Program Overview

MRes/PhD Accounting (Accounting, Organisations and Institutions)

The Department of Accounting at LSE is one of the leading groups in the world for teaching and research on the economic, institutional and organisational aspects of accounting and financial management. Our PhD programme provides rigorous academic training aimed at preparing students to undertake research of the highest international standards.

Introduction

You'll benefit from a truly international and interdisciplinary environment. You'll have access to a wide range of taught courses and research seminars across different departments and research centres within the School. You'll work closely with faculty in the department throughout the programme, and you'll interact with leading scholars from other universities thanks to our active external workshop series. All students admitted to the programme are fully funded, and financial assistance is also available for you to present your work at conferences.

Programme Structure

A PhD in Accounting from LSE consists of six coursework units, completed over two years, followed by a thesis which is usually expected to take a further three years.

Year 1

• Department of Accounting Research Forums (ARFs)
• Accounting, Organisations and Institutions (AOI) research seminars and workshops
• Courses in methodology
• AC502: Foundations in Accounting, Organisations and Institutions
• MY500: Fundamentals of Social Science Research Design
• MY551: Introduction to Quantitative Analysis
• AC500: Topics in Accounting Research (AOI)
• One of the following half unit courses:
  • MY521: Qualitative Research Methods
  • MY526: Doing Ethnography
  • MY528: Qualitative Text and Discourse Analysis
• Elective courses to the value of one unit in relevant fields

Year 2

• Department of Accounting Research Forums (ARFs)
• Accounting, Organisations and Institutions (AOI) research seminars and workshops
• AC599: Research Paper in Accounting
• AC504: Topics in Accounting Research (AOI)
• AC507: Accounting Work in Progress Seminars
• Elective courses to the value of one unit in relevant fields

Year 3-5

• Continue to attend Department of Accounting Research Forums (ARFs) and Accounting, Organisations and Institutions (AOI) research seminars and workshops
• Work on your thesis

Entry Requirements

To be considered for admission, you should have a substantial academic background in accounting or a cognate area. Students are normally required to have prior training at master’s level. We may exceptionally accept students with outstanding performance in their undergraduate degree.

English Language Requirements

The English language requirement for this programme is Standard.

Fees and Funding

• Home student fee: £5,131 (2026/27)
• Overseas student fee: £24,400 (2026/27)
• Scholarships, studentships, and other funding opportunities are available

Learning and Assessment

• Supervision: Successful applicants will be assigned two supervisors
• Progression and assessment: Bi-annual progress reviews by the departmental Research Student Assessment Review Committee
• Final award: Determined by the completion of an original research thesis and a viva oral examination

Graduate Destinations

Students who successfully complete the programme often embark on a career in academic institutions or international organisations. The department aims to give all doctoral students the opportunity to teach during the programme, developing teaching skills and experience.

Why Study with Us

• Discover more about our students and department
• Learn about our research and teaching excellence
• Find out why you should choose LSE for your PhD studies

Related Programmes

• MRes/PhD Accounting (Economics of Accounting)
• MRes/PhD Finance

Key Information

• Study mode: Full-time or part-time
• Programme availability: Open
• Academic year: 2026/27
• Start date: 28 September 2026
• Location: Houghton Street, London
• Application deadline: 27 May 2026
• Funding deadlines: 14 January 2026 (guaranteed consideration for LSE PhD Studentships and ESRC funding), 27 May 2026 (consideration for LSE PhD Studentships, subject to availability)