Business PhD - School of Economics, Finance and Law

Program Overview

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Business PhD - School of Economics, Finance and Law MPhil, PhD

Overview

Join an international group of researchers whose work is making a positive difference in the world of business, economics, finance and law. Our doctoral programme draws on the expertise of our staff and research centres. As a PhD research student here, you'll be supported to contribute to current knowledge practice and progress into your future career.

Full Description

We're keen to support research into current developments in economics, including alternative models, and new approaches to finance. Our law specialists support research into contemporary issues including access to justice and inclusion. The School has two research centres: the Centre for Pluralism in Economics and the Centre for Process Excellence.

Pursue your research degree with us and you’ll be part of an inspiring research environment. You’ll receive regular supervision from academics who are active in your field, and you'll participate in a doctoral training programme that prepares you for the methodological challenges and key milestones involved with conducting a postgraduate research project. You will become part of a community of active researchers that gives you opportunities to attend expert seminars and present your own work as it develops.

Our students conduct research in a wide variety of topics that address developments and problems in contemporary organisations and work. A variety of methods from qualitative, quantitative, doctrinal research in law. You will also have access to basic training required for teaching at university level and opportunities to observe experienced teachers or conduct teaching with appropriate guidance and mentoring.

We can supervise your research in most areas of business, helping you to develop transferable skills which will be invaluable in your future studies or career.

Here are a few of our specialisms:

• economics and finance
• financial technology
• cryptocurrencies
• big data analysis
• supply chain management
• organisational change and management
• information and communications technologies
• sustainability

Completion Times

• MPhil: full-time 1-3 years, part-time 2-4 years
• PhD via progression from MPhil, including that period: full-time 2.5-5 years, part-time 3.5-6 years
• PhD: full-time 2-4 years, part-time 3-6 years

Supervision and Support

We know how important it is that all our PhD students feel confident throughout their time with us.

At an early stage in your studies, you’ll be allocated a supervisory team with specific expertise aligned to your research proposal. You'll have two formal supervisors who you’ll meet regularly. Meetings will usually include setting and reviewing objectives to enhance your academic progress. Whenever you need support to discuss academic and administrative matters, or even more general help and advice during your studies, our team of supervisors offer continual and friendly guidance.

Find a supervisor by taking a look at our people’s expertise from the School of Finance, Economics and Law.

Whether you’re undertaking research, teaching students or writing up your thesis, you’ll be fully supported with ongoing training and development, covering the following areas:

• Developing your research proposal
• Intellectual Property (IP) in the research context
• Research Ethics and Integrity
• Presenting your research and argument
• Intensive methodology training week (compulsory)
• Learning and teaching in practice and the fundamentals of teaching business, to support you if you undertake any teaching duties

Where You'll Research

Your Faculty

You have a highly active mind and see opportunity everywhere. Now you need theory and life-changing skills to sharpen your approach to management. At the Faculty of Business & Law, you will immerse yourself in a multicultural environment where technology blends with teaching to create a dynamic and innovative learning environment. An environment to help you gain those skills.

Where Can I Study?

• Chelmsford: Our striking, modern campus sits by the riverside in Chelmsford's University and Innovation Quarter.
• Cambridge: Our campus is close to the centre of Cambridge, often described as the perfect student city.

Fees & Funding

Course Fees

• UK students, 2024/25 (per year): £4,786
• UK students, 2024/25 (part-time, per year): £2,392
• International students, 2024/25 (per year): £15,900
• International students, 2024/25 (part-time, per year): £7,950

Bench Fees

In some cases extra costs known as bench fees will be charged for a postgraduate research degree. These are to cover additional/exceptional costs directly related to a specific research project.

Some examples of these costs are (the list is not exhaustive): equipment hire, access costs to specialist equipment/workshops, volunteer expenses, specialist tissue/cell culture, specialist reagents or materials, specialist software, access to specialist databases, data collection costs, specialist media, recording or digital storage needs.

We charge bench fees in bands. They may apply for every year of your course. These bands are the same for full- and part-time students.

If you have to pay bench fees this will be made clear at your interview, and stated in your offer letter.

For 2024/25 the bench fee bands are:

1. £500
2. £1,200
3. £2,200
4. £4,500
5. £8,900

PhD by Published Work

• Initial registration: £1,500
• Full registration: £4,500

Writing Up Fees 2024/25

• £1,200

How Do I Pay My Fees?

