Program Overview
Business Management
Introduction
Providing expertise across a wide range of management topics and approaches, including strategic management; entrepreneurship; innovation; international management; corporate governance; organisational behaviour; technology and work; gender, work and organisations; consumer behaviour; operations research and business data analytics; critical marketing and critical business management studies.
Study Information
At a Glance
- Degree Qualification: PhD
Our Research
Our department provides research expertise on a wide range of management topics and approaches. These include strategic management; entrepreneurship; innovation; international management; corporate governance; organisational behaviour; technology and work; gender, work and organisations; consumer behaviour; operations research and business data analytics; critical marketing and critical business management studies.
Business Management research is integrated across five distinct research themes in our Business School. These themes are carried through into our Research Centres and current research projects.
Research Interests
Human Resource Management and Organisational Behaviour
- Staff: Professor Donald Hislop, Dr Scott Allan, Dr Shainaz Firfiray, Dr Loliya Kagher, Dr Ye Li, Dr Elham Moonesirust, Dr Nicola Naughton, Dr Ijeoma Okpanum, Adam Smith, Dr Varuni Wimalasiri
International Business, Entrepreneurship and Strategy
- Staff: Prof. Ignacio Canales, Prof. Zaheer Khan, Prof. Jie Wu, Dr Ali Bayat, Dr Jing Cai, Dr Yanghong Hu, Dr Xiaohui Shi, Dr Carol Smith, Dr Ye Li, Dr Loliya Kagher, Alex Mackrell, Professor Simon Parker, Dr Muhammad Wasim, Adam Smith
Marketing, Customer Behaviour, Social Media and Tourism Management
- Staff: Dr Xiaoqing Chen, Dr Yanghong Hu, Dr Huda Khan, Dr Tim Stone, Dr Iva Atassanova, Dr Youngsoo Kim, Dr Tatiana Gladkikh, Dr Esraa Karam, Dr Adeel Khalid
Operations, Supply Chain, Technology and Sustainability
- Staff: Professor Pervaiz Akhtar, Dr Iva Atassanova, Professor Donald Hislop, Professor Zaheer Khan, Dr John Lamb
Organisational Theory and Leadership
- Staff: Dr Iva Atassanova, Georgia Brown, Professor Ignacio Canales, Dr Scott Allan, Dr Jing Cai, Dr Elham Moonesirust, Dr Ijeoma Okpanum, Dr Tim Stone, John Storm
Our Experts
- Director: Professor Ignacio Canales
- PhD Coordinator: Dr John Lamb
Aberdeen Global Scholarship
Eligible self-funded international Postgraduate Research Masters' students starting in September 2025 will receive the Aberdeen Global Scholarship.
Entry Requirements
PhD Programme
- Applicants for this programme must have a good honours degree in business management or a related subject.
- In addition, applicants must provide a detailed research proposal.
- APPLICANTS ARE STRONGLY ADVISED TO CONTACT POTENTIAL SUPERVISORS BEFORE MAKING AN APPLICATION.
- We are open to discussing all potential projects with applicants, including the possibility of undertaking these via distance learning.
- Guidelines for writing a Research Proposal.
- Applicants must provide two academic references from their most recent academic institution.
- For further guidance on applying, please contact bs-.
- If English is not your first language you must also show evidence of attaining standards in English.
Fees and Funding
- View the tuition fee rates
Careers
Graduates have been successful in establishing careers in a wide range of industries and sectors and can be found in many leading industrial and financial organisations as well as universities.
Facilities
- The University of Aberdeen, established in 1495, is Scotland’s third oldest and the UK’s fifth oldest University.
- The university’s ancient campus reflects its long-standing academic tradition, with historic buildings such as King's College, which dates back to the 15th century.
- This blend of ancient architecture and modern facilities creates a unique atmosphere where students can experience the best of both tradition and innovation.
Related Postgraduate Taught Degrees
- Business Consulting and Psychology
- Data Science and Business Management
- Finance and Investment Management (with CFA Level 1 Examination)
- International Business Management
- International Business and Finance
- International Human Resource Management
- MBA
- MBA (Business Analytics)
- Marketing
Program Outline
the Degree Overview section is unavailable.
Outline:
Management Studies PhD
The program aims to equip students with advanced research skills and knowledge in various management disciplines, including:
- Strategic Management
- Entrepreneurship
- Innovation
- International Management
- Corporate Governance
- Organizational Behaviour
- Technology and Work
- Gender, Work and Organizations
- Consumer Behaviour
- Operations Research and Business Data Analytics
- Critical Marketing and Critical Management Studies
Program Structure:
The program typically requires 3-4 years of full-time study or 6-8 years of part-time study. Students are required to complete 360 credits, which may include a combination of coursework, research, and thesis writing.
