PhD Management Studies

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.

The University of Essex was established in 1963 as a public research university in Colchester, England. The university offers many courses (both undergraduate and postgraduate levels) across several disciplines. 

Presently, the University of Essex has three campuses: the main Colchester campus, Southend-on-Sea, and Loughton (home to the East 15 Acting School). This, together with its state-of-the-art facilities, gives its approximately 15,000 students a conducive learning environment.

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.

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

The University of Essex offers financial support through various forms, including discounts, bursaries, and scholarships.

An example is the loyalty discount for postgraduate students who completed a master's degree from the university.

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

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.