University of Bath School of Management

The Bath PhD programme is an investment in the future of our profession of scientific enquiry into management. Consequently, we welcome applications from those with the determination and ability to join the first rank of professional management researchers and academics.

Our policy is to admit the best and most promising applicants based on their intellectual ability, academic achievements, and motivation to undertake the professional scholarly research training we offer.

We therefore seek applications from outstanding individuals from anywhere in the world, from any disciplinary background, who are strongly committed to and potentially capable of high-quality academic research in any of the disciplinary areas covered by the Subject Groups of the School, and who:

1. Have, or expect to receive before September of the year of entry, exceptionally good academic qualifications at either master or bachelor level in any discipline.
2. Are fluent in reading and, especially, writing English.

1. Exceptionally good academic qualifications

These are evidenced by high GRE or GMAT scores, or high GPAs, or high degree classifications, or similar. All applicants must hold at a minimum a bachelor degree (a First or Upper-second or GPA equivalent) before final acceptance.

Prior academic disciplines studied are less important than demonstrable quality of academic achievements and a willingness to undertake the systematic research training, including both qualitative and quantitative methods as well any other necessary disciplinary training, we offer through the Bath PhD programme.

We therefore welcome applications from every disciplinary background. Our prime emphasis is on intellectual ability and motivation to become a professional management scholar.

Applicants who have taken GRE or GMAT and achieved high scores will be very greatly advantaged in the admissions process. The advantage of having taken GRE or GMAT applies to candidates from any disciplinary or national background.

2. Fluent English

Taking the taught elements of our PhD programme and writing up original research to an internationally successful standard demand a high degree of fluency in English.

For non-native English speakers, the School normally requires a score of at least 7 in the IELTS test administered by the British Council, or a TOEFL score of 250 (computer-based) or 600 (written). Please note that these are the minimum requirements, with higher ability generally expected.

In some cases students may be made an offer of a place that is conditional on successful completion of one of the pre-sessional English language courses offered by the University's English Language Centre.

Application procedure

Applications are welcome throughout the year, with accepted candidates entering the Bath PhD programme at the autumn start of each academic year.

While there is no specific deadline for applications, potential PhD candidates should apply as far in advance as possible so that they can be fully considered and advised of any acceptance conditions in time for these to be met well before the start of the programme in the autumn of each year.

To help us assess applicants, we will require a completed on-line application together with the following three documents from ALL applicants:

• 1. A single one-page document containing the following and in this order:
  a)   The names of at least two, but preferably three, School of Management faculty members that applicants think might be appropriate doctoral supervisors for their research interests.
  b)   A statement up to 200 words of which Subject Group of the School applicants wish to make a research contribution and why they think they will succeed in making such a contribution.
  c)   An additional statement up to 200 words of why the applicant wants to become a professional management scholar.
  d)   A statement of whether or not you are also applying to us for funding, and if you are, statements of (i) exactly which funding you are applying for, and of (ii) why you consider, in no more than 100 words, an award of funding should be granted to you.
  
  

• Click here for document template (word doc)
  
  

• 2. Preliminary Research Suggestion. This must comprise a document up to 4,000 words outlining a potential research question, one or more possible theoretical approaches to that question, potential propositions/hypotheses that might help to examine that question, and possible methodological means to address those propositions/hypotheses. This Preliminary Research Suggestion document must be original and written by applicants themselves.
  
  

• 3. A full academic CV, including all schools, colleges and universities attended, along with all grades and other verifiable evidence of academic ability and achievement, plus any working experience, plus the full contact details of at least two academic referees who will be prepared to give references at possibly short notice, and a statement of willingness to be interviewed if short-listed, and proof of English fluency (for non-native English speakers only).
  
  

Applications that do not provide the three documents above cannot be considered, so do please be sure to send ALL three requested documents.

For detailed instructions on how to apply please email the Graduate Division

For enquiries contact: Postgraduate Research Administration

Subject Groups