand that deciding where and what to study is a very important decision. We’ll make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the courses, services and facilities described in this prospectus. However, if we need to make material changes, for example due to government or regulatory requirements, or unanticipated staff changes, we’ll let you know as soon as possible.

Masters and P h D events

Meet us on campus or online

Book your place

Entry requirements

  • UK requirements
  • International requirements

Please select your country from the list.

Philippines

Saudi arabia, south africa, south korea, switzerland, united arab emirates, my country is not listed.

If your country is not listed, you need to contact us and find out the qualification level you should have for this course. Contact us

English language requirements

Ielts (academic).

High level (6.5 overall, including at least 6.0 in each component).

IELTS scores are valid for two years from the test date. You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test. Your score must be valid when you begin your Sussex course.  Find out more about IELTS

We accept IELTS One Skills Retake.

We do not accept IELTS Online.

Check full details of our English Language requirements and find out more about some of the alternative English language qualifications listed below

Alternative English language qualifications

Proficiency tests, cambridge advanced certificate in english (cae).

169 overall, including at least 162 in each skill.

We would normally expect the CAE test to have been taken within two years before the start of your course.

You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test. Find out more about Cambridge English: Advanced

Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE)

We would normally expect the CPE test to have been taken within two years before the start of your course.

You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test. Find out more about Cambridge English: Proficiency

LanguageCert International ESOL SELT

High level (International ESOL SELT B2 with a minimum of 39 in each component)

LanguageCert International ESOL scores are valid for two years from the test date. Your score must be valid when you begin your Sussex course. Find out more about LanguageCert SELT

We only accept LanguageCert when taken at SELT Test Centres. We do not accept the online version.

Pearson PTE Academic

High level (62 overall, including at least 59 in all four skills)

PTE (Academic) scores are valid for two years from the test date. You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test. Your score must be valid when you begin your Sussex course. Find out more about Pearson (PTE Academic)

We do not accept the PTE Academic Online test.

TOEFL (iBT)

High level 88 overall, including at least 20 Listening, 19 in Reading, 21 in Speaking, 23 in Writing.

TOEFL (iBT) scores are valid for two years from the test date. You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test. Your score must be valid when you begin your Sussex course. Find out more about TOEFL (iBT)

We do not accept TOEFL (iBT) Home Edition.

The TOEFL Institution Code for the University of Sussex is 9166.

English language qualifications

As/a-level (gce).

Grade C or above in English Language.

Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination (HKALE)/ AS or A Level: grade C or above in Use of English.

GCE O-level

Grade C or above in English.

Brunei/Cambridge GCE O-level in English: grades 1-6.

Singapore/Cambridge GCE O-level in English: grades 1-6.

GCSE or IGCSE

Grade C or above in English as a First Language (Grade 4 or above in GCSE from 2017).

Grade B or above in English as a Second Language.

Ghana Senior Secondary School Certificate

If awarded before 1993: grades 1-6 in English language.

If awarded between 1993 and 2005: grades A-D in English language.

Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE)

 Level 4, including at least 3 in each component in English Language.

Indian School Certificate (Standard XII)

The Indian School Certificate is accepted at the grades below when awarded by the following examination boards:

Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) – English Core only: 70%

Council for Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) - English: 70% 

International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB)

English A or English B at grade 5 or above.

Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education

Grades A - C in English language

Malaysian Certificate of Education (SPM) 1119/GCE O-level

If taken before the end of 2008: grades 1-6 in English Language.

If taken from 2009 onwards: grade C or above in English Language.

The qualification must be jointly awarded by the University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate (UCLES).

West African Senior School Certificate

Grades A1-C6 (1-6) in English language when awarded by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) or the National Examinations Council (NECO).

Country exceptions

Select to see the list of exempt english-speaking countries.

If you are a national of one of the countries below, or if you have recently completed a qualification equivalent to a UK Bachelors degree or higher in one of these countries, you will normally meet our English requirement. Note that qualifications obtained by distance learning or awarded by studying outside these countries cannot be accepted for English language purposes.

You will normally be expected to have completed the qualification within two years before starting your course at Sussex. If the qualification was obtained earlier than this, we would expect you to be able to demonstrate that you have maintained a good level of English, for example by living in an English-speaking country or working in an occupation that required you to use English regularly and to a high level.

Please note that this list is determined by the UK’s Home Office, not by the University of Sussex.

List of exempt countries: 

  • Antigua and Barbuda
  • New Zealand
  • St Kitts and Nevis
  • St Vincent and the Grenadines
  • The British Overseas Territories
  • Trinidad and Tobago
  • United Kingdom

** Canada: you must be a national of Canada; other nationals not on this list who have a degree from a Canadian institution will not normally be exempt from needing to provide evidence of English.

English language support

If you don’t meet the English language requirements for your degree, you may be able to take a pre-sessional course

  • Visas and immigration

Admissions information for applicants

If your qualifications aren’t listed or you have a question about entry requirements, contact us

  • How to apply

If you’d like to join us as a research student, there are two main routes:

  • browse funded projects in this subject area
  • browse our potential supervisors and propose your own research project.

Find out how to apply for a PhD at Sussex

Full-time and part-time study

Choose to work on your research full time or part time, to fit around your work and personal life. For details about part-time study, contact us at [email protected]

PhD or MPhil?

You can choose to study for a PhD or an MPhil. PhD and MPhil degrees differ in duration and in the extent of your research work.

  • For a PhD, your research work makes a substantial original contribution to knowledge or understanding in your chosen field.
  • For an MPhil, your work is an independent piece of research but in less depth than for a PhD. You’ll graduate with the degree title Master of Philosophy. You might be able to change to a PhD while you study for an MPhil.

Our supervisors

phd management uk

Prof Constantin Blome

Visiting Professor

[email protected]

View profile of Constantin Blome

phd management uk

Prof Odul Bozkurt

Professor of Work and Employment

[email protected]

View profile of Odul Bozkurt

phd management uk

Dr Petros Chamakiotis

Visiting Senior Lecturer

[email protected]

View profile of Petros Chamakiotis

phd management uk

Dr Benjamin Everly

Senior Lecturer in Organisational Behaviour

[email protected]

View profile of Benjamin Everly

phd management uk

Dr Marv Khammash

Associate Faculty

[email protected]

View profile of Marv Khammash

phd management uk

Dr Michelle Luke

Reader in Organisational Behaviour

[email protected]

View profile of Michelle Luke

phd management uk

Dr Monica Masucci

Senior Lecturer in Strategy and Entrepreneurship

[email protected]

View profile of Monica Masucci

phd management uk

Prof Steven McGuire

Dean of Business School

[email protected]

View profile of Steven McGuire

phd management uk

Dr Piera Morlacchi

[email protected]

View profile of Piera Morlacchi

phd management uk

Prof Dimitra Petrakaki

Professor of Technology and Organisation

[email protected]

View profile of Dimitra Petrakaki

phd management uk

Dr Maria Restuccia

Lecturer In Marketing

[email protected]

View profile of Maria Restuccia

phd management uk

Prof Martin Schleper

[email protected]

View profile of Martin Schleper

phd management uk

Dr Vikrant Shirodkar

Reader in International Business

[email protected]

View profile of Vikrant Shirodkar

phd management uk

Dr Natalia Slutskaya

Reader in Work and Organisation Studies

[email protected]

View profile of Natalia Slutskaya

phd management uk

Prof Chris Storey

Professor of Marketing

[email protected]

View profile of Chris Storey

phd management uk

Prof Roger Strange

Professor of International Business

[email protected]

View profile of Roger Strange

phd management uk

Dr Shova Thapa Karki

Senior Lecturer in Entrepreneurship and Sustainability

[email protected]

View profile of Shova Thapa Karki

phd management uk

Prof Dennis Tourish

Professor of Leadership and Organisation Studies

[email protected]

View profile of Dennis Tourish

phd management uk

Prof Mirela Xheneti

Professor of Entrepreneurship and Small Business

[email protected]

View profile of Mirela Xheneti

phd management uk

Dr Biao Yang

Senior Lecturer in Operations Management

[email protected]

View profile of Biao Yang

phd management uk

Dr Yong Yang

[email protected]

View profile of Yong Yang

Funding and fees

How can i fund my course, funded projects and scholarships.

Our aim is to ensure that every student who wants to study with us is able to despite financial barriers, so that we continue to attract talented and unique individuals. Don’t miss out on scholarships – check the specific application deadlines for funding opportunities. Note that funded projects aren’t available for all our PhDs.

£3,000 scholarships available to environmental influencers bringing about real-world behaviour change

Find out more

£800 scholarship available to reward talented organ player studying on any course at Sussex.

5 scholarships of £800 are available to reward talented musicians studying on any course at Sussex

Cash scholarships available for students who have demonstrated sporting excellence

University of Sussex Stuart Hall Doctoral Scholarship

Up to 10 scholarships for outstanding PhD students holding China Scholarship Council awards

Applying for USA Federal Student Aid?

If any part of your funding, at any time, is through USA federal Direct Loan funds, you will be registered on a separate version of this degree which does not include the possibility of distance learning which is prohibited under USA federal regulations. Find out more about American Student Loans and Federal Student Aid .

Part-time work

We advertise around 2,500 part-time jobs a year so you can make money and gain work experience. We have a special scheme to employ students on campus, wherever possible.

Find out more about careers and employability

How much does it cost?

Fees for self-funding students.

Home students: £4,786 per year for full-time students

Channel Islands and Isle of Man students: £4,786 per year for full-time students

International students: £21,500 per year for full-time students

Home PhD student fees are set at the level recommended by United Kingdom Research and Innovation (UKRI) annually, rising in line with inflation. Overseas fees are subject to an annual increase - see details on our tuition fees page

Additional costs

Note about additional costs.

Please note that all costs are best estimates based on current market values. Activities may be subject to unavoidable change in response to Government advice. We’ll let you know at the earliest opportunity. We review estimates every year and they may vary with inflation. Find out how to budget for student life .

Empirical research costs

On top of your PhD fees and living costs, you may also need to cover some research and training costs, relevant to your research project. These costs will depend on your research topic and training needs, but may include: - travel (to archives, collections or scientific facilities) - a laptop - overseas fieldwork costs (travel and accommodation, and language training) - conference costs (travel, registration fees and accommodation) - laboratory consumables and workshop materials - participant costs - transcription or translation costs - open-access publication costs. If you have a scholarship from one of the UK Research Councils, your scholarship should cover these types of costs. You'll receive details of how to claim this additional funding. If you're self funded, or if your scholarship doesn’t cover these costs, check with the Research and Enterprise Co-ordinator in your School for details of School or Doctoral School funding that may be available.

  • Living costs

Find out typical living costs for studying at Sussex

Find out about our terms and conditions

Explore our campus

Experience Sussex life in our virtual tour.

Start your virtual tour

PhD Information Sessions

Visit campus and chat to staff and students. Book your place

Online PhD Sessions

Join a live webchat. Book your place

International

Meet us in your country

Course enquiries

+44 (0)1273 876787

Send us a message

Admissions enquiries

If you haven’t applied yet:

+44 (0)1273 678169 business-researchstudents@​sussex.ac.uk

Find out about the University of Sussex Business School

After you’ve applied:

+44 (0)1273 877773 [email protected]

Find out how to apply

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Business and Management PhD

Our programme aims to develop rigorous scholars who can advance both academic knowledge and business practice.

You are currently viewing course information for entry year:

Start date(s):

  • September 2024
  • January 2025

Our Business and Management PhD gives you the knowledge and skills you need to become a researcher and scholar in Business and Management.

These transferable skills are in high demand in knowledge-intensive organisations and environments. They will help you maximise opportunities in careers that include complex cognitive tasks.

To find out more about our key research areas, you can visit the relevant subject group research pages. These are:

  • Entrepreneurship and Innovation
  • Information Systems and Operations
  • Leadership, Work and Organisation , comprising:
  • Work, Employment and Human Resource Management (WEHRM)
  • Management and Organisation (M&O)
  • Strategy, International Business and Society (SIBS)

Important information

We've highlighted important information about your course. Please take note of any deadlines.

Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to Covid-19.

View our  Academic experience page , which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2023-24.

See our  terms and conditions and student complaints information , which gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.

Related courses

How you'll learn.

Depending on your modules, you'll be assessed through a combination of:

We offer a wide range of projects for the thesis. These will be provided by our academics. You can also propose your own topic.

Our mission is to help you:

  • stay healthy, positive and feeling well
  • overcome any challenges you may face during your degree – academic or personal
  • get the most out of your postgraduate research experience
  • carry out admin and activities essential to progressing through your degree
  • understand postgraduate research processes, standards and rules

We can offer you tailored wellbeing support, courses and activities.

You can also access a broad range of workshops covering:

  • research and professional skills
  • careers support
  • health and safety
  • public engagement
  • academic development

Find out more about our postgraduate research student support

Research supervisors

Profiles of our highly qualified academic staff who are potential supervisors of postgraduate research can be found within their respective research community:

  • Work, Employment and Human Resource Management
  • Strategy, International Business and Society
  • Management and Organisation

Marketing operations and systems, including:

  • Innovation, Enterprise and Digital Business
  • Marketing: Consumers, Communications and Services
  • Supply Chain and Operations Research (SCORCH)

Your development

Faculty of humanities and social sciences (hass) researcher development programme .

Each faculty offers a researcher development programme for its postgraduate research students. We have designed your programme to help you:

  • perform better as a researcher
  • boost your career prospects
  • broaden your impact

Through workshops and activities, it will build your transferable skills and increase your confidence.

You’ll cover:

  • techniques for effective research
  • methods for better collaborative working
  • essential professional standards and requirements

Your researcher development programme is flexible. You can adapt it to meet your changing needs as you progress through your doctorate.

Find out more about the Researcher Education and Development programme

Doctoral training and partnerships

There are opportunities to undertake your PhD at Newcastle within a:

  • Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT)
  • Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP)

Being part of a CDT or DTP has many benefits:

  • they combine research expertise and training of a number of leading universities, academic schools and academics.
  • you’ll study alongside a cohort of other PhD students
  • they’re often interdisciplinary
  • your PhD may be funded

Find out more about doctoral training and partnerships

If there are currently opportunities available in your subject area you’ll find them when you search for funding in the fees and funding section on this course.

The following centres/partnerships below may have PhD opportunities available in your subject area in the future:

  • ESRC Northern Ireland/North East (NINE) Doctoral Training Partnership

Your future

Our careers service.

Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ initiative.

Visit our Careers Service website

Quality and ranking

All professional accreditations are reviewed regularly by their professional body

From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK

Check the government’s website for more information .

Newcastle University Business School is one of the largest Schools in the University. We have over 3,500 students representing over 80 nationalities. This valuable network extends beyond our current students to include:

  • regional, national and international leaders
  • over 34,000 alumni in our network, spanning over 150 countries
  • leading professionals and practitioners from industry

The Business School is the gateway to Newcastle Helix - an innovation hub and community that brings together industry leaders, businesses and top researchers.

Our facilities include:

  • flexible conference room with panoramic views across the city
  • Wi-Fi enabled connectivity throughout the building, including three computer clusters housing over 120 PCs
  • four large lecture theatres and over 25 seminar and teaching spaces, providing comfortable teaching and group study space
  • dedicated Student Hub and Quiet Space, providing a balanced mix of study space for group work or quiet, individual study
  • contemporary café
  • employability hub to support your career aspirations
  • Bloomberg Room to give you a real feel for the trading room floor
  • Experimental and Behavioural Economics Lab, a state-of-the-art research facility for conducting studies in experimental economics and economic psychology

The  Frederick Douglass Centre  at Newcastle Helix also offers further study and learning spaces. This includes a 750 seat auditorium – the largest in the University.

Find out more about Newcastle University Business School

Main Newcastle University Business School building viewed from St James' Park

Fees and funding

Tuition fees for 2024 entry (per year), home fees for research degree students.

For 2024-25 entry, we will be aligning our standard Home research fees with those set by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) . The standard fee will be confirmed in Spring 2024 by UKRI. The Home tuition fees for this course will be updated after this confirmation. 

If your studies last longer than one year, your tuition fee may increase in line with inflation.

Depending on your residency history, if you’re a student from the EU, other EEA or a Swiss national, with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you’ll normally pay the ‘Home’ tuition fee rate and may be eligible for Student Finance England support.

EU students without settled or pre-settled status will normally be charged fees at the ‘International’ rate and will not be eligible for Student Finance England support.

If you are unsure of your fee status, check out the latest guidance here .

Scholarships

We support our EU and international students by providing a generous range of Vice-Chancellor's automatic and merit-based scholarships. See  our   searchable postgraduate funding page  for more information.  

What you're paying for

Tuition fees include the costs of:

  • matriculation
  • registration
  • tuition (or supervision)
  • library access
  • examination
  • re-examination

Find out more about:

  • living costs
  • tuition fees

If you are an international student or a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland and you need a visa to study in the UK, you may have to pay a deposit.

You can check this in the How to apply section .

If you're applying for funding, always check the funding application deadline. This deadline may be earlier than the application deadline for your course.

For some funding schemes, you need to have received an offer of a place on a course before you can apply for the funding.

Search for funding

Find funding available for your course

Entry requirements

The entrance requirements below apply to 2024 entry.

Qualifications from outside the UK

English language requirements, admissions policy.

This policy applies to all undergraduate and postgraduate admissions at Newcastle University. It is intended to provide information about our admissions policies and procedures to applicants and potential applicants, to their advisors and family members, and to staff of the University.

Download our admissions policy (PDF: 201KB) Other policies related to admissions

Credit transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) can allow you to convert existing relevant university-level knowledge, skills and experience into credits towards a qualification. Find out more about the RPL policy which may apply to this course

  • How to apply

Using the application portal

The application portal has instructions to guide you through your application. It will tell you what documents you need and how to upload them.

You can choose to start your application, save your details and come back to complete it later.

If you’re ready, you can select Apply Online and you’ll be taken directly to the application portal.

Alternatively you can find out more about applying on our applications and offers pages .

Open days and events

You'll have a number of opportunities to meet us throughout the year including:

  • campus tours
  • on-campus open days
  • virtual open days

Find out about how you can visit Newcastle in person and virtually

Overseas events

We regularly travel overseas to meet with students interested in studying at Newcastle University.

Visit our events calendar for the latest events

  • Get in touch

Questions about this course?

If you have specific questions about this course you can contact:

Dr Martí Lopez Andreu  - Degree Programme Director Newcastle University Business School Telephone: +44 (0)191 208 1709 Contact Newcastle University Business School

For more general enquiries you could also complete our online enquiry form.

Fill in our enquiry form

Our Ncl chatbot might be able to give you an answer straight away. If not, it’ll direct you to someone who can help.

You'll find our Ncl chatbot in the bottom right of this page.

Keep updated

We regularly send email updates and extra information about the University.

Receive regular updates by email

Chat to a student

Chat online with current students with our Unibuddy platform.

Social Media

Connect with Newcastle University Business School.

  • How You'll Learn
  • Your Development
  • Your Future
  • Quality and Ranking
  • Fees and Funding
  • Entry Requirements
  • Open days & events

The University of Edinburgh home

  • Schools & departments

Postgraduate study

Management Science and Analytics PhD

Awards: PhD

Study modes: Full-time

Funding opportunities

Discovery Day

Join us online on 18th April to learn more about postgraduate study at Edinburgh

View sessions and register

Research profile

As part of a world-renowned University, triple accredited (AMBA, AACSB, and EQUIS) and ranked 5th in the UK for research power (Times Higher Education, 2022) within Business and Management. The Business School provides a dynamic and supportive research environment for our large and diverse graduate community.

The Business School's research mission is to produce theory-led, practically relevant research that addresses contemporary organisational and management challenges faced by businesses, public organisations, regulatory bodies, and policy-makers.

Our research subject groups

The School has significant research expertise in the following disciplines:

  • Accounting and Finance
  • Entrepreneurship and Innovation
  • Management Science and Business Economics
  • Organisation Studies

Our research themes

Staff across these six disciplinary subject groups work together to carry out research under the following themes:

  • Climate Change and Sustainability
  • Corporate Finance
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Interdisciplinary Accounting
  • Leadership, Organisations, and Society
  • Management Science

Research centres and networks

Our Centres and Networks bring together established and new researchers to develop and disseminate new knowledge:

  • Business school research centres, institutes and networks

Interdisciplinary research

The Business School has capitalised on opportunities afforded by our Edinburgh location and cultivated links with other parts of the University to develop and lead new areas of expertise. Areas of expertise include financial services and FinTech, creative industries, and digital tourism.

The School has links with other schools at the University, including Social and Political Studies, Mathematics and Law, allowing students with cross-disciplinary interests to find expertise, support and supervision.

Your research

As a doctoral researcher, you will have the opportunity to pursue original research and make a significant contribution to your chosen field.

The strength of your application for our programme depends on the fit of your proposal with the School’s research mission and themes, and particularly how it fits with the research interests of our academic staff.

We therefore strongly recommend you make contact with a potential supervisor before applying. Check out the links to our research disciplines and themes above to find one of our academic colleagues you would be interested to work with, who would have the expertise to support your studies.

When approaching a potential supervisor please ensure you give them an up-to-date CV and a draft research proposal. If you are not sure who to approach, please contact our admissions team [email protected]

  • Guidance on writing a research proposal

Programme structure

The PhD in Management Science and Analytics is 3 years full-time with an additional year at the end to allow you to complete the writing up of your thesis.

You will take compulsory taught courses during your first year to build your research skills and the knowledge required for your area of study.

To be awarded a PhD, you will need to defend your written thesis in an oral examination called a viva.

Find out more about compulsory and optional courses

We link to the latest information available. Please note that this may be for a previous academic year and should be considered indicative.

Training and support

Your supervisory team will be made up of at least two members of academic staff who will meet with you regularly to discuss your research progress and plans.

You will be assigned to one of our research subject groups relevant to your topic and the group hosts regular research activities.

Our doctoral training programme will allow you to pursue research and professional skill training alongside your subject-specific taught courses.

There will be a variety of seminars and workshops delivered by international experts throughout the year, providing further opportunities for advanced learning and networking.

Another way the Business School supports your individual development is through dedicated funding. Doctoral researchers can apply to use this funding for further opportunities such as attending international conferences or professional body membership fees.

The Business School's location right in the heart of Edinburgh means you will be based close to the city’s cultural attractions, including a wealth of libraries, archives, museums and galleries.

As a doctoral researcher at the Business School, you will have access to our PhD study spaces, as well as the staff lunch room and kitchen.

The Business School has its own postgraduate library and study centre (The Hub), a Finance Computer Lab, and Librarian who can help you find the information you need throughout your studies.

Our world-class research programmes offer:

  • Supervision from acclaimed academic faculty within a wider range of subject areas
  • Courses designed to expand your knowledge base and develop your research strategies
  • Dedicated, modern facilities with state-of-the-art databases and specialist resources
  • A peer network of students and inspiring alumni from across the globe
  • A vibrant research environment with regular seminars, masterclasses, and events allowing you to connect and learn from experts across the business world

Career opportunities

The Business School offers training events and support for all our postgraduate research students in both academic and professional skills – we support a diversity of career pathways.

There are opportunities for doctoral researchers to be employed as our Research Assistants and Teaching Assistants.

Graduates from our postgraduate research degrees often pursue further careers at internationally renowned universities or become senior consultants for private and public bodies.

  • Why choose a PhD at the University of Edinburgh Business School?

Listen to staff and students at the Business School discuss the doctoral programme.

Entry requirements

These entry requirements are for the 2024/25 academic year and requirements for future academic years may differ. Entry requirements for the 2025/26 academic year will be published on 1 Oct 2024.

Entrance to the Business School PhD programmes is competitive.

While academic credentials are important for a successful application, we also pay great attention to the fit of students with the proposed project, as well as the research expertise and interests of our academic faculty.

Minimum academic requirements

For entry to the PhD programme applicants must meet the following minimum academic qualifications.

A postgraduate masters degree from an accredited institution in the UK or overseas, showing evidence of above-average academic achievement. This includes:

  • a degree classification with a mark of 65% or more overall (University of Edinburgh level, or overseas equivalent)
  • normally, a masters dissertation at the distinction level (University of Edinburgh level, or overseas equivalent) in a relevant programme with significant quantitative elements. MBA or master's students without a dissertation are welcome to apply and should normally provide evidence of distinction level work.

Applications may be accepted from those still currently studying for a masters degree; however, any offer will be conditional on the successful completion of the degree at the required standard.

Applicants with significant industry experience or with relevant professional qualifications will be given due consideration on a case-by-case basis. However, these applicants must also have a minimum of a bachelors degree in a relevant programme with significant quantitative elements.

International qualifications

Check whether your international qualifications meet our general entry requirements:

  • Entry requirements by country
  • English language requirements

Regardless of your nationality or country of residence, you must demonstrate a level of English language competency at a level that will enable you to succeed in your studies.

English language tests

We accept the following English language qualifications at the grades specified:

  • IELTS Academic: total 7.0 with at least 6.0 in each component. We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements.
  • TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition): total 100 with at least 20 in each component. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
  • C1 Advanced ( CAE ) / C2 Proficiency ( CPE ): total 185 with at least 169 in each component.
  • Trinity ISE : ISE III with passes in all four components.
  • PTE Academic: total 70 with at least 59 in each component.

Your English language qualification must be no more than three and a half years old from the start date of the programme you are applying to study, unless you are using IELTS , TOEFL, Trinity ISE or PTE , in which case it must be no more than two years old.

Degrees taught and assessed in English

We also accept an undergraduate or postgraduate degree that has been taught and assessed in English in a majority English speaking country, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration:

  • UKVI list of majority English speaking countries

We also accept a degree that has been taught and assessed in English from a university on our list of approved universities in non-majority English speaking countries (non-MESC).

  • Approved universities in non-MESC

If you are not a national of a majority English speaking country, then your degree must be no more than five years old* at the beginning of your programme of study. (*Revised 05 March 2024 to extend degree validity to five years.)

Find out more about our language requirements:

Fees and costs

Scholarships and funding.

There are various scholarship opportunities. For those joining in September 2023, the Business School scholarships will be advertised late November 2022 on our School website.

  • Business School scholarships and funding

Other funding opportunities

The University has a detailed search of financial aid available for all prospective students.

  • Search for Bursaries, Scholarships and other Financial Aid available to all prospective students

Search for scholarships and funding opportunities:

  • Search for funding

Further information

  • Postgraduate Research Admissions
  • Phone: +44 (0)131 651 5337
  • Contact: [email protected]
  • Director of Research Degrees, Dr Ben Marder
  • Contact: [email protected]
  • University of Edinburgh Business School
  • 29 Buccleuch Place
  • Central Campus
  • School: Business School
  • College: Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences

Select your programme and preferred start date to begin your application.

PhD Management Science and Analytics - 3 Years (Full-time)

Application deadlines.

Supervisors can accept students on a first-come, first-served basis and the programme may close early if it reaches capacity.

  • How to apply

You must submit two references with your application.

Find out more about the general application process for postgraduate programmes:

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Duration: 4 years full time

Institution code: R72

Campus: Egham

UK fees * : £4,786

International/EU fees ** : £23,400

We undertake research at the cutting edge of management thinking through our own specialist themes and subject groups. We frequently collaborate with industrial and commercial research partners, as well as academic colleagues at other institutions (both in the UK and further afield) and in other departments within Royal Holloway.

Group members are also active within the academic research community, making regular contributions at conferences and in the pages of the leading academic journals in their fields.

The School of Business and Management is associated with the pursuit of research excellence across three research centres and three research themes. Whilst the majority of students pursue qualitative methods some students pursue mixed methods or quantitative methods.

Information on  how to apply for a PhD at the School of Business and Management  can be found on this  Postgraduate Research page .

Research facilities and environment

Colleagues in the School of Business and Management pursue research as members of one or more of our research centres or theme groups.

Our research centres

  • Centre for Critical and Historical Research on Organisation and Society (CHRONOS)
  • Digital Organisation and Society Research Centre (DOS)
  • Centre for Research Into Sustainability (CRIS)

Our theme groups

  • Intercultural and international perspectives on management
  • Knowledge and organisational learning
  • Working life

Our researchers

A full list of our researchers, publications and projects can be found  here .

Full-time PhD students have an annual review and also a semi-annual review (SAR) every year. Part-time PhD students have an annual review. The SARs and annual reviews are opportunities to reflect upon progress and achievements as well as to set goals for the coming six to twelve months.

Students are required to attend and pass three research methods courses as part of the upgrade process to the PhD route. Specifically, students need to attend and pass Philosophy of Methods, Qualitative Research Methods for Doctoral Students, and Quantitative Research Methods for Doctoral Students.

The upgrade time scale and process is in accordance with Royal Holloway processes and guidelines.

Entry requirements

We are committed to attracting high-quality PhD students and as such you will need to meet our entry criteria. These are:

  • Usually an undergraduate degree at 2.1 level and a Masters with Merit
  • A high-quality research proposal
  • A credible personal statement
  • Strong performance at interview

English language requirements

All teaching at Royal Holloway is in English. You will therefore need to have good enough written and spoken English to cope with your studies right from the start.

The scores we require

  • IELTS: 6.5 overall. Writing 7.0. No other subscore lower than 5.5.
  • Pearson Test of English: 61 overall. Writing 69. No other subscore lower than 51.
  • Trinity College London Integrated Skills in English (ISE): ISE III.
  • Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) grade C.
  • TOEFL ib: 88 overall, with Reading 18 Listening 17 Speaking 20 Writing 26.

Country-specific requirements

For more information about country-specific entry requirements for your country please see  here .

Graduating PhD students have gone on to junior academic positions with the following institutions:

  • Lancaster University Management School
  • Loughborough University
  • Queen Mary University
  • Coventry University
  • Northampton University
  • Roehampton University
  • Brunel University
  • Oxford Brookes University
  • Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University
  • King Faisal University
  • Princess Nourah University
  • the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce
  • Tehran University of Medical Sciences
  • the International Islamic University Malaysia
  • University of Lagos
  • University of Sheffield
  • University of Sussex

They have also progressed to mid-level academic positions, such as Senior Lecturer/Associate Professor, with the following institutions:

  • Southampton University
  • Universiti Utara Malaysia
  • University of Greenwich
  • Kingston University
  • Liverpool John Moores University
  • Northumbria University
  • Portsmouth University
  • Sheffield Hallam University
  • the University of Westminster
  • National Chengchi University, Taiwan

Some have been appointed to high-level professorial positions with the following institutions:

  • Chester University
  • Prince Mohammad Bin Salman College of Business and Entrepreneurship.

Fees & funding

Home (UK) students tuition fee per year*: £4,786

EU and international students tuition fee per year**: £23,400

Other essential costs***: There no additional costs in excess of £50 per item.

…How do I pay for it? Find out more about   funding options,   including loans, grants,   scholarships   and bursaries. 

* and ** These tuition fees apply to students enrolled on a full-time basis.

* Please note that for research courses, we adopt the minimum fee level recommended by the UK Research Councils for the Home   tuition fee. Each year, the fee level is adjusted in line with inflation (currently, the measure used is the Treasury GDP deflator). Fees displayed here are therefore subject to change and are usually confirmed in the spring of the year of entry.   For more information on the Research Council Indicative Fee please see the   UKRI website.

** This figure is the fee for EU and international students starting a degree in the academic year 2024/25.   

All postgraduate fees are subject to inflationary increases. Royal Holloway reserves the right to increase tuition fees annually for overseas fee-paying students. Please be aware that tuition fees can rise during your degree. The upper limit of any such rise will be made clear on the relevant coursefinder listing for your year of entry, at the earliest opportunity.

***   These estimated costs relate to studying this particular degree at Royal Holloway during the 2024/25 academic year and are included as a guide. Costs, such as accommodation, food, books and other learning materials and printing, have not been included.   

Scholarships

The School offers a limited number of merit-based scholarships that contribute towards tuition fees and/or maintenance.  These scholarships are highly competitive. Applicants are expected to have an outstanding track record of academic achievements and research potential.

The Scholarship competition for the academic year 2023/2024 has now been closed. Please check back later for announcement for academic year 2024/2025.

Accreditation

Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business

This course is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) . This means your qualification is recognised in the industry, giving you a competitive edge when applying for jobs.

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Doctoral

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)

Campus

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. 

Meet our students Doctoral

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.  

Faculty contact

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. 

Corporate partnerships

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. 

PhD

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

Analytics, economics, business operations and public policy PhD London

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

Alexander Michaelides

Kalyan Talluri

Kalyan Talluri

Professor Wolfram Wiesemann head shot

Wolfram Wiesemann

Edward Anderson

Edward Anderson

MH

Martin Haugh

Gah-Yi Ban

Xiaocheng Li

Mohammadreza Skandari

Reza Skandari

Jiankun Sun

Jiankun Sun

Carol Propper

Carol Propper

Franco Sassi

Franco Sassi

 Jonathan Haskel

Jonathan Haskel

Marisa Miraldo

Marisa Miraldo

Richard Green

Richard Green

Sam Asher headshot

Pedro Rosa Dias

Esther Boler

Esther Bøler

Franklin Allen

Franklin Allen

Patrick Bolton

Patrick Bolton

Ramana Nanda

Ramana Nanda

Lara Cathcart

Lara Cathcart

Enrico Biffis

Enrico Biffis

Christopher Hansman

Christopher Hansman

Clara Martinez-Toledano

Clara Martinez-Toledano

Professor Alan Hughes

Alan Hughes

Celia Moore

Celia Moore

Markus Perkmann

Markus Perkmann

Chris Tucci

Christopher Tucci

James Barlow

James Barlow

Ileana Stigliani

Ileana Stigliani

Mark Kennedy

Mark Kennedy

Tim

James Eteen

Eduardo Andrade

Eduardo B. Andrade

Andreas Eisingerich

Andreas Eisingerich

Rajesh Bhargave

Rajesh Bhargave

Sven Mikolon

Sven Mikolon

Omar Merlo

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.

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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. 

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Brunel University London

What do you want to do?

Find out about the research we do in the business school.

  • Management PhD

phd management uk

Find a supervisor

phd management uk

Mode of study

3 years full-time

6 years part-time

phd management uk

International   £23,615

UK   £4,786

phd management uk

Entry requirements

Research profile.

Research activities within the Business School at Brunel cover a wide-ranging and diverse field of topics from accounting, through HR, to strategy. Academic staff involved within these programmes investigate corporate governance and social responsibility, employment relations, information systems, corporate brands, marketplace cultures, international business and entrepreneurship and much more. Our research drives forward global business and societal transformation and is applied to many areas, such as NASA’s mission to Mars, humanitarian relief in Iran, biobank network across Europe, British Monarchy brand in the UK, to innovating the public sector in Saudi Arabia. 

Find out about the exciting research we do in this area. Browse profiles of our experts, discover the research groups and their inspirational research activities you too could be part of. We’ve also made available extensive reading materials published by our academics and PhD students.  

Learn more about research in this area.

PhD Community in the Business School

Research students are welcomed to Brunel as valued members of our thriving, research-intensive community. A research degree provides the opportunity to investigate a topic in-depth and contribute new knowledge to your discipline. Here at BBS, we have five key subject areas:

  • Marketing and Corporate Brand Management
  • Organisation and Human Resource Management
  • International Business and Entrepreneurship
  • Operations and Information Systems Management
  • Accounting and Auditing  

We are one of the largest PhD student cohorts in the UK. We have approximately 160 students based in the UK and around 25 based in Bahrain. Our student cohort is culturally diverse, with students from 34 different countries.  The male to female ratio is at 47% to 53%. We have 4 self-elected student reps and they discuss PhD students’ comments and issues with the PGR director regularly. There are dedicated, high spec PhD areas in the Business School with all the equipment you need for your studies. 

Message from the PGR Director

“The Business School community of doctoral students is going from strength to strength. We work closely with our PhD candidates and supervisors to ensure that our PhD students get exceptional experience and achieve excellence in their research. We particularly welcome students who have a solid academic background in relevant subject fields, evidenced by their past grade performance.” 

AACSB-logo-course-pages

You can explore our campus and facilities for yourself by taking our virtual tour .

Our researchers create knowledge and advance understanding, and equip versatile doctoral researchers with the confidence to apply what they have learnt for the benefit of society. Find out more about working with the Supervisory Team .

You are welcome to approach your potential supervisor directly to discuss your research interests. Search for expert supervisors for your chosen field of research.

While we welcome applications from student with a clear direction for their research, we are providing you with some ideas for your chosen field of research:

  • Decision making for stratified medicine life cycle, supervised by Yang Yang
  • Natural Language Processing for Business Intelligence, supervised by Yongmin Li

Research journey

This course can be studied 3 years full-time or 6 years part-time, starting in January. Or this course can be studied 3 years full-time or 6 years part-time, starting in October. Or this course can be studied 3 years full-time or 6 years part-time, starting in April.

Find out about what progress might look like at each stage of study here:  Research degree progress structure.

Research support

Excellent research support and training

The Graduate School provides a range of personal, professional and career development opportunities. This includes workshops, online training, coaching and events, to enable you to enhance your professional profile, refine your skills, and plan your next career steps as part of the Researcher Development Programme . The researcher development programme (RDP) offers workshops and seminars in a range of areas including progression, research management, research dissemination, and careers and personal development. You will also be offered a number of online, self-study courses on BBL, including Research Integrity, Research Skills Toolkit, Research Methods in Literature Review and Principles of Research Methods.

Library services

Brunel's Library is open 24 hours a day, has 400,000 books and 250,000 ebooks, and an annual budget of almost £2m. Subject information Specialists train students in the latest technology, digital literacy, and digital dissemination of scholarly outputs. As well as the physical resources available in the Library, we also provide access to a wealth of electronic resources. These include databases, journals and e-books. Access to these resources has been bought by the Library through subscription and is limited to current staff and students.

Dedicated research support staff provide guidance and training on open access, research data management, copyright and other research integrity issues.

Find out more: Brunel Library

BBS PhD Developmental Programme

This opportunity focuses on training students to become future HE teachers/lectures. The students are paired with their academic mentor and join them as a supporting tutor for a number of seminars over one term. Students undertake workshops about facilitating learning and teaching in higher education before and after acting as a support tutor. Students submit a 500-word reflective report and receive verbal feedback from their mentors. On completion, students are awarded a certificate and the hours count towards their Brunel Volunteer contribution.       

Business Life Programme 

Business Life, a programme of professional training and development events, is available to all students in the Business School and has been developed and delivered in association with professional institutes, leading employers from industry, alumni and the public sector. 

Careers and your future

You will receive tailored careers support during your PhD and for up to three years after you complete your research at Brunel. We encourage you to actively engage in career planning and managing your personal development right from the start of your research, even (or perhaps especially) if you don't yet have a career path in mind. Our careers provision includes online information and advice, one-to-one consultations and a range of events and workshops. The Professional Development Centre runs a varied programme of careers events throughout the academic year. These include industry insight sessions, recruitment fairs, employer pop-ups and skills workshops.

In addition, where available, you may be able to undertake some paid work as we recognise that teaching and learning support duties represent an important professional and career development opportunity.

Find out more.

UK entry requirements

The general University entrance requirement for registration for a research degree is normally a First or Upper Second Class Honours degree (1st or 2:1). 

An interview will be required as part of the admissions process and will be conducted by at least two academic staff members remotely via MS Teams, Zoom, or face to face.

Applicants will be required to submit a personal statement  and a research statement. Please contact your proposed supervisor, where possible, to receive feedback and guidance on your research statement before submitting it. Learn how to prepare a research statement  here .   

EU and International entry requirements

If you require a Tier 4 visa to study in the UK, you must prove knowledge of the English language so that we can issue you a Certificate of Acceptance for Study (CAS). To do this, you will need an IELTS for UKVI or Trinity SELT test pass gained from a test centre approved by  UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) and on the Secure English Language Testing (SELT) list . This must have been taken and passed within two years from the date the CAS is made.

English language requirements

  • IELTS: 7 (min 6 in all areas)
  • Pearson: 64 (59 in all subscores)
  • BrunELT : 68% (58% in all areas)
  • TOEFL: 98 overall (min 20) 

You can find out more about the qualifications we accept on our  English Language Requirements  page.

Should you wish to take a pre-sessional English course to improve your English prior to starting your degree course, you must sit the test at an approved SELT provider for the same reason. We offer our own BrunELT English test and have pre-sessional English language courses for students who do not meet requirements or who wish to improve their English. You can find out more information on English courses and test options through our  Brunel Language Centre .

Please check our Admissions  pages for more information on other factors we use to assess applicants. This information is for guidance only and each application is assessed on a case-by-case basis. Entry requirements are subject to review, and may change.

Fees and funding

2024/5 entry, international.

£23,615 full-time

£11,805 part-time

£4,786 full-time

£2,393 part-time

Fees quoted are per year and are subject to an annual increase.

Some courses incur  additional course related costs . You can also check our  on-campus accommodation costs  for more information on living expenses.

Brunel offers a number of funding options to research students that help cover the cost of their tuition fees, contribute to living expenses or both. Recently the UK Government made available the Doctoral Student Loans of up to £25,000 for UK and EU students and there is some funding available through the Research Councils. Many of our international students benefit from funding provided by their governments or employers. Brunel alumni enjoy tuition fee discounts of 15%.

University of Bradford Logo

  • University of Bradford
  • Postgraduate

PhD (School of Management)

Suitable for applications.

Our PhD programme offers both full-time and part-time research opportunities in a range of business and management subject areas.

You’ll conduct research under the supervision of our international, experienced, and highly committed faculty. In addition to being supervised by two well-established researchers, you will take part in research training which provides you with the knowledge and skills to design and carry out rigorous research.

We encourage and support you to prepare and submit papers to academic conferences and journals. We also encourage you to engage in teaching activities which enables you to gain valuable experience of higher education teaching and prepare you for job market.

Upon completion, you will have become an independent researcher with the ability to pursue varied career opportunities in academia, research institutions or management consultancy.

90% our graduates have taken up positions in UK/international teaching and research institutions or consultancy-based organisations upon completion of a PhD.

Professional accreditation

We are proud to be in an elite group of business schools to hold the triple accreditations of Equis, AMBA and AACSB, often referred to as the " Triple Crown ".

AACSB accreditation logo

Entry requirements

All candidates must meet one of the following conditions:

  • A good honours UK Bachelor's degree (a first or upper second class honours) or equivalent qualifications
  • A Master’s degree in Management or related subjects with average marks of 60% or equivalent
  • A professional qualification of degree standard obtained by examination

English language requirements

All candidates whose first language is not English must meet one of our English Language requirements specified below:

  • IELTS: a minimum score of 6.5 with no sub-test less than 6.5.
  • TOEFL Internet based test: an overall test result of 94 (minimum scores apply for each subtest)

Please note the English test score only has a fixed two-year validity period. If you don’t have a current English test score, please indicate the date that you will be taking the English test in your application.

If you do not meet the IELTS requirement, and you have a UKVI approved IELTS, you can take a University of Bradford pre-sessional English course. See the Language Centre for more details . For further information on English Language requirements please see the dedicated international entry requirements page .

What you will study

Candidates for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy undertake independent research in the form of a PhD thesis that meets the award’s learning outcomes. 

First year: Research training stage

During the first year (or first two years for part-time students), all PhD students undertake the taught Research Methods modules as the foundation of their development as a professional researcher.  The training is intended to help you develop your research, both conceptually and operationally, and to manage your project effectively.

All students study these modules in block teaching weeks.

Second/third year: PhD research project stage

From your second year onwards (or third year if you are part-time) you will focus on your research project. This typically involves

  • conducting the literature review
  • developing research instruments
  • carrying out fieldwork and data collection
  • analysing the data
  • interpreting the findings

In your second year (or third year if you are part-time), you also need to go through a formal progress review and this requires you to submit a progress report and present a fully developed research proposal to the review panel. After the review, your registration to the PhD degree will be confirmed (or you will be transferred to the MPhil programme if your progress is not satisfactory).

Final year: writing-up stage

You move to the writing up stage in your final year. All research students should aim to submit their thesis within their minimum period of registration (4 years for full-time and 6 years for part-time). At this stage, the tasks involved are

  • producing a final version of your thesis
  • presenting your thesis
  • defending your thesis in an oral examination

Learning and assessment

Training Modules consist of:

  • group exercises
  • class projects
  • other online (WRDTP) and face-to-face delivery modes

Assessment strategies include individual papers, individual projects and reflective essays.

The development of the doctoral thesis will be guided by two supervisors and the assessment includes Viva Voce.

Fees, finance and scholarships

Tuition fee 2023.

Please see the tuition fees website for the relevant tuition and writing up fees:

  • Home students
  • International students

Additional costs

There may be additional costs that you may incur as a student. Though these are not essential to your programme of study you need to be aware of them as a student of the University. A list of the sort of costs you might expect can be found on our fees and finance section.

Financial support

See our fees and financial support section.

Scholarships

Every year we award numerous non-repayable scholarships to UK, EU and international students on the basis of academic excellence, personal circumstances or economic hardship. For full details, visit our  scholarships  section.

Career prospects

During your time studying at the Faculty of Management, Law and Social Sciences you will have the opportunity to take part in our distinctive career booster programme throughout the duration of your course. The programme is designed to equip you with the necessary skills and graduate attributes to be job-ready when seeking employment with leading innovative organisations. The  Career Booster Programme (PDF, 2.8 MB) offers you the opportunity to gain certificates in:

  • The European Computer Driving License (ECDL) - the benchmark for digital literacy
  • Sage 50 Accounting and Sage 50 Payroll - training that will allow you to develop leading accounting and payroll software skills
  • Project Manager Professional certificates - giving you the edge when seeking to become a Certified Project Manager
  • Big Data analysis and reporting skills - using Software and Services (SAS) that will lead to certification.

In addition, the programme will also include activities to promote teamwork, confidence, communication and many other skills sought by employers.

Developing a portfolio of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Certificates will demonstrate to employers that you are not only ambitious but also take responsibility for your own professional development.

Career support

The School of Management supports students on the PhD programme in a variety of ways; those on campus can attend workshops but for the most part support to PhD students is via one-to-one guidance - in addition there are training and development opportunities included in our unique and flexible Postgraduate Research Framework .

Participants on the PhD programme are in the main usually seeking a post in academia and so careers and academic staff are able to provide guidance. For those who may be looking to develop a career in the commercial world the careers coaches are able to support, students are often looking to develop their careers in consultancy and research based posts.

Study support

The School supports PhD students in a variety of ways. Most importantly, student support is via one-to-one guidance.

The Effective Learning Service is a dedicated facility within the Faculty of Management and Law, supporting our students to maximise their academic learning as well as help overseas students adapt quickly to UK education requirements.

Research-active staff undertake world-leading research that addresses management and organisational issues.

