Our PhD programme

Our PhD provides systematic training in management research. If you want a career as a professional management researcher or analyst, it will prepare you for that.

You will 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

Structure and length

Completing a PhD with us usually takes three to four years. Starting in Autumn, the programme will help you lay solid foundations for your professional career.

There are two routes to obtain your PhD:

• the Integrated PhD (one year MRes followed by the three year PhD)
• direct entry to the three year PhD

If you already have master’s level training in management research you can normally apply directly to the PhD.

We do not offer a distance learning PhD.

PhD options

Integrated PhD - four years’ study

Format

One year MRes: compulsory taught courses on management research.

You will need to complete the MRes to progress to the PhD phase.

Students usually complete the Integrated PhD within four years.

Year 1

• Research training through taught units
• Refine and decide on your research topic
• Practical research apprenticeships with faculty members
• Complete the MRes programme

Year 2

• Prepare and submit a detailed research proposal
• Taught units in subject and method areas
• Continue your original research
• Develop research papers for publication

Years 3 and 4

• Present and defend your research proposal at an oral examination (beginning of Year 3 or earlier)
• Continue your original research
• Continue to develop research papers for presentations and publications
• Write up your research as a doctoral thesis
• Have a viva voce examination. This is an oral examination of your thesis

PhD - three years’ study

Format

Some taught research training during the first year. Students usually complete the PhD in three years.

Year 1

• Research training through taught units
• Refine and decide on your research topic
• Prepare and submit a detailed research proposal

Years 2 and 3

• Present and defend your research proposal at an oral examination (beginning of year 2)
• Continue taught units in subject and method areas
• Continue your original research
• Develop research papers for presentations and publications
• Write up your research as a doctoral thesis
• Have a viva voce examination. This is an oral examination of your thesis

Professional teaching training and experience

Our PhD programme offers mandatory teaching training. This provides you with several opportunities to get valuable teaching skills.