PhD / MPhil Programme
The Degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is awarded by the University in recognition of the successful completion of supervised research, the results of which show evidence of originality and independent critical judgment.
The Postgraduate Research Programme leading to the degree of PhD is ESRC-recognised and is based on individual research in all three years of the full-time programme (equivalent to five years part-time). However, for full-time candidates, first year research is combined with compulsory enrolment on taught Doctoral modules.
The MPhil programme is ERSC recognised and is based on individual research for 2 years full time (3 years part time). However, as with the PhD programme, for full time candidates, the first year of research is combined with compulsory enrolment on taught Doctoral modules. This specific Research Training Programme is co-ordinated by Professor Paul Dobson and taught within the Business School.
As a Doctoral student you will join a lively community of research students and staff, becoming an integral part of the School’s research culture. Conference and symposia attendance is encouraged as is the development of joint publications with your Supervisor. These activities are partially supported by a dedicated fund, open to all research students on a year-by-year basis.
Each Research student works under the supervision of one or more Supervisors, who belong to one of the Research Groups within the School. For PhD students, a Director of Research, chosen from senior academic staff, is also appointed to oversee both student and Supervisor. Regular Panel Meetings are held where students, Supervisor and Directors of Research come together to discuss overall progress.
Your Research Programme
Our research centres on in-depth study in the areas of accounting, finance, information technology and strategy, marketing and retail, operations management, international business, organisational behaviour and theory, work and organisational psychology and human resource management.
Doctoral students collaborate with academic staff on research projects and on their dissertations. Because of this close working relationship, applicants should make sure the Business School is a good academic fit and that there is a core group of staff within the programme who are involved in research areas that are of interest to them.
The resources below will assist applicants in their exploration of the research areas of Loughborough’s academic staff.
Being a Research Student at the Business School
Research Students at the Business School are an integral part of our research activities and culture, enjoying the support of a very diverse and well-rounded community. Students come from across the UK and all over the globe to study here, bringing their individual perspectives and ideas.
Click on the links on the right-hand side to read more about some of our students and what they're researching:
Preparing Your Application
We encourage prospective students to first look through our Research Groups to view our current research activities and find a suitable match before applying:
- Accounting, Finance and Banking
- Human Resource Management and Organisational Behaviour
- International Business and Strategy
- Management Science and Information Systems
- Marketing and Retailing
We have gathered together some proposals of actual PhD students at the Business School for you to use as examples of how to prepare your application.
To apply please follow the link on the right hand side.
Eligibility
Successful candidates must have:
- An Honours degree equivalent of British 2:1 minimum, with a preference for Masters degree or first class honours equivalent
- A Bachelors or Masters degree in English, or a TOEFL score of 600 or 6.5 IELTS score (subjects must be relevant to proposed area of study)
- A satisfactory research proposal that fits with research interests of staff in the department
- Two satisfactory academic references
ESRC Candidates
In addition, ESRC expect candidates who apply to Research Degrees in Business and Management must to be able to show that they are capable of the appreciation and critical assessment of:
- Alternative views of academic issues and management problems
- Organising information and constructing a coherent argument
- Ordering data and views through the writing, numerical and basic research techniques typical of a good final year undergraduate project or dissertation
- Using library and on-line information sources
- Organising an initial project outline
- Individual project management
The Loughborough Experience
Loughborough University and the town of Loughborough provide a dynamic and friendly backdrop to your experience at the University. Abundant greenery fills the Loughborough campus for peace and quiet, complemented by easy access to arts, entertainment, dining and shopping.
The town of Loughborough itself will surprise you: with ample entertainment venues, restaurant, parks and family-friendly activities to seek out, Loughborough is much more than just a university town. And, for fans of sports, you'll find yourself right at home with second-to-none facilities, such as the Dan Maskell Tennis Centre, the National Cricket Academy and our Olympic-sized pool.
