Programme description
This programme provides advanced training to develop innovative research in all areas of business and management.
Our PhD students undertake research study across a number of research themes often within the Division of Management Sciences and Marketing including:
- Marketing management and strategy
- Consumer behaviour
- Business informatics
- Decision sciences
- Operations and supply chain management
- Data science
We continue to attract outstanding researchers of the highest calibre and our PGR population is one of the largest in the UK, with around 45 researchers joining us each year. 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 comprehensive Research Training programme is provided to PhD researchers, which requires class attendance on campus and completion of various pieces of assessed work.
Programme content for year 2
Postgraduate Researchers may choose additional elective workshops from the Research Training Programme during Year 2 appropriate to their stage of study and to supplement their existing knowledge.
Programme content for year 3
Postgraduate Researchers may choose additional elective workshops from the Research Training Programme during Year 3 appropriate to their stage of study and to supplement their existing knowledge.
Related research
In the 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF2021) we were ranked 3rd in the UK for research power 'Business and Management Studies' and top 10 in the UK in terms (by grade point average) 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
Alliance Manchester Business School
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.