At least a 2.1 honours degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant subject area.
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The leadership and human resource management (HRM) group at the University of Gloucestershire (UoG) offers a stimulating and research-intensive programme focused on people, work, and organisations. We explore key areas such as strategic and international HRM, performance management and measurement, leadership, ethics, and diversity, emphasising real-world relevance and global insight.
Our staff publish in world-leading academic journals and are committed to helping doctoral researchers achieve similar scholarly excellence. Several team members also have strong expertise in topics related to emerging markets, offering unique insights into HRM practices across diverse institutional and cultural contexts.
As a researcher at UoG, you’ll develop expertise in qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-method approaches, applying them to address complex challenges in contemporary workplaces. Our internationally recognised team provides close supervision, drawing on interdisciplinary perspectives and strong links with industry and policy.
At UoG, we combine academic excellence with practical understanding across sectors, including healthcare, education, hospitality, and public services. As part of a European Doctoral Association in Management and Business Administration (EDAMBA)-member doctoral programme, you’ll join a vibrant research community and be well-prepared for impactful careers in academia, consultancy, and leadership.
Our supervision model is grounded in a coaching philosophy that evolves with your needs. We create a supportive, collaborative environment that nurtures your growth as a researcher and enables you to make a meaningful contribution to your field.
Each year, you will co-design a personalised training plan that draws on a wide range of development opportunities—internal and external events, researcher-led seminars, conferences, and events—ensuring a comprehensive and flexible learning journey.
You will be actively encouraged to engage with your subject research community and collaborate with peers across institutions. As you progress through your research, we strongly encourage your participation in national and international conferences, which provide invaluable platforms for presenting your work, receiving feedback, and expanding your academic network.
We also take a tailored approach to your thesis format. Whether your research is a conventional dissertation, practice-based or practice-led work, or a series of publications, we prioritise innovation and impact. We will support you in publishing your research for academic and practitioner audiences, helping you extend its reach and relevance.
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.
You're viewing fees for the course option. Choose a different course option to see corresponding course fees.
| Start date | Course code |
Fee (UK) Fee per year |
Fee (international) Fee per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| October 2026 | — | £5,350 | £13,425 |
| February 2027 | — | £5,350 | £13,425 |
| October 2027 | — | TBC | TBC |
| February 2028 | — | TBC | TBC |
|
International students can benefit from a range of scholarships and bursaries across many undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. |
Find out more | ||
Your career ambitions are at the heart of our doctoral programme. Whether your goal is to pursue an academic career or take on influential roles in organisations, government, or consultancy, the advanced skills you develop during your research will position you as a leader in the evolving world of work.
This isn’t just about earning a qualification—it’s a transformative journey that will shape you as a reflective, strategic, and ethical thinker. As a doctoral researcher, you’ll deepen your human resources and leadership expertise while mastering key capabilities in research design, critical thinking, academic writing, and professional engagement.
Imagine contributing to new thinking on leadership in global contexts or shaping innovative HR strategies that drive organisational performance and employee wellbeing. This programme will enable you to generate meaningful insights and apply them in practical, high-impact settings.
The skills and experience you gain will open doors across various sectors—from academia and research organisations to multinational firms, public services, and third-sector bodies. With our support, you’ll be ready to lead change, influence people’s practices, and shape the future of work in ways that align with your values and aspirations.
Our wide-ranging focus on the future of work, responsible leadership, and strategic people management—combined with innovative research methods and a developmental, coaching-based supervision approach—offers a rich and intellectually challenging experience that will position you at the forefront of your field.
You’ll be part of the leadership and HRM research group, a collaborative environment where staff and postgraduate researchers regularly meet to exchange ideas, participate in seminars, and co-develop research projects. It’s an inclusive, vibrant environment that fosters critical dialogue, peer support, and academic innovation through workshops, reading groups, and tailored research activities.
This includes digital resources to support your work and 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.
Gain new skills and develop innovative projects using cutting-edge facilities, labs and suites. Work with expert lecturers and professionals from across the industry.
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