Program Overview

Overview

Course details

Postgraduate Research/Doctorate PhD/MPhil/MSc by Research

Business, Management and Law

Attendance

• Full-time
• Part-time

Course

• Three year
• Six year

Next enrolment

• September 2025

Introduction

In a nutshell

Salford Business School aims to be a first-choice international provider of next-generation business, management and law education and research: developing graduates, managers and leaders in the digitally-connected, complex global knowledge economy who are transformational in thinking, behaviour and practice.

In research we foster a stimulating, aspirational and supportive research environment engaged across disciplines and in line with business, community and public policy needs. While we encourage students to join our research community in person and benefit from our on campus facilities, the majority of training is online so you will not be impacted if you choose to study remotely.

We are particularly interested to hear from interested applicants whose research fits with and supports the University’s research strategy (see below).

You will:

• Undertake cutting-edge applied research
• Work under the supervision of specialist academics
• Earn a Doctorate

Course details

All about the course

PhDs and research activity in Salford Business School supports and is broadly aligned to the university’s research strategy which focuses on industry collaboration and the challenges that face our society:

• Industry 4.0
• Ageing and bio-health
• Energy, housing and infrastructure
• Sustainability and environmental quality
• Resilience and leadership

Within this, there are six Business, Management and Law research clusters:

1. Data Analytics
2. Project Management
3. Operations Management
4. Process Optimisation
5. Establishing disruptive business models
6. Governance, Legal and Ethical issues

Requirements

What you need to know

You should have a first degree but this could be from a wide range of disciplines not only including the Humanities disciplines but also Science and Engineering. We would not be prescriptive about the methodology you would adopt for your research therefore we consider applicants from a wide range of backgrounds. We would expect you to have a foundation in research methodology, whether qualitative or quantitative. Evidence of ability to study and critically appraise literature independently is essential and candidates with a Masters qualification are preferred.

As a student embarking on a postgraduate research degree you will be assigned a supervisory team, to help guide and mentor you throughout your time at the University. However, you are ultimately expected to take responsibility for managing your learning and will be expected to initiate discussions, ask for the help that you need and be proactive in your approach to study.

Applicants will be encouraged to attend for an interview where practical.

English Language Requirements

Our PhD courses are supported and assessed in English, so as an applicant you must meet our minimum English language entry requirements. If you are an international student and not from a majority English speaking country, you will need IELTS 7 with no element below 6.5.

We also accept a range of other English language qualifications. If you do not have the English language requirements, you could take our Pre-Sessional English course.

International Students - Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS)

International Students are required by the Home Office and/or the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) to apply for an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) Certificate before they begin studying their course. You may need to obtain an ATAS Certificate before you come to the UK in order for you to comply with Home Office regulations.

Entry requirements

A first degree from a wide range of disciplines.

We would expect you to have a foundation in research methodology, whether qualitative or quantitative. Evidence of ability to study and critically appraise literature independently is essential and candidates with a Masters qualification are preferred.

Fees and funding

As a postgraduate research student, you will need to pay annual tuition fees. These vary according to the programme you are studying. Both we and other organisations offer a range of scholarships and discounts to postgraduate research students.

Enrolment dates

• September 2025
• January 2026
• May 2026
• September 2026