PhD Management

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.

The University of Essex is a reputable research university known for its research impact, inclusive learning environment and graduate employability. As a member of Youth Universities for the Future of Europe, it ranks highly for student satisfaction, academic excellence and career support. The Essex Business School (EBS) is one of the leading business schools in the UK, offering undergraduate and postgraduate programmes recognised for their innovative teaching methods, industry connections and ethical business practices. EBS ensures that students secure essential skills needed to excel in their future careers.

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).

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.

The University of Essex offers several scholarships for international students pursuing postgraduate degrees. Some scholarships are automatically based on eligibility, without the need for a separate application.

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

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.