The School has a strong track record and capacity in publishing high-quality and impactful research outputs in internationally-reputable peer-reviewed journals. This led to our School's strong submission to and performance in REF2021 , where we achieved:

  • 100% of our research environments rated as conducive to producing research of World Leading (4*) and Internationally Excellent (3*) quality and enabling outstanding (4*) and very considerable (3*) impact, in terms of its vitality and sustainability.
  • 83% of the impacts submitted were rated as Outstanding (4*) and Very Considerable (3*) impact in their reach and significance.
  • 75% of the research outputs (journal publications) were rated as World Leading (4*) and Internationally Excellent (3*) in originality, significance, and rigour.
  • 81% of the overall quality profile was rated as World Leading (4*) and Internationally Excellent (3*) in originality, significance, and rigour.

We promote interdisciplinary research, and we work together in themed research areas, collaborating with colleagues around the world. Currently, we have three academic departments:

  • Accounting, Finance and Economics (AFE)
  • Business Analytics, Circular Economy and Entrepreneurship (BACE)
  • International Business, Marketing and Branding (IBMB)

Find out more on  our research website .

Meet our academics

phd management uk

Dean of School of Management

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Deputy Head of School (DHoS)

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Associate Dean (R&I) / Reader

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Associate Professor

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Professor (BA & DI)

phd management uk

Professor (A, F & E)

phd management uk

Head of I,B,M & S / Professor

How to apply

PhD programmes in the School of Management

BRING YOUR IDEAS. ONE MIGHT JUST CHANGE THE WORLD.

Our research pushes boundaries. Help us drive change.

Our leading academics perform research that informs policy and practice in business and society. Become part of a community dedicated to making a difference. Contribute to a better world.

Develop personally and professionally while you research

We encourage and support professional development throughout your doctoral study. These transferable skills will help you at Bath and throughout your career.

Studying with our expert supervisors should give you a foundation for your research and your academic career. Wherever your PhD takes you, you will have a supportive network behind you.

Choose your path

Our phd programmes.

Find out about the course structure, entry requirements, and fees and funding information for our:

  • three-year full-time PhD
  • six-year part-time PhD

Researchers who make a real impact

Our faculty members are actively engaged with the research community. They regularly publish in leading journals. The most recent Research Excellence Framework classed 93% of our research as world-leading or internationally excellent.

Our research divisions

You'll join the School as a member of one of our Divisions:

  • Accounting, Finance and Law
  • Information, Decisions and Operations
  • Marketing, Business and Society
  • Strategy and Organisation

Identifying a supervisor

Be part of a network that will support your own research and help it make an impact. Throughout your doctorate, you'll be supported by your supervisor, as well as other faculty members and other PhD students.

You can find a suitable supervisor on the School of Management faculty page. Your proposed research area must be related to the academic's research interests.

Leading research

Find out more about our commitment to Research4Good .

‘People should not feel like they should be 100% perfect to start their PhD here. There's support available, no matter what your background is. Just be ambitious and start your journey.’

Fees and funding

Tuition fees may increase each year of study for all University of Bath students.

There are funding opportunities available to our PhD students. Find out more about our studentships and check your eligibility .

Apply for our PhD programme

If you have any questions about our PhD programme, please get in touch.

PhD Admissions

PhD with Integrated Study in Management programme overview

Find out more about the learning outcomes for the PhD with Integrated Study in Management, and the training and development courses available to you as a student.

Learning outcomes

By successfully completing our PhD with Integrated Study in Management, you will be able to:

  • Pursue original research, making a significant contribution to knowledge in, or understanding of, your field of study
  • Relate particular research projects to the general body of knowledge within your field
  • Present the results of your research in a critical and scholarly way
  • Produce material worthy of publication

Training and development

Our PhD with Integrated Study in Management students work closely with their supervisory team, and are offered top-level training opportunities throughout their studies.

Research towards a doctorate is underpinned and supported by our doctoral training programme. A large number of seminars and workshops delivered by eminent experts from around the world will be available throughout the year, providing ample opportunity for advanced learning and networking.

During your first year, you will undertake 180 credits of taught courses designed to train you in the theory and methods necessary to conduct high-quality research.

You will be guided by your supervisors and the Research Support Office on which courses are most appropriate, and how to join.

Full programme details can be found on the University degree programme tables website.

PhD with Integrated Study in Management programme table

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DPhil Management

Start date:

  • 7 October 2024

Time commitment:

About the programme

Our doctoral training will immerse you in all aspects of academic life.

You will be both a student and a junior research colleague. We provide courses in a wide variety of research methods and you will work closely with your supervisors to define your research question and develop your thesis. In addition, you will have opportunities to gain teaching and research assistant experience and become involved with the intellectual community within both Saïd Business School and the wider University. You will attend academic conferences, make presentations, organise lectures and seminars and contribute to management and academic decisions.

Both of our doctoral programmes run in parallel, with only differences in taught courses and preparation for writing in relevant journals to your subject of choice.

We have deliberately kept the programmes small which means that in the vast majority of cases, students are fully funded to allow them to devote their energies to research. The DPhil corresponds to a PhD degree offered at most other universities.

Supervision

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You will be assigned two supervisors to act as your academic advisers and mentors.

Your supervisors will be in your specialist area of interest. It is important you identify that there are faculty at the school who work in your area of interest who could potentially supervise your thesis. You can note within your application if you're interested in a particular research area and working with a specific faculty member. 

You will work closely with your supervisors to define your research question and develop your thesis. It is an important relationship and also a very personal one: it is shaped by you, your supervisors and the ways you interact. You will have a minimum of nine meetings, or equivalent per year.

The allocation of graduate supervision is the responsibility of Saïd Business School. It is not always possible to accommodate student preferences to work with a particular member of staff. Under exceptional circumstances a supervisor may be found outside Saïd Business School.

Potential supervisors

You do not need to contact any faculty in advance of making your application. In the application form you can indicate your preferred supervisor(s) and they, along with other related faculty will review your application.

Below is a list of faculty open to supervising DPhil students this coming year.

Research areas and supervisors

Entrepreneurship, governance and systems innovation.

Marc Ventresca  - An  economic and organisational sociologist, Marc has a long-time focus on social sciences approaches to nascent markets, large-scale and systems innovation, and governance.

His current research includes four related work programmes:

  • Space commerce and governance, with a focus on growth of venture capital, ventures focused on geospatial analytics, emerging venture strategies, and space as a ‘commons’ (per Ostrom)
  • Changes in the energy industries (strategies, architecture, governance) and the move to renewable sources, with focus on digital energy services
  • A critical view of concept and empirical studies of ‘ecosystems’ in strategy, organisation theory, and innovation studies
  • Changing forms and practices in social innovation, systems change, and contested knowledge.

Equity, diversity and inclusion

Ivona Hideg  - Ivona’s main programme of research includes workplace equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI). In her work, she focuses on gender, but also examines issues surrounding race, ethnicity, language and accent including intersection of various identities that we all hold.

Grounded in psychological theories and using experimental methodology, Ivona’s work seeks insights on root causes of inequities in the workplace, such as persistent underrepresentation of women in top leadership positions and other male-dominated fields (ie entrepreneurship).

By doing so, Ivona seeks to develop and test solutions for greater equity, inclusion and career outcomes of traditionally disadvantaged groups.

Global strategy and comparative institutional analysis

Mari Sako - Mari's main areas of expertise include global strategy, comparative institutional analysis, outsourcing and offshoring, professional services firms and professions, artificial intelligence (AI) and business models.

Her current research examines the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) in legal services, conducted as part of a UKRI-funded programme . Doctoral applications are most welcome from students in social sciences, who can work with Mari on exploring the impact of AI on:

  • business models
  • the future of work
  • technology startup ecosystems in professional services (such as law and accounting).

She is open to doctoral research proposals in this and related fields of research.

International business

Matthew Amengual - Matthew's areas of expertise are in the political economy of development and global labour standards. 

Akshay Mangla - Akshay's interests lie in questions of when, why and how states build institutional capacity to perform their core functions in developing countries. Within this broad agenda, his ongoing research investigates the causes and consequences of institutional reform initiatives within frontline agencies of the Indian state (eg primary education and the police).

He is also examining how non-state actors, including private firms and civil society organisations, engage with the frontline state during policy implementation, thereby influencing bureaucratic effectiveness and the quality of public services. He is interested in advising DPhil students working on these and related topics in the political economy of development.

Operations management and business analytics

Agni Orfanoudaki  - Agni conducts research at the intersection of machine learning and optimisation with applications in the industries of healthcare and insurance. Her research agenda primarily focuses on developing new methods and models for healthcare practitioners using data-driven techniques. She is also studying the implications of these models on automated decision making, addressing the implementation challenges of machine learning algorithms in practice.

 Areas of interest:

  • Business analytics
  • Healthcare operations
  • Algorithmic insurance
  • Personalised medicine

Organisation studies and strategy

Eero Vaara - Eero’s research focuses on organisational and strategic change. His work deals with:

  • strategy process and practice research
  • studies of radical change, such as mergers and acquisitions
  • work on institutional change and legitimation
  • research on multinational corporations, nationalism and globalisation.

He is a world-leading expert especially in communicative and discursive perspectives. Eero combines practically relevant topics such as strategy work and management of post-merger integration with deep theoretical and methodological reflection on organisational and strategic processes and practices.

Eric Zhao -  Eric's research is cross-disciplinary in nature and sits at the intersection of strategic management, organisation theory and entrepreneurship. He is actively involved in four major research areas:

  • optimal distinctiveness
  • institutions and entrepreneurship
  • resource and resourcefulness
  • resilience and crisis.

His 2017 SMJ article 'Optimal Distinctiveness: Broadening the Interface between Institutional Theory and Strategic Management' and his solo-authored book Optimal Distinctiveness: A New Agenda for the Study of Competitive Positioning of Organizations and Markets  are widely regarded as foundational contributions to the burgeoning literature on optimal distinctiveness.

Scenario planning

Rafael Ramirez - Rafael researches scenario planning and ground breaking research on interactive value and networked strategy, which has led to widely cited papers in the Harvard Business Review, the Strategic Management Journal and to the development of the Ox ford Collaborative Strategy Lab.

Social entrepreneurship

Alex Nicholls  -  Alex's main areas of expertise include:

  • impact investing
  • impact measurement
  • social entrepreneurship
  • public policy and social innovation
  • systems change
  • social movements.

His current research explores the materiality of impact risk - in terms of both financial and impact outcome risk, the use of AI in impact measurement and reporting, and historical patterns of ethical consumption. He is open to doctoral research proposals in these areas as well as others.

Supply chain management

Steve New :  Steve has interests across the field of supply chain management, including how firms' practices relate to questions of ethics, human rights and sustainability. He has particular interest in the impact of commercial practices and inter-organisational power.

His recent work has focussed on questions of supply chain transparency, wages within supply chains and the challenge of incorporating ESG criteria in procurement from smaller companies.

Sustainability and commons governance

Juliane Reinecke  -  Juliane’s research explores how organisations can address various sustainability challenges including climate change, human and labour rights, and sustain the global commons. As no business can address these systemic challenges alone, a particular focus of her research lies in how multiple stakeholders collaborate to create novel governance solutions. Current projects include collective action for labour rights in the Bangladesh garment supply chain and the role of institutional investors, particularly pension funds, in the transition to a net zero economy.

Juliane welcomes candidates pursuing interdisciplinary approaches and/or using qualitative methodologies, such as ethnography.

Systems complexities

Harvey Maylor -  Harvey is open to a range of lenses being brought to bear on systems complexities and the ‘lived experience’ of systems leaders. Particular areas of interest include:

  • What is the impact on performance of the relationship between the NEO profile of an individual and the complexities of the system that they are charged with leading?
  • Is there a moral limit to the complexity we should ask organisational leaders to face? And is there an impact on the delivery of public value of high levels of complexity?
  • What is the impact of systemic voids on the delivery of grand challenge objectives?
  • Systems of routines: linking the areas of routine dynamics and systemic design as a tool for organisational analysis.

System design, forecasting, human algorithm interaction

Kejia Hu - Kejia's work orbits around a central tenet: unlocking business value from data, but doing so together. This emphasis on harmonious human-AI interaction underlines her research, reflecting the conviction that data's true potential is tapped not just through technology but with collective human insight and collaboration.

Her expansive collaborations with Fortune 500 entities and industrial pioneers are a testament to her profound expertise, yielding research that resonates in top-tier academic journals and bears multiple research and best paper awards.

""

Review some current research taking place around the school including from our DPhil students and alumni

Review articles and podcasts written by our researchers at  Oxford Answers .

Learn more about becoming a researcher from Andromachi Athanasopoulou, who graduated in 2007 and is now an Associate Professor in Organisational Behaviour at Queen Mary University London and an Associate Fellow at Oxford Saïd.

Manuel Hepfer, recent graduate of the DPhil in Cybersecurity and Management Studies, has written an article on  steps businesses can take to boost their resilience to cyberattack .

Ali Aslan Gümüsay, Michael Smets and Tim Morris published an article on religious diversity at work in the Harvard Business Review . An excerpt of their article 'God at work': engaging central and incompatible institutional logics through elastic hybridity , published in the Academy of Management Journal.

In his first year, current DPhil student, Alex Rustler co-authored a paper alongside faculty member, Matthew Amengual  on public perceptions of business involvement in human rights violations.  

Assessment and programme milestones

Our DPhil offers students the opportunity to engage with internationally renowned faculty who are here to help you become an academic scholar.

You will be initially admitted to the status of Probationer Research Student (PRS). You are required to take three core courses in quantitative and qualitative research methodology during your first year.

  • Introduction to management research methods
  • Statistical research methods
  • Management and organisation theory

During second and third terms, you will undertake advanced research methods training and, in consultation with your supervisor, select specialist courses, available from a choice of topics relevant to area of interest. Examples of specialist elective courses previously available:

  • Political economy
  • Organisational theory
  • Foundations of strategy
  • Social network analysis

Advanced methodology courses:

  • Advanced qualitative research methods
  • Advanced quantitative research methods

Following successful completion of all necessary courses and within a maximum of six terms as a PRS student (and normally by the fourth term) you will be expected to apply for transfer of status from Probationer Research Student to DPhil status. A successful transfer of status from PRS to DPhil status is required to be able to show that your proposed thesis gives a clear indication of whether it would be reasonable to consider submission within the course of a further three terms, if work on the thesis continues to develop satisfactorily. Students who are successful at transfer will also be expected to apply for and gain confirmation of DPhil status within nine terms of admission, to show that your work continues to be on track. Both milestones normally involve an interview with two assessors (other than your supervisor) and provide important experience for the final oral examination. You will be expected to submit a thesis, which provides a significant and substantial contribution to the field of learning in management, which should not exceed 100,000 words after four years from the date of admission. It should be good enough to be published in book form or as a series of academic articles. To be successfully awarded a DPhil in Management you will need to defend your thesis orally (viva voce) in front of two appointed examiners.

Changes to this course and your supervision

The University will seek to deliver this course in accordance with the description set out in this course page. However, there may be situations where it is desirable or necessary for the University to make changes in course provision, either before or after registration. The safety of students, staff and visitors is paramount and major changes to delivery or services may have to be made in circumstances of a pandemic, epidemic or local health emergency. In addition, in certain circumstances, for example due to visa difficulties or because the health needs of students cannot be met, it may be necessary to make adjustments to course requirements for international study.

Where possible your academic supervisor will not change for the duration of your course. However, it may be necessary to assign a new academic supervisor during the course of study or before registration for reasons which might include illness, sabbatical leave, parental leave or change in employment.

For further information please see our page on changes to courses and the provisions of the student contract regarding changes to courses.

The faculty has made me feel like a junior colleague from the very start and they offer the chance to work together on their research projects. Magdalena Plesa Current DPhil in Management student

Benefits and opportunities

  • Engage with internationally renowned faculty
  • Conference and research funding
  • Training in principal research methods at both at Saïd Business School and wider University

Opportunities

  • Paid teaching and research assistant opportunities
  • Contribute to management and academic programme decisions through student representation on committees
  • Postgraduate careers resources

Merton College at night

You will become a member of an Oxford college. Your college is both an academic and social community that will enrich your time at Oxford. It offers everything from formal dinners and balls to sports and lecture series.

The Oxford college system enables you to interact with students and faculty from other disciplines. Some colleges provide also accommodation for students. 

Who can apply

Our candidates are passionately intellectual people with a superlative academic record and are committed to a career in academia.

DPhil in Management

You will require:

  • a good undergraduate degree: 2.1 (GPA 3.5 or its equivalent)
  • GMAT or GRE test results
  • TOEFL or IELTS test results (If you are not from an English speaking majority country)
  • three pieces of written work, including a well-developed research proposal
  • three academic references

Successful applicants typically have a distinction in a Master’s level degree in addition to their undergraduate studies, but exceptional applicants from undergraduate programmes in relevant subjects will be considered.

Application process

""

Applications are now closed for October 2024 entry.

The deadline for applying was 13 December 2023 at 23:59 GMT.

Complete applications received by the deadline will be considered. You will be informed by late January if you have been shortlisted for interview.

Final decisions will be communicated by the end of February.

There are nine shared places available for the DPhil Finance and DPhil Management. The average number of applications for entry between 2021 and 2023 was 94. 

Application advice

These videos will help you understand the qualities we are looking for.

phd management uk

Introduction

phd management uk

Getting to know you

phd management uk

Explaining your project

phd management uk

Enhancing your position

""

Fees and funding

The course fee in 2024-25 is £23,580 for both home and overseas students.

The programme is four years in duration. Course fees are payable each year, for the duration of your fee liability (your fee liability is the length of time for which you are required to pay course fees). Please be aware that fees usually increase annually. For details, please see our guidance on changes to fees and charges .

Course fees cover your teaching as well as other academic services and facilities provided to support your studies. Unless specified in the additional information section below, course fees do not cover your accommodation, residential costs or other living costs. They also don’t cover any additional costs and charges that are outlined in the additional information below.

Following the period of fee liability , you may also be required to pay a University continuation charge and a college continuation charge. The University and college continuation charges are shown on the Continuation charges page.

Additional cost information

There are no compulsory elements of this course that entail additional costs beyond fees (or, after fee liability ends, continuation charges) and living costs. However, depending on your choice of research topic and the research required to complete it, you may incur additional expenses, such as travel expenses, research expenses, and field trips. You will need to meet these additional costs, although you may be able to apply for small grants from your department and/or college to help you cover some of these expenses.

Scholarships and funding

Doctoral students admitted to our programme receive full funding over four years. This includes course fees and an annual living expenses stipend. To maximise the overall availability of funding for candidates, we will identify suitable alternative scholarships and may ask you to submit funding applications. We also ask that you identify and pursue any other funding opportunities, including external funding.   

For some scholarships you are required to submit a scholarship essay and/or tick the relevant box in the Funding section of the application form.

Cost of living

In addition to your course fees, you will need to ensure you have adequate funds to support your living costs for the duration of your course. Please read the University's  living expenses page for information about likely living costs for 2024-25.

Where can I find further information about fees?

The Fees and Funding section of this website provides further information about course fees , including information about fee status and eligibility  and your length of fee liability .

PhD Management

Research is central to the activities of the University of Bristol Business School. The school comprises several groups of academic staff with a variety of interests and a focus on research that has practical relevance. The results of the most recent UK-wide research assessment, the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021 , rated 88% of the research activity in business and management as 'world leading' or 'internationally excellent'.

The Business School encourages interdisciplinary research, drawing on a range of theories and methodologies. We welcome students from a variety of backgrounds and experiences. You will be joining a thriving PhD community. We run a programme of activities to enable PhD students to network with each other.

Candidates entering the PhD programme are normally required to take 60 credit points of taught training units in their first year. Students are also encouraged to undertake further training in agreement with their supervisor for the duration of their studies.

World-leading research

The University of Bristol is ranked fifth for research in the UK ( Times Higher Education ).

94% of our research assessed as world-leading or internationally excellent.

Entry requirements

The applicant must have an upper second-class honours degree in a relevant subject or an equivalent qualification, and either have completed or be completing a master's qualification from a UK university (or equivalent). The master's requirement does not apply to applications made to SWDTP-funded scholarships although commencement of the PhD remains conditional on the completion of the associated master's.

Applicants without a master's qualification may be considered on an exceptional basis. Aptitude test results such as GMAT and GRE can be submitted as evidence of PhD-level analytical and verbal abilities.

See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website.

Read the programme admissions statement for important information on entry requirements, the application process and supporting documents required.

If English is not your first language, you will need to reach the requirements outlined in our  profile level B.

Further information about  English language requirements and profile levels .

Fees and funding

Fees are subject to an annual review. For programmes that last longer than one year, please budget for up to an 8% increase in fees each year.

More about tuition fees, living costs and financial support .

Alumni discount

University of Bristol students and graduates can benefit from a 25% reduction in tuition fees for postgraduate study.  Check your eligibility for an alumni discount.

Funding for 2024/25

Students applying to research programmes in the Faculty of Social Sciences and Law may apply for funding from a range of sources. Applicants can find details about applying to these scholarships and deadlines for applications on our Faculty of Social Sciences and Law webpage .

Applicants can also find the latest funding information on the Business School website , via Business School PGR contacts ( [email protected] ) or through the Business School's social media channels ( Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Twitter ).

Further information on funding for prospective UK and international postgraduate students.

Career prospects

The primary purpose of this qualification is to prepare for a career in research. Another popular route for graduates is consultancy or enter policy-based institutions.

Previous graduates have gone on to careers in academia as well as to a variety of employers across the world such as Honda, Bank of China in Hong Kong, and the Chinese Academy of Science.

Research groups

Find out more about the University of Bristol Business School research groups .

Details of the current research and supervision interests of individual members of staff are available on the school website .

When writing the research statement to accompany your application, the primary requirement is to define and situate your research within an academic/disciplinary context. You should remember that people in the academic community are the main audience or readership for postgraduate research. This means that you will need to identify:

1. The research questions or problems that you intend to address; 2. The research context for your project/programme of work; 3. The methods you think you will use to pursue the key questions; 4. Two potential supervisors for your research - please refer to the staff profiles as listed by the school website .

In considering your application, significant weight will be given to the extent to which you can demonstrate a clearly thought out and specific interest in research.

How to apply

Apply today via our online application system. For further information, please see the guidance for how to apply on our webpages.

Applicants need to make sure that they submit all required documents (see admissions statement), incomplete applications will not be considered.

Applicants must contact prospective PhD supervisors in advance of applying for a programme. Please refer to the staff profiles as listed by Academic Groups . If the supervisor you seek cannot offer supervision, try to identify alternative supervisors.

The supervisor's details should then be included in the application form, or the application process may be delayed. You may also submit application without identification of supervisors, and we will try our best to find a match, although we cannot guarantee supervision. Early applications are strongly encouraged.

Applications open on 2 October 2023 and will be considered in four rounds, with round one closing on 1st December 2023; round two on 1st February 2024 and round three on 31st March 2024. Round four closes on 1st June 2024.

Applications to begin study in September 2024 will not be accepted after this date. Applications should be submitted electronically by no later than 4pm on the day of the deadline for the round in which you apply.

Business School PGR Team

Faculty of Social Sciences and Law

University of Bristol Business School

Explore more

Find out about the bristol doctoral college.

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PhD in Management Studies

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Course closed:

Management Studies is no longer accepting new applications.

Note: Applications directly to the PhD are only accepted from students who are completing (or have completed) a CJBS research MPhil, or from students completing the MPhil Economics Research at Cambridge  (please see departmental website for the specific MPhil needed for each PhD pathway).

The PhD Programme at Cambridge Judge Business School is designed to prepare students for an academic career in a business school. It develops PhD students who challenge conventional wisdom and advance knowledge through innovative theory and empirical research leading to publications in top-tier academic journals.

The educational aim is to teach students to undertake research and produce papers for publication in top-tier journals in one of the management disciplines:

  • Operations & Technology Management
  • Business Economics
  • Organisational Behaviour
  • Organisational Theory & Information Systems
  • Strategic Management

The first year of the PhD course is probationary. Students are assessed on the basis of a first-year report or comprehensive examination, and a series of coursework modules.

