Programme description
The Degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is awarded by the University in recognition of the successful completion of a course of supervised research, the results of which show evidence of originality and independent critical judgement and constitute an addition to knowledge. Our PhD students undertake research study across Accounting and Finance Division's research themes include:
- Asset pricing
- Auditing and accountability
- Corporate finance and corporate governance
- Corporate disclosure and capital markets accounting
- Management accounting and information systems
Our research themes are notable for their international coverage and relevance, reaching out to address a wide range of accounting and finance issues in both developed and developing nation contexts. We continue to attract outstanding researchers of the highest calibre and our PhD population is one of the largest in the UK. As a graduate of one of the world's most innovative and ambitious doctoral research schools, you'll be sought after by leading universities, top business schools, government institutes and private sector organisations.
We embed the PhD into the research life and culture of the School by assigning you to research centres and groups. You will be active in the research life of your centre, organising external seminars, presenting your work to peers in internal seminars, and designing and presenting posters on your PhD. Providing robust and systematic research training is a core strength of our PhD programme. To be able to take full advantage of the training opportunities that are offered, you should reside in or within commuting distance from Manchester. We strongly encourage any candidates who do not reside locally to enrol full-time.
Special features
The PhD programme at AMBS offers an annual entry point of September. Complete applications must be received by 30 June. However, if you wish to be potentially considered for our funding opportunities, earlier deadlines will be in place.
Additional programme information
Humanities Doctoral Academy
Our Humanities Doctoral Academy combines the strengths of our four schools to bring expertise, knowledge, support and high-quality services for postgraduate researchers.
We are a community of academic leaders and postgraduate researchers across all levels in the Faculty of Humanities. The Doctoral Academy Hub houses our specialist professional service teams who support postgraduate researchers throughout the programme journey.
This includes admissions, registration, student experience, progression, examination, and graduation. We collaborate closely with other University directorates including Manchester Doctoral College, Researcher Development team, and the corresponding Doctoral Academies in the Faculty of Science and Engineering and the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health. Together we provide the best experience and support for your studies and research.
EDI
Equality, diversity and inclusion is fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester, and is at the heart of all of our activities.
We know that diversity strengthens our research community, leading to enhanced research creativity, productivity and quality, and societal and economic impact.
We actively encourage applicants from diverse career paths and backgrounds and from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation and transgender status.
All appointments are made on merit.
The University of Manchester and our external partners are fully committed to equality, diversity and inclusion.
Teaching and learning
Our Postgraduate Researchers follow a robust, systematic and flexible research training programme designed to:
- complement their own immediate requirements as they plan and write their thesis;
- introduce them to the variety of research undertaken within the Business School; and
- equip them with the broader skills to become leading edge business and management science researchers in the next generation.
The timetable runs from September to May each year. Students are required to attend research training sessions and workshops at the School and submit various pieces of assessed work throughout this period.
Normally, full-time Postgraduate Researchers undertake this training and assessment in their first year of study. Those studying on a part-time basis are permitted to complete the research training element in two years.
Coursework and assessment
Postgraduate researchers are assessed in a number of courses as part of their research training programme. In addition, their progress is assessed at various stages of studies through the annual progress review process.
Programme content for year 1
A specific Research Training programme is provided for Postgraduate Researchers in the field of Accounting, Accounting & Finance, or Finance.
Programme unit list
The programme unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this programme of study.
| Title | Code | Credit rating | Mandatory/optional |
|---|---|---|---|
| Current Issues in Empirical Finance | BMAN70162 | 15 | Mandatory |
| Auditing and the Public Interest | BMAN73821 | 15 | Mandatory |
| Qualitative Research Methods | BMAN71282 | 15 | Optional |
Related research
REF 2021
In the 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF2021) 'Accounting and Finance' was assessed as part of The University of Manchester's 'Business and Management Studies' submission. We were ranked 3rd in the UK for research power and top 10 in the UK (by GPA) among the 108 departments assessed under Unit of Assessment 22.
91% of our research was judged to be in the highest two categories (4*) 'world-leading' or (3*) 'internationally excellent'. Our research environment was also judged to be strong, with 100% judged to be (4*) 'world-leading' or (3*) 'internationally excellent'. Read more about our research at Alliance Manchester Business School.
What our students say
Facilities
AMBS is one of the largest business and management schools in the UK and part of the UK's biggest university - The University of Manchester. Facilities include:
- Study zones, quiet areas and break-out spaces to study and relax
- Inspiring teaching, events and meeting spaces
- New offices for our academic divisions and research centres
- Eddie Davies Library with floor-to-ceiling glass windows overlooking the bustling Oxford Road Corridor
- Three catering outlets: The Mill restaurant and event space, Café 65 and The Hive Café
- Data Visualisation Observatory
- Behavioural Research Laboratory
- Three outdoor courtyards where staff, students and visitors can take a well-earned break
The University of Manchester Library
Manchester is home to one of the UK's five National Research Libraries - one of the best-resourced academic libraries in the UK and widely recognised as one of the world's greatest research libraries.
Find out more about libraries and study spaces for postgraduate research students at Manchester.