Warwick Business School delivers the insights you need to succeed in a rapidly changing world.
PhD Programmes
For the Change Makers
Contents
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Discover our PhD programmes
MRes/PhD Business & Management
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MRes/PhD Finance & Economics
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Requirements and supervision
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Our research environment
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Spotlight on our research
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Life at Warwick Business School
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“I really embraced the open-minded environment where unique viewpoints are equally appreciated. WBS builds a platform for us to explore our curiosity, and it’s exciting to join with a group of like-minded people to create a better world!”
Graduate destinations
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Our MRes/PhD programmes seek ambitious and outstanding candidates with the curiosity and commitment to become future academic leaders. You will develop in a rigorous, supportive environment, working with leading scholars to produce cutting-edge research. The programme offers opportunities to study abroad, present at international conferences, build a global network, and gain valuable teaching experience. Our graduates secure excellent academic positions worldwide – could you be next?
Ziyan Ma PhD Business & Management (Doctoral researcher)
Professor Deniz Ucbarasan Programme Director
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PhD Programmes
Discover our PhD programmes
■ MRes/PhD Business & Management ■ MRes/PhD Finance & Economics Our fully-funded PhD programmes will enable you to experience independent thinking in a world-class interdisciplinary environment. You will gain highly relevant and structured training with close mentorship from a team of supervisors to embed you in our culture of curiosity, and help you in developing and deepening your chosen area of research. We aim to attract high-quality students from across the globe who are independent thinkers, restless to learn more and have the ambition to create their own pathway for future academic positions. The research you undertake will be aligned to one of our specialisms, depending on your topic and supervisor. To find out more about our research, please visit our website: W wbs.ac.uk/research/ Benefits of our PhD programmes For our students, learning isn’t confined by physical walls. If you excel through independent learning and have an eagerness to learn then WBS is the place for you. The core benefits of our PhD programme include: ■ An inspirational learning experience in a world-class interdisciplinary environment, working alongside the brightest scholars and learning from leading academics from across the globe ■ Highly relevant and structured training, focused on developing your core research skills ■ Preparation for a prestigious academic or research career ■ The opportunity to develop a global network by researching and learning abroad as part of your PhD programme.
Our PhDs at a glance
MRes + PhD programmes in Business & Management
2 fully-funded programmes with an annual stipend of approximately £23k/year
and Finance & Economics
Join an international network of scholars
Support with conference travel and opportunities to study abroad
4th in the UK for research environment*
5th in the UK for research output* *Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021
*Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021
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PhD Programmes
MRes/PhD Business & Management
The Behavioural Science pathway By studying this pathway, you’ll be taught by researchers in behavioural science and tap into their extensive academic expertise and collaborative network. You will develop the cutting edge skills and interdisciplinary expertise needed to succeed in this rapidly developing field. Previous students now occupy prestigious positions across academia, industry and the public sector. To find out more about the Behavioural
Fees and funding Our MRes/PhD Business & Management programme is fully-funded. All students accepted onto the programme will have their full fees paid and will receive an annual stipend of approximately £23,000 per annum throughout their course, subject to satisfactory progress. You don’t need to apply separately for this funding. It will be included as part of the offer onto the programme.
Make your mark on the business landscape with our fully-funded MRes/PhD Business & Management programme. Research a host of disciplines that influence society and business on this 2 + 3 year programme.
Previous methods modules have included:
Methods modules (qualitative) ■ Designing & Conducting Qualitative Research
■ Qualitative Data Analysis ■ Theorising & Publishing Qualitative Research.
Your MRes If you choose our MRes/PhD Business
& Management programme, you will initially be registered for an MRes. This is a compulsory taught part of the programme, and you will be required to pass modules in your first and second years. The main requirement for the award of your MRes at the end of your second year is the successful completion of all taught modules. Modules You’ll have the freedom to research many different business and management disciplines, and develop and grow your own research interests. You’ll study 13 modules over your first two years, comprising three core modules, four methods modules, and six elective modules. Core modules ■ Foundations of Business & Management Research ■ Introduction to Qualitative Research Methods ■ Research Skills in Business & Management ■ Research Portfolio. You will choose either one qualitative module and three quantitative modules, or one quantitative module and three qualitative modules.
Methods modules (quantitative) ■ Optimal Decision Making ■ Quantitative Methods I ■ Quantitative Methods II ■ Learning from Data ■ Causal Inference. Elective module information can be found on our webpages: W wbs.ac.uk/go/phdstructure Your PhD Following the successful completion of your dissertation and PhD Admissions Panel, you’ll then move onto the traditional PhD element of the programme. Here you’ll have the chance to delve deeper into your chosen area of interest, and work within our world-class research groups, interacting with leading faculty in a host of disciplines. You’ll also create a global network by researching and studying abroad as part of your course. The main requirement for the award of your PhD is the successful completion of a thesis which makes a significant original contribution to knowledge.
