Program Overview

Overview

Research is central to the activities of the University of Bristol Business School. The school comprises several groups of academic staff with a variety of interests and a focus on research that has practical relevance. The results of the most recent UK-wide research assessment, the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021, rated 88% of the research activity in business and management as 'world leading' or 'internationally excellent'.

The Business School encourages interdisciplinary research, drawing on a range of theories and methodologies. We welcome students from a variety of backgrounds and experiences. You will be joining a thriving PhD community. We run a programme of activities to enable PhD students to network with each other.

Candidates entering the PhD programme are normally required to take 60 credit points of taught training units in their first year. Students are also encouraged to undertake further training in agreement with their supervisor for the duration of their studies.

Funding and Scholarships

• ESRC funding: deadline 9 December 2024.
• CSC Scholarship: deadline 2 December 2024.
• University of Bristol Scholarship: 12 noon UK time - 24 January 2025.
• Business School Bursaries: deadline 31 March 2025.

Key Information

Programme Duration

• Up to four years full-time; up to eight years part-time.

Start Date

• Most students will start in September 2025 as this is considered to be the best time for initiating their research project and attending some training units.

Application Deadline

• Applications open on 18 September 2024 and close on 1 June 2025.
• Applications to begin study in September 2025 will not be accepted after this date.
• Applications should be submitted electronically by no later than 4pm on the day of the deadline.

Delivery Method

• On-Campus

Location

• Clifton

Awards Available

• PhD

Programme Structure

Potential supervisors for PhD in Management can be found here.

World-leading Research

• 5th: The University of Bristol is ranked fifth for research in the UK (Times Higher Education).
• 94%: 94% of our research assessed as world-leading or internationally excellent.

Entry Requirements

• The applicant must have an upper second-class honours degree in a relevant subject or an equivalent qualification, and either have completed or be completing a master's qualification from a UK university (or equivalent).
• The master's requirement does not apply to applications made to SWDTP-funded scholarships although commencement of the PhD remains conditional on the completion of the associated master's.
• Applicants without a master's qualification may be considered on an exceptional basis.
• Aptitude test results such as GMAT and GRE can be submitted as evidence of PhD-level analytical and verbal abilities.

English Language Requirements

• If English is not your first language, you will need to reach the requirements outlined in our profile level B.

Fees and Funding

Tuition Fees

• Home: full-time - £4,850 per year
• Home: part-time - £2,425 per year
• Overseas: full-time - £21,300 per year

Alumni Discount

• University of Bristol students and graduates can benefit from a 25% reduction in tuition fees for postgraduate study.

Career Prospects

• The primary purpose of this qualification is to prepare for a career in research.
• Another popular route for graduates is consultancy or enter policy-based institutions.

Research Groups

• Find out more about the University of Bristol Business School research groups.
• Details of the current research and supervision interests of individual members of staff are available on the school website.

How to Apply

• Apply today via our online application system.
• For further information, please see the guidance for how to apply on our webpages.
• Applicants need to make sure that they submit all required documents (see admissions statement), incomplete applications will not be considered.
• Applicants must contact prospective PhD supervisors in advance of applying for a programme.
• The supervisor's details should then be included in the application form, or the application process may be delayed.
• Early applications are strongly encouraged.