Program Overview

Overview

The Marketing PhD programme involves the production of new knowledge through original research and advanced scholarship, exploring a field of marketing in detail.

How You'll Learn

Assessment methods depend on the modules and include a combination of:

• Thesis
• Viva Additional assessment information indicates that the PhD research should produce a thesis that includes material worthy of academic publication.

Your Development

The Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences (HaSS) researcher development programme is designed to help students perform better as researchers, boost their career prospects, and broaden their impact. The programme covers techniques for effective research, methods for better collaborative working, and essential professional standards and requirements.

Your Future

Career development and employability are woven throughout the teaching, learning, and student experience. The School has dedicated employability support and career spaces, providing access to:

• One-to-one career support
• Industry-specific career events
• Online career learning tools
• Career planning and information sessions
• An annual careers week
• Networking opportunities
• Specialist careers and business start-up support

Quality and Ranking

• 42% of the research is classified as 4* world-leading research – Research Excellence Framework 2021
• 65% increase in research power since 2014 – Research Excellence Framework 2021
• Global Top 140 University – QS World University Rankings 2026
• Global Top 160 University – Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025
• Top 25 in the UK and Top 100 in the world for sustainable development – Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024

Facilities

Newcastle University Business School is one of the largest schools in the University, with over 4,000 students from over 85 countries. The school offers a range of purpose-built facilities, including:

• Computer clusters housing over 120 PCs, plus open IT spaces for laptops
• Seven large lecture theatres, plus a 750-seat auditorium
• 25 seminar and teaching spaces, many with flexible furniture to accommodate learning
• A dedicated Student Hub and Quiet Space, providing a mix of space for group work, individual study, or quiet study
• Study pods, some with wall-mounted screens, and bookable rooms for working in groups or individually
• A contemporary café, refurbished in 2025
• Two dedicated hubs for employability support and events
• A Bloomberg lab with over 20 terminals, so you can experience a real trading room floor
• Experimental and Behavioural Economics Lab, a state-of-the-art research facility for conducting studies in experimental economics and economic psychology
• A flexible conference room with panoramic views across the city and St. James’ Park, which doubles up as a large flexible teaching space

Fees and Funding

Tuition fees for 2026 entry (per year):

• Qualification: PhD Full time
  • Home students: Full time: 36 months | Tuition fees (per year) Not set
  • International students: Full time: 36 months | Tuition fees (per year) £24,400
• Qualification: PhD Part time
  • Home students: Part time: 72 months | Tuition fees (per year) Not set Tuition fee increases are expected, and the University will provide information on the expected increase.

Entry Requirements

The entrance requirements for 2026 entry include:

• A 2:1 honours degree and preferably a merit master's degree, or international equivalent, in a relevant subject.
• English Language requirements:
  • IELTS
  • Pearson's
  • Duolingo English Test
  • TOEFL
  • Other
  • Pre-Sessional Entry - 6 weeks
  • Pre-Sessional Entry - 10 weeks

How to Apply

There are usually two possible start dates, although in some circumstances, an alternative start date can be arranged. These are either September or January. There is no application closing date for this course. International students are advised to apply at least two months before the course starts. A research proposal must be submitted with the application. Guidelines for producing a research proposal are available. A deposit of £1,500 is required for international students or students from the EU, EEA, or Switzerland who need a visa to study in the UK. The deposit is non-refundable but will be deducted from the tuition fees when the student registers. Programme codes are available for full-time and part-time PhD studies. The application portal provides instructions to guide the application process, and applicants can choose to start their application, save their details, and come back to complete it later.