Science pathway visit our website: W wbs.ac.uk/go/phdstructure
Making an application Applications are made through the
Our entry requirements Competition to join our MRes/PhD Business & Management is very strong; you’ll need to demonstrate you have the intellectual capabilities, stamina, drive and commitment to complete a ground-breaking piece of work through independent study. In all cases, applicants will be interviewed, either in person or online. ■ Bachelors degree: 1st class (recommended) ■ Masters degree: Distinction (recommended) in social sciences, behavioural sciences, or engineering. In exceptional circumstances, we will consider MBAs without a social sciences, behavioural science or engineering background or candidates without a Masters who hold a strong 1st class honours Bachelors degree supported by a very strong CV and academic references. Decisions on these and other exceptions will be made on a case-by-case basis ■ GMAT or GRE score required. A GMAT or GRE score is required and should be provided as part of your application. However, we have no defined threshold and the score provided will be indicative to merely supplement and strengthen your application.
University of Warwick’s online form, which can be accessed through our website. Please ensure you meet the entry requirements before submitting an application. Full details
can be found on our website: W wbs.ac.uk/go/BMapply
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PhD Programmes
MRes/PhD Finance & Economics
Year two modules* ■ Asset Pricing 1 ■ Asset Pricing 2 ■ Corporate Finance 1 ■ Corporate Finance 2 ■ Financial Markets ■ Dissertation.
■ A GMAT or GRE score is required and should be provided as part of your application. However, we have no defined threshold and the score provided will be indicative to merely supplement and strengthen your application ■ You should have strong academic references and excellent potential for research. Fees and funding Our MRes/PhD Finance & Economics programme is fully-funded. All students accepted onto the programme will have their full fees paid and will receive an annual stipend of approximately £23,000 per annum throughout their course, subject to satisfactory progress. You don’t need to apply separately for this funding. It will be included as part of the offer onto the programme. Making an application Applications are made through the University of Warwick’s online form, which can be accessed through our website. Please ensure you meet the entry requirements before submitting an application. Full details can be found on our website: W wbs.ac.uk/go/FEapply
The MRes/PhD Finance & Economics is jointly run with the University of Warwick’s Department of Economics. The 2+4 year programme will give you a thorough understanding of state of the art research techniques, and an in-depth appreciation of principal areas of interest for researchers in finance and economics. Experience independent thinking in a world-class interdisciplinary environment. Gain a thorough understanding of state of the art research techniques, and an in-depth appreciation of principal areas of interest for researchers in finance and economics. Your MRes If you choose our Finance & Economics programme, you will initially be registered for an MRes. This is a compulsory part of the programme, and you will be required to pass compulsory taught modules in your first and second years. The main requirement for the award of your MRes at the end of your second year is the successful completion of all taught modules, plus the submission of a dissertation, and passing an Admissions Panel in order to be upgraded to the degree of PhD.
Your PhD Following the successful completion of your dissertation and PhD Admissions Panel, you’ll then move onto the traditional PhD element of the programme. Here you’ll become embedded into our culture of curiosity and restlessness, digging further into your chosen area of interest, and working within our world- class research groups. The main requirement for the award of your PhD is the successful completion of a thesis which makes a significant original contribution to knowledge. Our entry requirements Competition to join our PhD programme is very strong; you’ll need to demonstrate you have the intellectual capabilities, stamina, drive and commitment to complete a ground-breaking piece of work through independent study. In all cases, applicants will be interviewed, either in person or online. ■ A Bachelors degree from a UK university or an equivalent from an overseas university; plus a Masters degree in Economics or Finance (with a significant quantitative finance component). Accounting or Financial Mathematics may be considered with a significant finance component. A 1st class degree and a distinction at Masters level is recommended, but serves as a guideline only
I have always been fascinated with coming up with interesting questions and finding unique ways to answer them. With its excellent faculty expertise, WBS provided me with the opportunity to explore my research interests further and work with people of a similar mindset.
Modules Through your MRes modules you’ll be equipped with professional training in
modern finance and economics, as well as the knowledge, including tools and techniques of analysis, to apply this in your future research. You will study four compulsory modules in your first year, and five modules plus a dissertation in your second year.
Year one compulsory modules ■ Advanced Microeconomic Theory ■ Advanced Macroeconomic Analysis ■ Advanced Econometric Theory ■ Practice of Financial Research.
Yazhou He Presidential Fellow, Alliance Manchester Business School PhD Finance (2013–2017)
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PhD Programmes
“The programme is challenging and rigorous but I feel supported by my peers and teachers to persevere and rise to meet the challenge.”
David Storey MRes/PhD Finance & Economics (Current doctoral researcher)
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PhD Programmes
Requirements and supervision
English language requirements If English is not your first language, you must meet a minimum overall standard in a recognised test of English. ■ IELTS (Academic): Overall IELTS (Academic, UKVI or Online) score of 7.0 and minimum component scores of two at 6.0/6.5 and the rest at 7.0 or above ■ PTE Academic: 70 with 51+ in every section ■ CPE: Grade C (CEFR level C2) or above ■ CAE: Grade C scoring 60+, no worse than three component results at borderline and one at weak. Faculty Our faculty is made up of world-leading experts, and more than a third of our staff come from countries outside the UK, making WBS truly international. A large majority of our faculty are research-active, and the majority supervise doctoral research. Supervision For both of our programmes you will be allocated a supervisor during the second year of your MRes. A second supervisor will be allocated if you are admitted into the PhD, at the end of the MRes. The two supervisors will have appropriate research expertise and interests. At WBS we feel that the student/supervisor relationship should focus on an alignment of purpose; it is all about embarking on a journey together through your research. Students are not required to find a supervisor before joining the programme. To find out more, visit our website: W wbs.ac.uk/research/staff
When I was making the decision to do my PhD, I thought about how my choice of university would affect my experience through the quality of scholars I would be surrounded by and the resources I could access. After joining WBS, I found that not only did I get the chance to be around top scholars from WBS, but also from the UK and around the world. Nearly every week I had the opportunity to attend a seminar, where I could discover the latest in my area of research and in other areas of business studies.
Ali E. Ahmed Assistant Professor (Entrepreneurship & Innovation Group) PhD Business & Management (2017–2021)
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PhD Programmes
Our research environment
Global opportunities Develop your global network by researching and learning abroad as part of your PhD programme. WBS will facilitate the study of modules overseas with external institutions. Research Excellence Framework The 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF) results underscore the quality of research undertaken at WBS, alongside our focus on impact and fostering an environment which enables world-leading research to flourish.
Our dynamic community is a research powerhouse and a place where your ideas matter. You’ll become part of an international research community, collaborating with leading scholars and participating in our research activities. Our vision is to develop cutting-edge research that leads debate and deepens our understanding of the practice of business, management, and finance. Research is undertaken in partnership with both policy and practice, to ensure both relevance and practical application. Our desire to respond and contribute to varied societal issues provides a vibrant and creative environment for research to flourish.
"WBS has always been known for its commitment to academic excellence. By getting involved in the vibrant research community, WBS helped me develop the confidence to put forward my ideas, question, and be questioned in a way that prepared me for my various academic roles."
5th in UK for research output
Our research strengths include: ■ Accounting ■ Behavioural Science ■ Entrepreneurship and Innovation ■ Finance ■ Information Systems and Management Analytics ■ Marketing
93% of outputs
■ Operations Management ■ Organisation and Work
world-leading/ internationally excellent
■ Strategy and International Business. Discover our research and expertise: W wbs.ac.uk/go/phdresearch
4th in UK for research environment
Giulio Nardella Associate Professor of Sustainability & Global
Strategy, ESCP Business School PhD Management (2012–2017)
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PhD Programmes
Spotlight on our research
Discover the breadth and variety of our research and its impact. Find out more here: W wbs.ac.uk/go/research
How have open innovation and ‘pirates’ transformed NASA? Christina Wawarta, Loizos Heracleous, and Sotirios Paroutis chart NASA’s journey from a traditional, insular and hierarchical business model, to one of open innovation…with a little help from space pirates! W wbs.ac.uk/go/ NASAresearch
Why are black and Asian people more likely to be stopped and searched? Professor Neil Stewart looked to find answers to this question by analysing data shared by West Midlands Police, one of the largest forces in the UK. W wbs.ac.uk/go/ stopandsearch
What is the key to ‘levelling up’ the British economy after Brexit? Professor Nigel Driffield identifies the key routes to achieving productivity growth outside of London following Brexit. W wbs.ac.uk/go/levelup
The 10 questions successful leaders use to spot the scandal before it happens Dr Maja Korica and Professor Davide Nicolini reveal the positive impact of CEOs that use an attentional framework – whether instinctively or purposefully. W wbs.ac.uk/go/ scandal
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PhD Programmes
Life at Warwick Business School
Located in the centre of England, within an hour of London and on the doorstep of Coventry, Birmingham, Royal Leamington Spa and Kenilworth, the University of Warwick campus is inclusive, vibrant, and packed with facilities to form the perfect
backdrop to your research studies. You’ll have access to over 20 cafes,
restaurants and bars, as well as a grocery store, health centre, pharmacy, bank, post office, and a brand new sports and wellness hub, as well as beautiful green spaces to enjoy. At the centre of campus stands Warwick Arts Centre, an award-winning venue delivering a high quality programme of music, theatre, dance, comedy, film, family shows and visual arts. We’re proud to say that our campus is home to students and staff from all over the globe, and at WBS we bring together people who are restless to change the world. We offer a wide range of support for our students and we have created a positive environment to enable you to make a unique contribution to your field of research study. W wbs.ac.uk/life-at-wbs
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PhD Programmes
Graduate destinations
Many of our students secure postdoctoral fellowship, research, or faculty roles soon after graduation. In the last six years, 26 of our PhD students secured a postdoctoral position at Warwick Business School, with others offered positions in prestigious institutions such as Harvard, Pennsylvania, Princeton, Oxford Saïd, Cambridge Judge Business School, Copenhagen Business School, Lyon, Birmingham, Manchester and Cardiff. Excellent postdoctoral placements require high-quality outputs to be developed during study. Our PhD students have had considerable success in publishing in peer- reviewed journals prior to, or just after, thesis submission. Outlets include the Journal of Management, Leadership Quarterly, Academy of Management Annals, Review of Financial Studies, Management Science, American Economic Review, Research Policy, Human Relations, and the Journal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology. Placements in academic institutions ■ University of Cambridge – Assistant Professor ■ Cardiff University – Assistant Professor ■ Durham University – Assistant Professor ■ Emlyon Business School – Assistant Professor ■ IPADE Business School – Professor ■ Harvard University – Research Fellow ■ University of Leeds – Assistant Professor ■ Newcastle University Business School – Lecturer ■ University of Jordan – Assistant Professor ■ University of Oxford SAID Business School – Assistant Professor ■ Warwick Business School – Assistant Professor ■ Zhejiang University – Assistant Professor.
University of Cambridge – Assistant Professor
Cardiff University – Assistant Professor
The best thing about my PhD programme so far is the freedom of expression and the exchange of ideas around interdisciplinary topics with some of the best academics. I feel like a supported member of the research community and I believe feeling significant is a key to success.
University of Oxford – Assistant Professor
Dimitrios Karagiannis PhD Business & Management (Current doctoral researcher)
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PhD Programmes
I am very satisfied with the environment and teaching resources here, which is one of the reasons why I chose to continue my PhD at WBS following my MSc. In addition, WBS has strong faculty and scientific research resources, which are very important for a PhD student’s research. I’ve enjoyed working with my classmates and colleagues, and being supportive to each other. Likewise, my supervisors and the faculty in the research group are very supportive of the research and career development of doctoral students.
enjoy the WBS weekly Brown Bag seminars, where PhD students present their research and gain feedback. WBS provides many PhD seminars which develop skills such as presentation communication, publication processes and interview preparation.
Ephie Wang PhD Business & Management (Current doctoral researcher)
I really
Junning Peng PhD Business & Management (Current doctoral researcher)
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PhD Programmes
Our location
Based in Coventry, in the heart of the UK, our campus has excellent transport links in the UK and beyond.
Travelling from Coventry by Rail To Journey (mins) * Birmingham Airport 10 London 60 Manchester 120 Cardiff 160 Edinburgh 270
Edinburgh
Belfast
Northern Ireland
National Exhibition Centre
Ireland
Birmingham International Airport
Birmingham Birmingham International Airport
National Motorcycle Museum
Coventry Transport Museum
Kenilworth Castle
Bullring Shopping Centre
London
Cardiff
Heathrow International Airport
CBS Arena
Cadbury World
Birmingham
Coventry
Find out more about us We are always happy to help you with any queries you might have. +44 (0)24 7652 4689 phdadmissions@wbs.ac.uk wbs.ac.uk/go/phd T W E
WBS
Stoneleigh Abbey
Royal Leamington Spa
Warwick
Stratford- upon-Avon
Shakespeare’s Birthplace
Join our conversation @warwickbschool
wbs.ac.uk/go/wbslinkedin facebook.com/warwickbschool @warwickbschool warwickbschool
The Cotswolds
British Motor Museum
Warwick Castle
Charlecote Park
First UK business school to be triple accredited and to receive the Athena SWAN Gold Award for improving gender equality
WBS believes this document is accurate, but accepts no liability for errors or later changes. See our website for the latest information. 55763 11/2025
Warwick Business School, The University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL UK
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