PhD (School of Management)

What you will study

Candidates for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy undertake independent research in the form of a PhD thesis that meets the award’s learning outcomes.

First year: Research training stage

During the first year (or first two years for part-time students), all PhD students undertake the taught Research Methods modules as the foundation of their development as professional researchers. The training is intended to help you develop your research, both conceptually and operationally, and to manage your project effectively.

All students study these modules in block teaching weeks.

Second/third year: PhD research project stage

From your second year onwards (or third year if you are part-time) you will focus on your research project. This typically involves

• Conducting the literature review
• Developing research instruments
• Carrying out fieldwork and data collection
• Analysing the data
• Interpreting the findings

In your second year (or third year if you are part-time), you also need to go through a formal progress review and this requires you to submit a progress report and present a fully developed research proposal to the review panel. After the review, your registration for the PhD degree will be confirmed (or you will be transferred to the MPhil program if your progress is not satisfactory).

Final year: writing-up stage

You move to the writing-up stage in your final year. All research students should aim to submit their thesis within their minimum period of registration (4 years for full-time and 6 years for part-time). At this stage, the tasks involved are

• Producing a final version of your thesis
• Presenting your thesis
• Defending your thesis in an oral examination

Learning and assessment

Training Modules consist of:

• Lectures
• Discussion
• Group exercises
• Class projects
• Other online (WRDTP) and face-to-face delivery modes

Assessment strategies include individual papers, individual projects, and reflective essays.

The development of the doctoral thesis will be guided by two supervisors and the assessment includes Viva Voce.

Career support

The School of Management supports students on the PhD programme in a variety of ways; those on campus can attend workshops but for the most part support to PhD students is via one-to-one guidance - also there are training and development opportunities included in our unique and flexible Postgraduate Research Framework.

Participants on the PhD programme are in the main usually seeking a post in academia and so careers and academic staff are able to provide guidance. For those who may be looking to develop a career in the commercial world the careers coaches are able to support, students are often looking to develop their careers in consultancy and research-based posts.

Career prospects

During your time studying at the Faculty of Management and Law, you will have the opportunity to take part in our distinctive career booster programme throughout the duration of your course. The programme is designed to equip you with the necessary skills and graduate attributes to be job-ready when seeking employment with leading innovative organisations. The Career Booster Programme offers you the opportunity to gain certificates in:

• The European Computer Driving License (ECDL) - is the benchmark for digital literacy.
• Sage 50 Accounting and Sage 50 Payroll - training that will allow you to develop leading accounting and payroll software skills.
• Project Manager Professional certificates - giving you the edge when seeking to become a Certified Project Manager.
• Big Data analysis and reporting skills - using Software and Services (SAS) that will lead to certification.

In addition, the programme will also include activities to promote teamwork, confidence, communication and many other skills sought by employers.

Developing a portfolio of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Certificates will demonstrate to employers that you are not only ambitious but also take responsibility for your own professional development.