Skip to content
University of Gloucestershire
Postgraduate research

Business and Management

PhD

Course options

Choose a study option:
Choose a start date:
Study type
Full Time
Course length
4 Years
Campus
Distance Learning (UoG delivery)
UCAS Code
N/A

Course overview

The business and management group UoG offers a dynamic research programme that spans key areas, including strategic management, leadership, entrepreneurship, human resource management, organisational behaviour, and international business. We investigate how organisations operate, adapt, and innovate in complex and changing environments, drawing on various interdisciplinary frameworks and evidence-based methods.

You can also specialise in core areas, including business ethics and corporate governance, operations and supply chain management, resilience management, sustainability and environmental, social, and governance (ESG), digital transformation, and data-driven decision-making.

As a business and management postgraduate researcher, you’ll develop substantial expertise in qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-method approaches. You will learn how to apply these tools to analyse organisational challenges, develop innovative solutions, and contribute impactful insights to scholars, business leaders, policymakers, and wider society.

Our business and management group is internationally engaged. Experienced supervisors actively publish in leading journals and contribute to practice through consultancy and industry partnerships. Diverse disciplines, including economics, psychology, sociology, data science, and law inform our research. And, as part of a European Doctoral Association in Management and Business Administration (EDAMBA)-member doctoral programme, you will become part of a vibrant and diverse research community.

We combine academic rigour and practical relevance across varied sectors, including healthcare, education, finance, manufacturing, and the creative industries. This integrated approach empowers you to deliver high-quality, actionable research that positions you for a successful career in academia, consultancy, or strategic leadership roles.

Study style

We take a coaching approach to supervision that evolves with your needs. You’ll work closely with your supervisors in a collaborative environment that supports your development and focuses on delivering a meaningful contribution to your field.

Each year, you’ll create a personalised training plan that draws on internal and external opportunities—from researcher-led seminars and conferences to events and workshops—giving you a flexible and well-rounded learning experience.

As a postgraduate researcher, you’ll be encouraged to play an active role in your subject research community and connect with peers at other universities and professional bodies. As you progress in your research, we strongly recommend presenting at national and international conferences—ideal venues for sharing your work, gathering feedback, and expanding your academic network.

We bring the same tailored approach to your thesis. Whether you choose a traditional, practice-based, practice-led, or publication-style format, our priority is supporting research that’s innovative and impactful. We’re here to help you push boundaries, refine your voice, and publish for both academic and professional audiences—ensuring your work gains visibility and makes a

Get Business and Management PhD course updates and hear more about studying with us.

Keep me updated

Entry requirements

    • At least a 2.1 honours degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant subject area.

    • A master’s degree or equivalent in a subject area relevant to the proposed research topic.

    • We actively encourage applications from students from a range of diverse backgrounds who demonstrate appropriate research experience and achievement.

    • EU and international students need IELTS 6.5 overall (with a minimum of 6.0 in writing and 5.5 in any other component) or equivalent.

    • If you meet the entry criteria you will be offered an interview with an academic member of staff, either in person or online.

    • Your application should include a research proposal up to 1,000 words (excluding references/appendices) which follows the structure outlined in the research proposal guide.

Fees and costs

You're viewing fees for the course option. Choose a different course option to see corresponding course fees.

Please be aware that students may have to pay a continuation fee if their study continues after the expected duration of their programme.
Start date Course code Fee (UK)
Fee per year
Fee (international)
Fee per year
February 2026 £5,350 £13,425
October 2026 £5,350 £13,425
February 2027 £5,350 £13,425
October 2027 TBC TBC
February 2028 TBC TBC

Ready to apply?

Careers

Your career goals are central to our postgraduate research programme in business and management. Whether you’re aiming for academic roles, industry leadership, consultancy, or posts in policy and public service, the skills you build here will equip you to lead and influence in a rapidly evolving business landscape.

This is more than a qualification—it’s a transformative journey that will shape you into a strategic, reflective, and ethically grounded thinker. As a postgraduate researcher, you’ll sharpen your expertise in areas like leadership, strategy, innovation, and organisational development, while gaining advanced capabilities in research design, critical analysis, academic communication, and professional impact.

Picture yourself redefining how businesses approach sustainability, shaping agile strategies in global markets, or contributing to cutting-edge thinking on organisational resilience. This programme is your opportunity to generate knowledge that’s not only academically rigorous but also practically relevant and has a real impact.

You’ll leave with the confidence and skills to succeed across sectors—from universities and consultancy firms to SMEs, global businesses, government departments, and mission-driven organisations. With our support, you’ll be ready to lead change, inspire action, and shape the future of business in line with your ambitions and values.

A broad focus on building resilient futures

Through responsible leadership, forward-thinking strategy, and organisational innovation—prepares you to tackle the complex challenges facing today’s businesses. Paired with advanced research methods and a developmental, coaching-based supervision approach, the programme offers a rich, intellectually stimulating experience that equips you to drive meaningful change in business and management.

Students sitting at a table with paper and pencils.

A collaborative, supportive space

You’ll be part of the business and management research group in which staff and postgraduate researchers share ideas, lead seminars, and co-create research projects. It’s an inclusive and stimulating environment that encourages critical discussion, peer learning, and innovative thinking through regular workshops, reading groups, and research-led activities tailored to your interests.

two women at a desk looking at a document

Tools and resources to support your work

You’ll have access to industry-standard software such as SPSS, AMOS, NVivo, and others, which are essential for survey design, qualitative analysis, and advanced statistical modelling. You’ll be fully equipped to deliver high-quality, impactful research with dedicated computer labs, open-access study areas, and 24/7 remote access to University systems.

A woman wearing headphones using a computer

Keep Me Updated

Fill in the form below and we'll be in touch with Business and Management PhD updates, upcoming events and everything you need to know about university life.