Business Research Degrees - PhD

PhD degrees extend Master's level study by making a significant contribution to academic understanding of a particular issue. The thesis explores current theories and frameworks and demonstrates how insights from empirical study or reasoning warrant a fundamental reconceptualisation. By the end of the programme students will have written a thesis of around 80,000 words. Students will be orally examined on their work by two or more examiners.

Research proposal topics

The Business School believes it is valuable for research students to undertake research which aligns very closely with the research strengths of the research groups within the school.

While personal research proposals will be considered, the School would welcome applications from students who wish to undertake specific research on proposals from one of our research centres.

Enrolment and registration

Applicants for a research degree are encouraged to submit ideas in the form of an application form with an outline research proposal that augments the activities of the research groups in the Business School. If the Business School is able to identify an appropriate supervisory team and the candidate satisfies formal entry requirements, the applicant will be invited to enrol on the programme. You must note however that by simply enrolling on the Business School Research Degree Programme this does not mean that you are registered for a PhD degree. This can only be achieved via submitting a satisfactory detailed research proposal to the University Research Degrees Committee. The Business School will appoint an appropriate supervision team consisting of a Director of Studies, a second supervisor and possibly an external supervisor to guide you in this task.

Attendance

The nature of a research degree is such that it is not possible to state an exact timescale for the programme. A part-time PhD (for entrants with a relevant Master's qualification) could be expected to take 4-5 years.

In the case of full-time study, a PhD may require 30-36 months.

Nevertheless, it should be noted that there is wide variation from these averages for individual students.

Are you an overseas student? We have a lively group of overseas students studying for their doctorates. They are full time students; the Business School does not currently offer part time/distance learning options overseas.