University of Essex

PhD Management

University of Essex

Course overview

The PhD management at the University of Essex provides students with a pathway to doctoral study if they do not have a master's degree or have little or no research training. This 4-5 year programme enables students to spend their first year completing a full-time master's level qualification, equipping them with the business knowledge and research skills needed to begin PhD study.

The PhD Management degree from the University of Essex gives students the opportunity to explore workplace-related issues and their connection to society at both local and global levels. During the programme, students can choose to follow the traditional thesis approach, where they write a dissertation or opt for the“three-paper thesis” format, in which they produce three research articles for publication so they can begin to build their research portfolio well before graduation.

Entry requirements

Entry Requirements:

  • Applicants must submit a personal statement outlining their reasons for applying to the programme and also their academic backgrounds.

  • A relevant academic reference is also required.

  • Applicants may consider uploading their CV highlighting significant experience in the field.

Grade Requirement:

  • Applicants should possess a second-class lower undergraduate degree (2:2) in any relevant subject area.

English Proficiency:

  • Non-native English speakers may need to demonstrate proficiency in the language, typically through an IELTS overall score of at least 6.5 (or a 5.5 in each section).

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

Graduates of a postgraduate degree from the University of Essex can pursue various roles, including:

  • Postdoctoral Researcher 

  • Management Consultant

  • Corporate Research Analyst

  • Strategic Manager

  • Economic Analyst

  • Internal Organisations Consumer

Cost of study

For international students enrolling in the PhD management course at the University of Essex, the tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic session are £19,800. Students should note that their tuition fees increase by 5% 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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