University of Essex

PhD Management Studies

University of Essex

Course overview

The PhD in Management Studies at the University of Essex is designed for all individuals who wish to understand how to examine organisations, markets, and management practices through independent research. In this course, you will learn the principles that govern management studies and how to apply them in addressing real-world organisational and societal challenges.

With a special focus on areas such as organisational behaviour, marketing, strategic management, entrepreneurship, and supply chain management, you will understand how to investigate and contribute to business and management.

In this programme, you will learn through a combination of theoretical and practical methods. You’ll attend research training sessions, seminars, academic workshops, and regular supervisory meetings while working on an original research project.

The university provides a structured first year of training followed by full-time doctoral research, offering opportunities to engage with the wider research community and present your work at conferences.

Entry requirements

The university accepts a wide range of qualifications from applicants studying in the EU and other countries. But here are the standard requirements to study PhD Management Studies at the University of Essex:

Grade requirements

  • You must have a good master’s degree in a relevant field. Additionally, you should have a well-developed research proposal, which is also essential.

English Proficiency

  • Non-native English speakers may need to demonstrate proficiency in the language, typically through an IELTS score of at least 6.0. TOEFL or other equivalents are also allowed.

Scholarships

  • Alumni Loyalty Discount

    First Class or Distinction, 2.1 or Merit, 2.2 or successful completion of a Masters, Graduate or PG Diploma - 20%.

    Up to 20% of fees

  • Essex Futures BT– Masters Scholarship

    School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering (CSEE) is delighted to be offering up to six scholarship worth £5,500 each for 1 year full time.

    Up to £5,500

  • Essex Preparation Programme Bursary

    £250 cash bursary.

    Up to £250

  • Global Talent Masters Scholarship

    You could be eligible for a scholarship worth £5,000, paid as a discount on your tuition fee.

    Up to £5,000

  • Hong Kong Undergraduate Scholarship

    The awards offered are a discount of £5,000 per year for a maximum of three years of full-time undergraduate study, up to a maximum of £15,000.

    Up to £15,000

  • Hugh Brogan Bursary

    If you are applying to study a History MA degree, you could be eligible for one of four available cash bursaries worth £2,500.

    Up to £2,500

  • International Baccalaureate Excellence Scholarship

    If you're starting at Essex in 2026-27 and achieve academic excellence in your International Baccalaureate, we will offer you a scholarship of £2,000 for your first year of study.

    Up to £2,000

  • Performance Sports Scholarships and Bursaries

    Tier 1 - Tuition fee discount up to 100%, Tier 2 - Cash bursary (of varying amounts), Tier 3 - Access to the above performance package benefits, with a value of up to £1,500.

  • Postgraduate Masters (PGT) International Health Bursary

    The University is offering a bursary of £776 for Masters (PGT) international students.

    Up to £776

  • Postgraduate Premium Pathway Scholarship

    You could be eligible for a tuition fee discount of £6,500, for your first year of study at Essex.

    Up to £6,500

  • Sociology and Criminology - Fuller PGT Scholarship

    The Department of Sociology and Criminology is offering scholarships of £11,025 to support six postgraduate students to study within the department in 2026-2027.

    Up to £11,025

  • The Always Essex Staff Discount Scholarship

    33% discount of the first-year tuition fee (first two years for part-time study).

  • The Eleonore Koch Travel Fund

    The School of Philosophical, Historical & Interdisciplinary Studies is offering a bursary of up to £5,000.

  • The Essex MBA Dean's Award

    The school is able to offer fee discounts between 10% - 100% of tuition fee value.

  • The International Undergraduate Scholarship

    The award is offered as a £5,000 discount on your tuition fees for the first year of study in 2026-27 only.

    Up to £5,000

  • The Ronald J. Hill Fund

    The department of Government is offering a bursary of £3,000 to assist one postgraduate student within the department of Government to assist with tuition fees or living costs.

    Up to £3,000

  • The Undergraduate Premium Pathway Scholarship

    You may be eligible for a tuition fee discount of £5,000, for each year of study at Essex up to a maximum of 3 years.

    Up to £5,000

  • University of Sanctuary Scholarship

Career opportunities

With a PhD in Management Studies from the University of Essex, graduates become fully equipped to pursue a career as:

  • University Lecturer/Professor
  • Management Consultant
  • Research Director
  • Corporate Strategy Analyst
  • Policy Advisor
  • Business Development Executive

Cost of study

The tuition fee (2025/2026 session) for PhD Management Studies at the University of Essex is £19,650 per year.

Admission

To apply for this course, you’ll need to go through UCAS. To find out more about this process, speak to one of our trained counsellors.

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