Management Research

All students on the doctoral programme are registered for an MPhil in the first instance. At the beginning of the programme you will work with your supervisors to assess your individual training needs. You will use this to develop a personalised training schedule that draws on foundational and advanced courses made available to you through the School, the King’s Centre for Doctoral Studies and the London Interdisciplinary Social Science Doctoral Training Partnership (LISS-DTP). These courses will hone your academic skills and prepare you for the demands of your specific research project.

After around 12 months (or the part time equivalent), you will demonstrate that you are ready for formal upgrade to the PhD programme. This involves the examination of a substantial document that shows (i) you have identified an original and interesting research problem and (ii) you have the skills and expertise to tackle it within the time available.

You will be supported throughout your PhD by two academic supervisors, who will provide expert advice and guidance on your progress and your project. Your project will culminate in the submission of a thesis of up to 100,000 words in length. Full-time students must submit their thesis within four years of the start of their registration. Part-time students must submit within seven years.

Postgraduate research students are a vital part of the School’s life and community. Doctoral students have access to dedicated workspaces, computing and printing facilities, and receive financial support for conferences and specialised training. Each year we hold a two-day PhD symposium where all doctoral students present their work to the School and receive feedback from peers, supervisors, and other academics.

The School recognises that research training is fundamental to any successful PhD and to professional development beyond the doctorate.

In their first year, students undertake a series of short courses relevant to their project which are led and assessed by specialists. Students are also able to take additional courses in their specific areas of interest, drawing on a range of MSc-level modules available through the School. Research students are active participants in frequent school and research group seminars given by external speakers.

King’s Business School is part of the London Interdisciplinary Social Science Doctoral Training Partnership (LISS-DTP). The LISS-DTP offers a wide range of foundational and advanced research modules which are open to all doctoral students.

In addition, the King’s Centre for Doctoral Studies provides support to doctoral students across the university and runs a variety of training courses and research development opportunities, including courses on careers, academic writing, and project management, to help students fulfil their full potential in their research and beyond.