Coursework:
Students are expected to take a variety of courses covering different management specializations. Specific course offerings may vary depending on the student's research interests and faculty availability. However, some potential courses might include:
- Advanced Research Methods in Management
- Strategic Management
- Leadership and Change Management
- Human Resource Management
- International Business
- Marketing Strategy
- Operations Management
- Financial Management
- Accounting for Managers
Research:
Students will undertake an independent research project under the supervision of a faculty member. The research project should contribute to existing knowledge in the chosen field and demonstrate the student's ability to conduct rigorous research.
Thesis:
The program culminates in a thesis of approximately 80,000 words, demonstrating the student's research findings, analysis, and contribution to the field.
Assessment:
Coursework:
Assessments for coursework may vary depending on the specific course. However, common assessment methods may include:
- Essays
- Exams
- Case studies
- Presentations
- Group projects
Research:
The research project will be assessed by the student's supervisor and an external examiner. The assessment will consider the research project's originality, quality, and contribution to the field.
Thesis:
The thesis will be assessed by two external examiners. The assessment will consider the thesis's originality, quality, contribution to the field, and written presentation.
Teaching:
The program is taught by a team of experienced researchers and academics who are experts in their respective fields. Teaching methods may include:
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Workshops
- Individual supervision The program also emphasizes independent learning and research. Students are expected to manage their time effectively and take initiative in their studies.
Careers:
Graduates of the program have secured careers in various sectors, including:
- Academia
- Research
- Management consulting
- Government
- Public policy
- Private sector organizations The program prepares graduates for leadership positions in a variety of fields, including:
- Management research
- Business development
- Policy analysis
- Education
Other:
Research Areas:
The program is anchored within five distinct research themes in the Business School:
- Human Resource Management and Organisational Behaviour
- International Business, Entrepreneurship and Strategy
- Marketing, Customer Behaviour, Social Media and Tourism Management
- Operations, Supply Chain, Technology and Sustainability
- Organisational Theory and Leadership
International Students:
The program welcomes international students and provides support services to help them adjust to life in Aberdeen.
Data Resources:
Students have access to various research databases, including Datastream and Thompson Reuters DataScope, which provide extensive financial and market data.
Funding:
University of Aberdeen
Overview:
The University of Aberdeen is a renowned institution of higher learning located in Aberdeen, Scotland. It boasts a rich history, having been established in 1495, making it one of the oldest universities in the UK. The university is known for its commitment to research and teaching, offering a wide range of academic programs across various disciplines.
Services Offered:
The university provides a comprehensive range of services to support students in their academic journey. These include:
Academic Support:
Access to libraries, study resources, and academic advisors.Student Life:
Opportunities for extracurricular activities, clubs, societies, and sports.Accommodation:
On-campus and off-campus housing options for students.Career Services:
Guidance and support for career planning and job hunting.Financial Aid:
Scholarships, bursaries, and other financial assistance programs.International Student Support:
Dedicated services for international students, including visa assistance and cultural integration programs.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Students at the University of Aberdeen can expect a vibrant and engaging campus experience. The university offers a wide range of opportunities for students to get involved in extracurricular activities, including:
Sports:
Participation in various sports teams and leagues.Societies and Clubs:
Joining student-led clubs and societies based on interests.Events and Activities:
Attending social events, concerts, and cultural performances.Student Union:
Engaging with the student union for representation and advocacy.Key Reasons to Study There:
Academic Excellence:
The university is recognized for its high-quality teaching and research.Global Reputation:
It holds a strong international reputation, attracting students from around the world.Beautiful Campus:
The university is situated on a picturesque campus with historic buildings and modern facilities.Vibrant City:
Aberdeen offers a lively city environment with a rich cultural scene.Strong Research Focus:
The university is a leading research institution, with a focus on innovation and impact.Academic Programs:
The University of Aberdeen offers a wide range of academic programs, including:
Undergraduate Degrees:
Bachelor's degrees in various disciplines, including Arts, Science, Engineering, Medicine, and Law.Postgraduate Taught Degrees:
Master's degrees and postgraduate diplomas in specialized fields.Postgraduate Research Degrees:
PhD programs and research opportunities in various research areas.Online Learning:
Flexible online programs for students who prefer distance learning.Other:
The university is committed to sustainability and has been recognized for its efforts in this area. It is also a member of the Russell Group, a group of leading research-intensive universities in the UK.
Student Life and Campus Experience:
While the context mentions some aspects of student life, it does not provide a detailed description of the campus experience.Key Reasons to Study There:
The context mentions some advantages, but it does not explicitly highlight the main reasons to study at the University of Aberdeen.Entry Requirements:
All applicants must meet the following requirements:
Additional requirements for PhD applicants:
- **Prior training in research methods.
- **A detailed research proposal.
- **Two academic references from their most recent academic institution.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
- Applicants may be required to attend an interview as part of the selection process.
- The University of Aberdeen accepts applications throughout the year. Applicants must have a strong academic record and a clear research proposal. They must also demonstrate proficiency in the English language. However, the University of Aberdeen is a well-respected institution and the Management PhD program is highly regarded. these demanding requirements are likely justified.