Learning Outcomes

Publications or invitations to revise and resubmit research papers in leading academic management journals. One of the papers with the student as the lead author will serve as the student's "job market paper" to secure placement in a junior faculty position in a business school.

Students only continue to the PhD in Management Studies from the MRes at CJBS, from a research MPhil programme at CJBS or occasionally from the Cambridge MPhil Economics Research. For full details please see the departmental website .

For MRes students, continuation on to the PhD is immediate upon obtaining 70% or higher overall average and 70% or higher in the dissertation  (where the overall average includes the dissertation).

For CJBS MPhil students, following their application for PhD, applicants will be interviewed by a panel of faculty members. The PhD admissions committee will then make a decision on the basis of the interview report, the strength of the overall application (with particular weight on academic reference letters) and the performance in the Michaelmas term courses. Admissions offers are conditional on the overall performance on the MPhil. The minimum condition is 70% or higher overall mark and 70% or higher in any dissertation or project.

The Postgraduate Virtual Open Day usually takes place at the end of October. It’s a great opportunity to ask questions to admissions staff and academics, explore the Colleges virtually, and to find out more about courses, the application process and funding opportunities. Visit the  Postgraduate Open Day  page for more details.

Cambridge Judge Business School also hosts Experience Days throughout the year. Please see Cambridge Judge Business School wide-events page for further information.

Key Information

3-4 years full-time, 4-7 years part-time, study mode : research, doctor of philosophy, judge business school, course - related enquiries, application - related enquiries, course on department website, dates and deadlines:, michaelmas 2024 (closed).

Some courses can close early. See the Deadlines page for guidance on when to apply.

Funding Deadlines

These deadlines apply to applications for courses starting in Michaelmas 2024, Lent 2025 and Easter 2025.

Similar Courses

  • Management Studies PhD
  • Strategy, Marketing and Operations MPhil
  • MSt in Entrepreneurship MSt
  • Industrial Systems, Manufacture, and Management MPhil
  • Real Estate MSt

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phd management uk

MPhil, PhD Management science

Research opportunities.

You can study an MPhil over the course of one year and a PhD over three years.

Research degrees are offered in topics which match the interests and expertise of our staff and depend on staff availability. Please email  [email protected] for more information.

Master of Philosophy (MPhil)

This qualification requires a minimum of 12 months full-time study or 21 months part-time.

You're required to follow an approved scheme of research and coursework and to submit a thesis based on this work. This may include original research, a critical review of existing knowledge or a combination of both.

Doctoral studies (PhD)

Full-time study for a doctoral degree normally lasts a minimum of three years. A part-time option is available. The minimum period of part-time study is set according to how much time you're able to devote to study.

You'll complete a programme of coursework and submit a thesis with the results of your research. It must make a "distinct contribution to knowledge". There's also a viva oral examination.

Research areas

  • Health systems
  • Optimisation
  • Risk & uncertainty
  • Operations & supply chain management

We have a flourishing community of around 40 research students in the department. Our students come from many different countries and work on a variety of topics. All full-time research students (and some part-time students):

  • have full access to computing facilities, email and internet
  • undertake a research methodology course during their first year

The department organises an annual residential workshop for research students and supervisors. It's held over two full days, involving discussion of individual projects and general issues such as research strategy, time management and writing-up.

There are regular departmental research seminars, with staff and research students both attending and contributing. Other events, academic and social, are often organised by the students themselves.

Find out more about our research community .

View our current research opportunities

Digital technologies for resilient & sustainable infrastructures.

The PhD student will work closely with our industrial partners to develop innovative digital tools and methodologies for improving the resilience and sustainability of critical infrastructure. These will include but not limited to the development of: mathematical models to address the performance of critical functions and critical hazards; new uncertainty methods with quantifiable confidence; fast simulation tools based on machine learning and engineering-physics based automatic learning.

Household Decarbonisation

This PhD addresses the economic issues related to the decarbonisation of households in the net zero transition. Household decarbonisation is a massive investment project which is expected to come at significant upfront cost, which will either need to be borne by either individuals or governments. This project will focus on the economic activity arising from investment in household decarbonisation along with the policy possible interventions available to maximise societal welfare.

Local perceptions of slum tourism using creative ethnographic methods

This study will aim to consider the perspectives of locals about slum tourism in their areas. This will include the views of local residents as well as local stakeholders, those involved in slum tourism as guides, transport operators and accommodation providers along with persons who are not directly involved.

Advancing Support Employment approaches for individuals with learning disabilities, autism or other complex support needs

Supported Employment is a voluntary, person-centred model of employment support for individuals with learning disabilities, autism or other complex support needs that is rooted in values and evidence. It’s an important part of the UK’s employment support offer and current policy conversation and this PhD project with the is positioned amongst key policy stakeholders and academic expertise to deliver valuable new learnings as well as significant impacts on policy and practice.

Missing & marginalised voices: Exploring LGBT+ Networks as a Catalyst for Employee Voice and Intersectional Representation in the Workplace

This project explores the role of LGBT+ Networks as a crucial voice mechanism for LGBT+ employees in the workplace. The project adopts an intersectional approach, considering the intersectionality and the unique characteristics of individuals when analysing voice and silence in organisations.

Sorry we missed you: The unheard voices of parcel delivery workers

This project aims to advance understanding of the contemporary lives of parcel delivery workers. Despite attracting regular attention in the media regarding poor working conditions – including precarity, low pay, surveillance and limited employment rights – such workers have received limited attention in the extant voice and silence literature. Empirical evidence therefore remains very limited. The project will therefore advance understanding of the working lives of parcel delivery workers.

Applied AI in Healthcare

The aim is to create a successful Artificial Intelligence (AI) implementation and, through that, gain a better understanding of what makes a successful AI implementation in the relevant healthcare problem area.

Evaluating & improving group-based judgment & decision making

A psychological investigation of the Delphi technique as an aid to improving group judgment and decision making. The project will involve experimentation and statistical analysis of data from the experiments.

Explainable AI for decision-making under uncertainty

The project aims to bridge the gap between complex AI models and transparent decision-making in uncertain scenarios. In various fields, AI-driven systems are becoming integral for making critical decisions, yet the opacity of their inner workings poses challenges for understanding and trusting the decisions they produce, particularly in uncertain or ambiguous contexts. This project seeks to develop a framework that enhances the explainability of AI models in such scenarios.

Integration of expert judgement into data science for risk evaluation and informative decision analytics

The project aims to enhance the precision and robustness of risk assessment processes by synergizing domain expertise with data-driven methodologies. In numerous contexts, accurate risk evaluation is crucial for effective decision-making, yet it often involves uncertain or incomplete data. This project seeks to develop a holistic framework that seamlessly incorporates expert judgement into data science workflows, thus enriching the analytical process and refining risk estimates.

Expert elicitation for health and care decision-making

Decision-making in healthcare and healthcare policy typically requires sound data and an understanding of causal mechanisms, yet it grapples with data insufficiency, biases, limited knowledge of causal mechanisms, and demand for swift decisions. Stakeholders often rely on expert opinions and assumptions for guidance, bypassing scientific methodologies. This PhD program aims to bridge these gaps by developing and applying scientific methods that integrate expert input and decision modelling.

Policy implementation in global health

What are the conditions that allow for successful implementation, at scale, of proven global health interventions? What are the barriers to and blockers of implementation and how can they be addressed and overcome? What are the recognized (and unrecognized) success stories in global health, and what can we learn from past successes? Policy implementation science has advanced to the point where descriptive explanations are no longer enough, and prescriptive norms can identified and generalized.

Complex systems modelling and simulation methods and practice in health and care contexts

This PhD programme aims to advance the methodology and application of complex systems modelling and simulation within the health and care context in the UK and in global health.

A Hybrid Simulation Approach for Planning a Sustainable Model of Personalised Home Care

This PhD is an exciting opportunity to develop and use cutting-edge systems simulation modelling in tackling the complex challenges in health and social care. The focus of this project is on understanding how personalised, technology-facilitated home care can efficiently meet the current and future demands of health and social care for older adults. Systems simulation modelling has lacked a coherent theory for incorporating health-related behaviour—an aspect crucial to addressing this topic.

Investigating GenAI as a tool to support complex and long-term decision-making

This project will investigate generative AI as a tool to support decision-making in the context of complex and uncertain combinations of future events. Specifically, the project will investigate decisions relating to technology selection -- providing analytical evidence to engineering managers regarding comparative performance and costs of technology options under future scenarios.

Research into judgment and decision making in futures thinking

This project is within the activities of the Leverhulme Doctoral School in Nature Inspired Acoustics. It focusses on judgment and decision making in anticipating the future. The research will explore (i) the quality of individual and group judgments about future technological and social change and (ii) the usefulness of structured approaches to improving judgment and decision making, such as Delphi and Scenario Planning. The research will use experimentally based methods.

Employment protection & firm-level employee layoffs

This project aims to examine determinants of firm-level layoff decisions and investor perceptions to layoff announcements and assess the role of CEO political connections and state employee protection.

Smart and fair? The (in)justices of smart, low-carbon energy solutions for UK homes

Affordable smart low-carbon solutions therefore need to be implemented more swiftly, and at greater scale, if the UK is to achieve net-zero. Where progress is being made, it is often higher-income, owner occupier households that are driving adoption and enjoying the reductions in bills they afford. This PhD examines where (in)justices currently reside in the UK’s deployment of smart, low-carbon solutions, and the underpinning factors responsible for these.

John Anderson Research Studentship Scheme (JARSS)

John Anderson Research Studentship Scheme (JARSS) doctoral studentships are available annually for excellent students and excellent research projects.

There are two main sources of funding:

  • Central University funding
  • Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council - Doctoral Training Partnership (EPSRC - DTP) funding.

The JARSS 2023/2024 competition will open in October 2023 and students successful in this competition will commence studies in October 2024. Faculties will set their own internal deadlines for the competition.

Academics/Supervisors make the applications for this scheme and there are various deadlines across the Department and Faculties, therefore, in the first instance, all interested students should contact the Department where they would like to carry out their research.

THE Awards 2019: UK University of the Year Winner

  • Strathclyde Business School

We offer an excellent academic environment where you can pursue your research degree. As a postgraduate research student, you're required to:

  • attend the Strathclyde Business School Faculty Research Methodology Programme, achieving a minimum of Certificate level; it comprises four modules over two to three days each; if you're part-time, you'll spread these over two years
  • ensure regular meetings and contact with your supervisors

Full-time students

You'll have access to computing/hot-desking, printing, email and kitchen facilities. You're expected to be in the Department on a regular basis. You'll also attend the Department's research seminar series as well as other occasional workshops.

Part-time students

You'll have hot-desking facilities giving you regular access to the Department and helping you integrate with other students and staff. You're required to attend the Department for at least 10 days per year. This is in addition to the Research Methodology Programme. 

Potential applicants should note that there is no dedicated distance-learning programme.

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What our students think

Nicola Irvine, PhD Management Science student

Nicola Irvine

From my first meetings my supervisors have been fantastic. Always approachable, always supportive and readily available to meet when I have a burning issue outside of our regular meetings.

Susan Harrington, PhD Management Science student

Susan Harrington

I'd had such a positive experience during my access course and undergraduate studies that I didn’t even consider going elsewhere for postgraduate research.

John Mulgrew, postgraduate research student, Management Science

John Mulgrew

The research community is impressive in its depth, breadth and diversity. I am constantly being exposed to amazing people with great ideas.

Postgraduate research at the Strathclyde Doctoral School

The Strathclyde Doctoral School provides a vibrant and comprehensive student-centred research and training environment in order to grow and support current and future research talent.

The School encompasses our four faculties and is committed to enriching the student experience, intensifying research outputs and opportunities, and ensuring training is at the highest level. As a postgraduate researcher, you'll automatically become a member of the Strathclyde Doctoral School.

phd management uk

Support & development

Postgraduate certificate (pgcert) in research methodology for business & management.