You can pay your fees upfront, in full or in instalments – though you won't need to pay until you've accepted an offer to study with us. Find out more about paying your fees.

Funding

For advice on the Doctoral Loan and other sources of funding, including ARU scholarships, visit our finance guide for postgraduate researchers.

You might also find The Alternative Guide to Postgraduate Funding helpful.

ARU Research

Join us as a PhD researcher and you’ll be joining a group of passionate leading researchers who are experts in their fields. Our research-active staff are dedicated to producing relevant and significant outcomes and solutions that can be applied in the real-world.

Our research centres are at the heart of knowledge generation in our business school. All centres welcome PhD researchers to join their community and work alongside academics on the latest research developments. Visit our research centre pages to learn more about the PhD opportunities available.

ARU's academic excellence was recognised in 2021, as part of the Research Excellence Framework (REF), an exercise which assesses the quality of academic research. Sixteen areas of our work were classed as generating world-leading research. The results showed that we're making a significant impact on the societies we live in.

Careers

A PhD research degree an excellent way to progress your business or management career, or pursue a career in academia. With a study solution to fit your needs, you can opt to study part-time or full-time and can focus your thesis on an issue close to you, your employer or industry.

Thanks to our international reputation and the comprehensive research training and development we provide, we’re an equally compelling option if you want to pursue an academic career. This includes modules in academic writing and publishing, compiling research bids, conference presentation, research methods and management, networking and team working.

Entry Requirements

• MPhil or PhD with progression from MPhil: You’ll need a Bachelors degree or equivalent with first or upper second class honours, in a related subject area.
• PhD: You’ll need a Masters degree or equivalent in a related subject area.

Please note we consider candidates for PhD with progression from MPhil in the first instance. If you want to be considered for direct entry to the PhD route then this can be discussed at interview if you are shortlisted. Please note you’ll also need to provide academic justification for this request.

If English is not your first language, you'll require a minimum IELTS score of 6.5, with a minimum of 5.5 in each component (or equivalent test). If you don't meet our English language requirements, we offer a range of courses which could help you achieve the level required for entry.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

ARU's Business PhD program immerses students in an international research community dedicated to advancing knowledge and practice in the fields of business, economics, finance, and law. The program draws upon the expertise of highly accomplished academics and research centers, providing students with an unparalleled platform to contribute to the advancement of their chosen fields. Students will have the opportunity to specialize in economics, finance, financial technology, cryptocurrencies, big data analysis, supply chain management, organizational change and management, information and communications technologies, or sustainability.

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Outline:

The program's coursework is designed to provide students with a comprehensive foundation in research methodologies and theoretical frameworks. Students will participate in specialized modules tailored to their research interests, gaining in-depth knowledge of their chosen topics. Core modules include:

• Developing Research Proposals
• Intellectual Property (IP) in Research Contexts
• Research Ethics and Integrity
• Presenting Research and Arguments
• Intensive Methodology Training Week
• Learning and Teaching in Practice and the Fundamentals of Teaching Business

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Assessment:

Assessment methods vary depending on the specific research project and individual supervisor's requirements. However, students can expect to engage in a variety of assessment activities, including:

• Research proposals
• Literature reviews
• Data collection and analysis
• Presentations
• Final thesis

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Teaching:

ARU's Business PhD program emphasizes personalized supervision and mentorship. Students are assigned a supervisory team with expertise aligned with their research interests, ensuring tailored guidance and support throughout their studies. The program also features a dedicated team of experienced faculty members who provide regular training and development opportunities, covering essential areas such as:

• Academic writing and publishing
• Compiling research bids
• Conference presentation
• Research methods and management
• Networking and team working

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Careers:

ARU's Business PhD graduates are highly sought after by a wide range of employers in academia, industry, and government. The program prepares students for careers as:

• University professors and researchers
• Business analysts and consultants
• Financial analysts and portfolio managers
• Policymakers and government advisors
• Entrepreneurs and business leaders

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Tuition Fees and Payment Information:

UK students, 2023/24 (per year) £4,712 UK students, 2023/24 (part-time, per year) £2,356 International students, 2023/24 (per year) £15,000 International students, 2023/24 (part-time, per year) £7,500 UK students, 2024/25 (per year) £4,786 UK students, 2024/25 (part-time, per year) £2,392 International students, 2024/25 (per year) £15,900 International students, 2024/25 (part-time, per year) £7,950