Program Overview

PHD Sheffield Business School (Management, Finance, Service Sector)

Course summary

A period of intensive, supervised study where you will critically investigate and evaluate an approved topic and make an original contribution to knowledge.

How you learn

Your supervisory team will include a Director of Studies and one or more second supervisors with expertise and interest in your research area. However, much of the work for your degree will be carried out independently, and you will need the initiative, motivation and commitment to succeed.

• Independent research
• Supervisory meetings

Applied learning

• Networking opportunities: You will be invited to participate in a wide range of Sheffield Business School research events including the opportunity to showcase your own research and receive constructive feedback.
• We also support research students to participate in external conferences hosted either here at the University or at other institutions thus enabling you to develop your network and be exposed to a wide range of different research disciplines and methodologies.
• You will be part of the University's community of researchers, with the opportunity to attend and/or contribute to a range of discipline, college and University-wide presentations, training and conferences.

Course leaders and tutors

• Ellen Bennett: Senior Lecturer Ellen is a Research Fellow at the Centre for Regional, Economic and Social Research at Sheffield Hallam, with research expertise in the voluntary sector, public services and social policy.

Future careers

Research degrees are essential qualifications for many academic careers. You will have the opportunity to develop a range of transferable skills which are applicable to many employment sectors. You will also develop your own academic network of fellow research students, supervisory team, conference organisers, external academics etc. This will help you to develop support and mentoring opportunities helping you plan the next stage of your career.

Equipment and facilities

You will have access to a desk and computer, as well as the appropriate laboratories, workshops and equipment needed to carry out your project.

Where will I study?

You study at City Campus through a structured mix of lectures, seminars and practical sessions as well as access to digital and online resources to support your learning.

Entry requirements

• All applicants should hold a strong, relevant undergraduate degree (2.1 or above) and/or a relevant masters qualification (merit and above).
• Application: To apply, candidates must submit a fully complete online application including:
  • A research proposal. This should include an outline of the research questions/area, aim of the project, an understanding of the current knowledge/literature and context, the proposed methodology, the potential impact and contribution to knowledge of your project and referencing key background literature. The maximum word count is 1,500 words.
  • A personal statement - In submitting your personal statement, you must answer these 4 questions. We recommend no more than 200 words for each question, and include specific examples from your previous experiences (academic and professional). We want to learn more about you.
    1. What relevant skills and experience do you have which you feel would help you undertake this research project? (200 words maximum).
    2. How did you come up with your project proposal? (200 words maximum).
    3. What opportunities do you think the doctorate will give you? (200 words maximum).
    4. Provide an example demonstrating your approach to engaging with new experiences or ideas. This can be an example from your studies, work, or personal experiences. (200 words maximum).
  • Copies of qualifications, certificates, and results transcripts.
  • Details of two referees who can comment on your academic ability and readiness for PhD study.
  • Copies of your passport and any relevant visas, for international applicants.

Fees and funding

• Home students: Our tuition fee for UK postgraduate research students will be aligned to the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) fees which have not yet been confirmed for 2025/26. For an indication of the tuition fees, please view the 2024/25 course page. An additional bench fee may also be charged for this course, depending on the nature of your project and requirements for specialist facilities. Information on whether a bench fee is chargeable can be provided by the relevant Research Institute, and will be confirmed in your offer letter.
• Postgraduate student loans: Up to £12,858 is available in 2025/26 for home students on most masters courses.
• Additional course costs: The links below allow you to view estimated general course additional costs, as well as costs associated with key activities on specific courses. These are estimates and are intended only as an indication of potential additional expenses. Actual costs can vary greatly depending on the choices you make during your course.
  • General course additional costs
  • Additional costs for Sheffield Business School (PDF, 255.6KB)