Business and Management PhD

The PhD in Business and Management at Queen’s Business School offers an intellectually rigorous and supportive environment for doctoral research. Students are embedded within one of the School’s three interdisciplinary research clusters, each representing a distinct area of expertise and methodological strength: • International Business, Entrepreneurship and Marketing (IBEM) Focuses on international strategy, entrepreneurship, digital innovation, consumer behaviour, and policy. IBEM researchers use a wide range of methodological approaches to address contemporary global business challenges. • Information Technology, Analytics and Operations (ITAO) Explores the impact of digital technologies, data analytics, and operational systems on business performance and decision-making.

Research themes include supply chain management, business analytics, and information systems. • Organisation, Work and Leadership (OWL) Investigates organisational behaviour, leadership, human resource management, equality, diversity, inclusion, and workplace well-being. Together, these research clusters reflect the School’s commitment to interdisciplinary, impact-driven research, addressing the economic, technological, and organisational challenges facing modern business and society. PhD students benefit from close academic supervision and access to a wide range of development opportunities, including the TRAIN@QBS programme - a structured, flexible training pathway that combines core and optional modules to support students’ methodological development, critical thinking, and professional growth.

Queen's Business School prides itself on research-led teaching and offers its research students experience as teaching assistants in a variety of undergraduate courses. Students regularly attend the School's various seminar series, which attract leading academics from around the world. Students also present their work at these events, gaining invaluable advice and preparation for the academic job market.

Mode of study/duration Registration is on a full-time or part-time basis, under the direction of a supervisory team appointed by the University. You will be expected to submit your thesis at the end of three years of full-time registration for PhD, or two years for MPhil (or part-time equivalent).