As part of your PhD degree, you'll be enrolled on the Postgraduate Certificate in Research Methodology for Business and Management. 

This certificate is designed to support you by developing your skills as a researcher. Your researcher training will provide you with the intellectual foundations that you will need for your journey into either the higher-level learning needed for advanced postgraduate research degrees or to work in a range of research focussed roles within organisational settings.

Course highlights:

  • course can be studied as a blended or fully online programme depending on your circumstances
  • course is ideally suited to part-time students juggling studies with other work
  • strong practical focus including training in software and advanced quantitative and qualitative methods
  • rich and diverse learning environment where you will study with students from around the world and studying a range of postgraduate research degrees
  • opportunity to learn from academics who are leaders in their field and working at the cutting edge of business research

Most students complete the PgCert in their first year but you can take courses throughout your degree.

Find out more about the Postgraduate Certificate

The University Careers Service can help you with everything from writing your CV to interview preparation.

Student support

From financial advice to our IT facilities, we have a wide range of support for all students here at Strathclyde. Get all the information you need at Strathlife .

International students

We've a thriving international community with students coming here to study from over 140 countries across the world. Find out all you need to know about studying in Glasgow at Strathclyde and hear from students about their experiences.

Entry requirements

For entry onto our postgraduate research programmes, we normally look for a first-class or upper second-class UK Honours degree, or overseas equivalent, in a relevant business or social science related subject. For PhD applications, we also normally expect a Masters degree, or overseas equivalent, although there are often exceptions. When reviewing your academic achievements, we're particularly interested in grades which relate to independent research (for example, a research project or dissertation). A strong score in these elements may allow us to consider entry with a lower degree classification.

Strathclyde Business School is committed to supporting a diverse and inclusive postgraduate research population. We make decisions on entry by assessing the whole person and not relying solely on academic achievements. On that basis, please ensure that your application (via your CV and covering letter) can evidence your resourcefulness, commitment and resilience as demonstrated by broader professional and life experiences. This evidence should be centred on your ability to undertake and complete a PhD and contribute to a positive PhD community.

You can prove your knowledge of English by:

  • Passing a Secure English Language Test from  our list of accepted providers  with an IELTS (or equivalent) score of 6.5, with no individual element below 5.5.
  • We will also consider evidence of prior study using English as the medium of instruction, if this study was in the last five years.
  • The University has an English Language Teaching unit that offers a pre-sessional course – both on campus and online - allowing applicants to upskill in the use of English language in preparation for undertaking a postgraduate research degree. More information on the course and how to apply is available on the  Pre-sessional webpage . PGR applicants should add a Pre-sessional application to their main degree application on the Applicant Portal, selecting the Pre-sessional programmes for Postgraduate students. For more information, or if you have any questions, please contact  [email protected] .

Before you apply

Writing your research proposal.

When preparing your research proposal please use the following template:

1. Working title

2. Layman’s summary of proposed research [max. 250 words]

Give us a brief summary of your proposed research project written for members of the public, rather than researchers or professionals. Why is this research important? What global/societal issues does it solve? What impact could it have on business and management in the future.

3. Research aim and objectives (or question(s)) [max. 500 words]

What’s the question you want to answer? How will you attempt to answer this question?

4. Literature review [max. 500 words]

Provide a brief overview of relevant literature to indicate any debates the research aims to engage with; any gaps or problems that have been identified; or what models the project hopes to explore or test.

5. Methodology [max. 300 words]

Provide an outline of the proposed research methodology.

6. Timeline [max. 300 words]

A PhD is 36 months minimum study (full time). In 6 months increments, indicate what you think the main activities will be. This is important as we need to assess the achievability of your proposal. This should be presented in tabular format.

6. References

Please use Harvard referencing throughout.

  • please use Times New Roman 12 pt font
  • 1.5 line spacing
  • 2.5cm margin all round
  • hard return between paragraphs

Getting a reference

Read our help on how to choose references and what the referees need to supply .

The application

During the application you’ll be asked for the following:

  • your full contact details
  • a copy of an up-to-date CV
  • academic transcripts for both your degrees which clearly show the modules studied and the grades gained for each module’
  • proof of English language proficiency, less than two years old, if English isn't your first language
  • two references, one of which must be academic – the references should focus on your academic and research skills, as well as your suitability to undertake PhD level study
  • funding or scholarship information
  • research proposal, clearly demonstrating the potential contribution both in theory and practice; please use our guidance above and attach this with your application

By filling these details out as fully as possible, you'll avoid any delay to your application being processed by the University. Incomplete applications will be returned to applicants.

Supervisors

If you're interested in studying for a research degree we recommend that you identify members of staff with relevant expertise before applying. You should email the member of staff to chat about the potential for supervision, explaining how your proposed research topic relates to their research interests.

To get a sense of staff members' research interests, you could take a look at our  staff profile pages . Reading the research papers listed on their profile pages is a good way to get a better understanding of their interests.

If your chosen supervisor is available to work with you, they'll confirm this and nominate a potential second supervisor. As soon as a second supervisor is confirmed, an offer of study will be sent to you through Pegasus, our online application system.

When you accept our offer of study, you'll receive a full offer in writing via the email address you provide.

Accepting an offer

Once you've accepted our offer, we'll need you to fulfil any academic, administrative or financial conditions that we ask.

UK or EU students

If you're applying as a UK or EU student, you'll then be issued with your registration documentation.

Start date : Oct 2023 - Sep 2024

  • Management Science

Start date : Oct 2024 - Sep 2025

Start date : oct 2024, research methodology in business and management, start date : oct 2025 - sep 2026, start date : oct 2025, sbs pgr admissions.

Email: [email protected]

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IMAGES

  1. Management PhD : University of Sussex

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  2. The Top 5 Reasons to Get a PhD in Management Online Program

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  3. PhD in Management

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  4. How to get a PhD: Steps and Requirements Explained

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  5. PhD Topics in Management

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  6. Exeter Business School MRes + PhD Scholarships in Management and

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COMMENTS

  1. PhD Business and Management

    Management Science and Marketing - PGR Virtual Open Week Session (September 2024 entry) Fees. For entry in the academic year beginning September 2024, the tuition fees are as follows: PhD (full-time) UK students (per annum): £4,786 International, including EU, students (per annum): £21,000 PhD (part-time) UK students (per annum): £2,393

  2. PhD in Management

    Overview Start date: September 2024Duration: 5 years (1 year MRes + 4 years PhD)Fees: We offer fully funded scholarships to all admitted studentsApplication 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.

  3. PhD in Management

    The PhD programme in Management will facilitate the creation and interpretation of new knowledge by the research student, demonstrated through the thesis. The taught component is designed to ensure that doctoral researchers understand the breath of techniques used in modern social science research. Doctoral researchers will be capable of ...

  4. The Best Universities for PhDs in Business & Management in the UK (2023

    UK universities are well-known internationally for their rigorous academic standards, ensuring high-quality education for PhD students in Business and Management. Universities such as the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), Oxford, and Cambridge offer world-renowned programmes that have produced many influential leaders in ...

  5. PhD in Management

    PhD in Management. Unleash your curiosity and develop key skills to support a career in academia, industry, consultancy or research. Supervisors ... Our management research is a UK top 30 research discipline, and 100% of our research environment - the support we give to researchers - is rated 3* or higher. (REF 2021).

  6. Management PhD : University of Sussex

    Masters degree requirement. You're normally expected to have the equivalent of a UK Masters degree, which will mean having completed some academic study beyond your Bachelors degree. Undergraduate degree requirement. Four-year bachelors degree with an overall grade of 65% or Masters with a minimum 60%.

  7. PhD with Integrated Study in Management

    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 ...

  8. Business and Management PhD

    Business and Management PhD. Our programme aims to develop rigorous scholars who can advance both academic knowledge and business practice. You are currently viewing course information for entry year: 2024-25. Start date (s): September 2024. January 2025. View course information for 2023-24. Fees and funding.

  9. Management Science and Analytics PhD

    Scholarships and funding. Study PhD or MSc by Research in Management at the University of Edinburgh. Our postgraduate degree programme has research expertise in areas including accounting and finance, marketing, management studies, entrepreneurship, and innovation. Find out more here.

  10. PhD

    Our doctoral programmes As part of a world-renowned University, triple accredited (AMBA, AACSB, and EQUIS) and ranked 5 th in the UK for research power (Times Higher Education, 2022) within Business and Management, our Business School provides a highly dynamic and supportive research environment for our large and diverse graduate community.Our world-class research programmes offer:

  11. Management PhD

    The School of Business and Management is associated with the pursuit of research excellence across three research centres and three research themes. Whilst the majority of students pursue qualitative methods some students pursue mixed methods or quantitative methods. Information on how to apply for a PhD at the School of Business and Management ...

  12. PhD Programme

    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). ... In recent years, our PhD students have joined leading universities, research centres and institutions such as Tsinghua University ...

  13. Management PhD

    Here at BBS, we have five key subject areas: Marketing and Corporate Brand Management. Organisation and Human Resource Management. International Business and Entrepreneurship. Operations and Information Systems Management. Accounting and Auditing. We are one of the largest PhD student cohorts in the UK.

  14. PhD (School of Management)

    The School supports PhD students in a variety of ways. Most importantly, student support is via one-to-one guidance. The Effective Learning Service is a dedicated facility within the Faculty of Management and Law, supporting our students to maximise their academic learning as well as help overseas students adapt quickly to UK education ...

  15. PhD

    Management Science and Operations PhD Programme. The doctoral programme in Management Science and Operations (MSO) is designed to train scholars to undertake cutting-edge quantitative research (both fundamental and applied) to advance the understanding of processes and decision-making in organisations. Find out more.

  16. Best 82 Management Studies PhD Programmes in United Kingdom 2024

    Management (Research) Management. The University of Exeter. Business and Management Studies. Accounting and Finance. Business. University of Hull. This page shows a selection of the available PhDs in United Kingdom. If you're interested in studying a Management Studies degree in United Kingdom you can view all 83 PhDs.

  17. PhD programmes in the School of Management

    Choose your path. We offer different PhD programmes. Pick the right one for you. Your PhD is the outcome of years of research. To make a smooth transition to the world of research, you will do three projects in your first year. This structured first year will help you stay on track for the duration of your PhD.

  18. Management Research

    King's Business School welcomes applicants in any of our areas of research expertise. When completed, your award would state, PhD in your subject area, relating to the relevant Academic Department, e.g., "PhD in Economics," "PhD in Marketing" and so on. All students on the doctoral programme are registered for an MPhil in the first ...

  19. PhD with Integrated Study in Management programme overview

    By successfully completing our PhD with Integrated Study in Management, you will be able to: Pursue original research, making a significant contribution to knowledge in, or understanding of, your field of study. Relate particular research projects to the general body of knowledge within your field. Present the results of your research in a ...

  20. DPhil Management

    The course fee in 2024-25 is £23,580 for both home and overseas students. The programme is four years in duration. Course fees are payable each year, for the duration of your fee liability (your fee liability is the length of time for which you are required to pay course fees).

  21. Management

    The results of the most recent UK-wide research assessment, the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021, rated 88% of the research activity in business and management as 'world leading' or 'internationally excellent'. The Business School encourages interdisciplinary research, drawing on a range of theories and methodologies.

  22. PhD in Management Studies

    Students only continue to the PhD in Management Studies from the MRes at CJBS, from a research MPhil programme at CJBS or occasionally from the Cambridge MPhil Economics Research. For full details please see the departmental website. For MRes students, continuation on to the PhD is immediate upon obtaining 70% or higher overall average and 70% ...

  23. MPhil / PhD Management Science in the UK

    Doctoral studies (PhD) Full-time study for a doctoral degree normally lasts a minimum of three years. A part-time option is available. The minimum period of part-time study is set according to how much time you're able to devote to study. You'll complete a programme of coursework and submit a thesis with the results of your research.