Program Overview

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Business PhD - School of Management MPhil, PhD

Overview

You will be part of a diverse, international body of researchers whose work is making a positive difference in the world of business and organisations in the private, public and third sectors. Our doctoral programme draws on the expertise of our staff and research centres and supports PhD research students to contribute to current knowledge and practice and progress into careers as academics or expert practitioners.

Full Description

We are keen to support research into the issues at the forefront of contemporary practices in managing people, marketing, entrepreneurship and tourism, all with an international outlook. The School of Management is home to the Impact research centre, where staff members are conducting funded research into impacts of digital technology on management practice.

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:

• Strategy
• Marketing
• Entrepreneurship
• Operations management
• Hospitality and Tourism
• Human Resource Management
• 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 Management.

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 four 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 centre pages to learn more about the PhD opportunities available:

• Centre for Inclusive Societies and Economies (CISE)
• Centre for Research into the Organization of Work and Consumption (CROWC)

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.

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