PhD in Management Studies

The PhD Programme at Cambridge Judge Business School is designed to prepare students for an academic career in a business school. It develops PhD students who challenge conventional wisdom and advance knowledge through innovative theory and empirical research leading to publications in top-tier academic journals.

Overview

The educational aim is to teach students to undertake research and produce papers for publication in top-tier journals in one of the management disciplines:

• Finance
• Marketing
• Operations & Technology Management
• Business Economics
• Organisational Behaviour
• Organisational Theory & Information Systems
• Strategic Management
• Accounting

Learning Outcomes

Publications or invitations to revise and resubmit research papers in leading academic management journals. One of the papers with the student as the lead author will serve as the student's "job market paper" to secure placement in a junior faculty position in a business school.

Continuing

Students only continue to the PhD in Management Studies from the MRes at CJBS, from a research MPhil programme at CJBS or occasionally from the Cambridge MPhil Economics Research. For full details, the following conditions apply:

• For MRes students, continuation on to the PhD is immediate upon obtaining 70% or higher overall average and 70% or higher in the dissertation.
• For CJBS MPhil students, following their application for PhD, applicants will be interviewed by a panel of faculty members. The PhD admissions committee will then make a decision on the basis of the interview report, the strength of the overall application, and the performance in the Michaelmas term courses. Admissions offers are conditional on the overall performance on the MPhil, with a minimum condition of 70% or higher overall mark and 70% or higher in any dissertation or project.

Key Information

• Duration: 3-4 years full-time, 4-7 years part-time
• Study Mode: Research
• Degree: Doctor of Philosophy
• Department: Judge Business School
• Course Type: Research

Application and Funding Deadlines

• Applications open: September 3, 2025
• Application deadline: January 7, 2026
• Course starts: October 1, 2026
• Funding deadline: January 7, 2026
• Gates Cambridge US round only: October 15, 2025

Admission Criteria

Applications directly to the PhD are only accepted from students who are completing (or have completed) a CJBS research MPhil, or from students completing the MPhil Economics Research at Cambridge. The first year of the PhD course is probationary, with students assessed on the basis of a first-year report or comprehensive examination, and a series of coursework modules.

University of Cambridge

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Overview:

The University of Cambridge is a prestigious public research university located in Cambridge, England. It is one of the world's leading academic institutions, known for its high-quality teaching and research. The university is comprised of 31 constituent colleges, each with its own unique character and traditions.

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Services Offered:

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

The university offers a vibrant and diverse student experience. Students can expect to be part of a close-knit community within their chosen college, while also having access to the wider university's resources and facilities. The university boasts a rich history and tradition, with numerous historic buildings and gardens. Students can participate in a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports, societies, and cultural events.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Academic Excellence:

Cambridge is renowned for its world-class academics and research.

Prestigious Reputation:

A degree from Cambridge is highly valued globally, opening doors to various career opportunities.

Unique College System:

The college system provides a supportive and intimate learning environment, fostering close relationships between students and tutors.

Exceptional Facilities:

The university offers state-of-the-art facilities, including libraries, laboratories, and museums.

Vibrant Campus Life:

Cambridge offers a rich and diverse student experience, with numerous opportunities for extracurricular activities and social engagement.

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Academic Programs:

The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including:

Arts and Humanities:

History, English Literature, Classics, Philosophy, Theology, Music, Art History, and more.

Social Sciences:

Economics, Politics, Sociology, Anthropology, Psychology, and more.

Sciences:

Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics, Computer Science, Engineering, and more.

Medicine:

Clinical Medicine, Veterinary Medicine, and more.

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Other: