Warwick Business School delivers the insights you need to succeed in a rapidly changing world.
PhD Programmes
For the Change Makers
CONTENTS
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?
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Discover our PhD programmes
I have been immensely impressed by the amount of experience and knowledge. I now work together with the people I used to reference! Tristan Boedts MRes/PhD Business & Management Current Doctoral Researcher
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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Professor Deniz Ucbasaran Programme Director
Graduate destinations
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Read Tristan’s blog to learn more about his experience of studying at WBS
wbs.ac.uk/go/tristan
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PhD Programmes
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DISCOVER OUR PHD PROGRAMMES
Warwick Business School is a world-class business school, part of one of the UK’s most respected universities. For nearly 60 years, we’ve been helping people turn ambition into action - and equipping them to make a real impact in the world.
Experience independent thinking in a world-class interdisciplinary environment with our fully-funded Mres/PhD programmes in Business & Management and Finance & Economics. 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.
You’ll join a global community of high-achieving, independent thinkers, driven by curiosity. You’ll develop the ambition and confidence to shape your own pathway towards future academic success. 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 ■ As an alum, you can access exclusive benefits through the University of Warwick Alumni Network. You can also join our WBS Doctoral Research Community LinkedIn Group and wider professional networks to connect, collaborate, and grow your career.
Our PhDs at a glance
2 fully-funded programmes with an annual stipend of approximately £23k/year
MRes + PhD programmes in Business & Management
5th in the UK for research output* *Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021
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* *Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021
wbs.ac.uk/go/phd wbs.ac.uk/go/phd
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PhD Programmes
MRES/PHD BUSINESS & MANAGEMENT
Read Nadia’s blog to find out more
wbs.ac.uk/go/nadia
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 Science pathway visit our website: W wbs.ac.uk/go/behaviouralsciencepathway 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.
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. Funding may also be available for you to undertake a short study visit to an overseas institution in the 2nd or 3rd year of your PhD.
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:
After completing the MRes element of the programme, I have had the appropriate training to work on high-quality research. I have also had the privilege of interacting with top scholars, giving me exposure and networking that truly helps build a stronger research career path. Nadia Maamoun MRes/PhD Business & Management Current Doctoral Researcher
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.
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/BMapply
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MRES/PHD FINANCE & ECONOMICS
I chose WBS for several reasons, but the most important was the MRes/PhD structure. The first two years are dedicated to theoretical training, meaning you are equipped with the tools and resources to tackle any research question.
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.
Ozan Akbas MRes/PhD Finance & Economics Current Doctoral Researcher
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
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.
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REQUIREMENTS AND SUPERVISION
Working with my supervisor has been very encouraging. She creates space for me to explore my own ideas while guiding me toward greater clarity and originality. There is a strong sense that she is invested in helping me build something that is genuinely my own. I feel supported, trusted, and quietly championed.
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/go/academics
Zhixuan Guo MRes/PhD Business & Management Current Doctoral Researcher
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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.
I chose WBS for my MRes/PhD because of its reputation for high quality research. The people here are very open, supportive and collaborative and faculty and students work together very closely, so I never feel like I am doing research alone. Xin Li MRes/PhD Business & Management Current Doctoral Researcher
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
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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
Always look on the bright side of life A ground-breaking 14-year study into human behaviour shows how psychological factors such as hope and resilience can influence life outcomes over time, shaping wellbeing, achievement and future success. W wbs.ac.uk/go/brightside
The risks of being a powerful leader – and how to avoid them Professor Christian Stadler explores how senior leaders can become disconnected from honest feedback, and the steps organisations can take to encourage openness, challenge and better decision-making. W wbs.ac.uk/go/sustainabilitysolutions
Can AI help to create sustainability solutions? WBS researchers compare how generative AI and human stakeholders prioritise sustainability challenges. W wbs.ac.uk/go/ sustainabilitysolutions
How should digital start-ups pursue growth? Professors Joe Nanhakumar and Jochem Hummel explore how digital start-ups grow within fast-moving tech ecosystems, highlighting the role of strategic partnerships and smart decision- making in helping young firms scale successfully. W wbs.ac.uk/go/digitalstartups
The leadership podcast from Warwick Business School For more from our academics and industry leaders on the topics that matter to you, take a look at our podcast Lead Out Loud – where academia meets industry. W wbs.ac.uk/go/LeadOutLoud
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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 cafés,
restaurants and bars, as well as a grocery store, health centre, pharmacy, 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/go/lifeatwbs
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GRADUATE DESTINATIONS
My PhD at WBS provided me with a solid foundation in research design, analytical techniques, and academic communication. The experience also taught me how to approach complex research questions with both rigour and creativity – skills that are essential in my current academic role.
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 Saïd Business School – Assistant Professor ■ Warwick Business School – Assistant Professor ■ Zhejiang University – Assistant Professor.
University of Cambridge – Assistant Professor
Dr. Zizhou Peng Assistant Professor in Marketing – University of Birmingham
Cardiff University – Assistant Professor
Read Zizhou’s testimonial and discover more
wbs.ac.uk/go/zizhou
University of Oxford – Assistant Professor
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The faculty consists of many leading academics, each specialising in distinct areas of research. Their research is consistently of the highest quality and frequently published in top-tier journals, reflecting their expertise and significant contributions to advancing knowledge in the field.
I have grown tremendously, not only academically but also personally. Warwick has been a nurturing environment where I have had access to world-class research resources, networking opportunities, and, most importantly, invaluable
Christina Mou MRes/PhD Finance & Economics Current Doctoral Researcher
Scan to read Christina’s testimonial
mentoring from both peers and professors.
wbs.ac.uk/go/christina
Giorgio Militello MRes/PhD Finance & Economics Current Doctoral Researcher
Scan to read Giorgio’s blog
wbs.ac.uk/go/giorgio
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MAKING YOUR APPLICATION Ready to begin your research journey at Warwick Business School? Here are our recommended next steps.
W wbs.ac.uk/go/applybusiness&management W wbs.ac.uk/go/applyfinance&economics
Find out if the PhD is right for you Review the entry requirements to check your eligibility and contact the Doctoral Programmes Office to find out if our PhD programme is right for you. 1
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Apply
Shortlisting
Shortlisted `pplicants will be contacted and invited to submit a short paper and attend an online interview.
Our admissions system opens in October. Submit your application online through the University of Warwick’s application portal with all required supporting documentation (including academic references). If successful at application stage, you will be invited to interview at WBS.
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Application decision
Register and enrol
Successful applicants will be made an offer subject to providing any outstanding documents or references.
Once you have accepted your offer you will receive details on how to register and enrol, and when to expect your course materials.
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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. 510340 03/2026
Warwick Business School, The University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL UK
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