Our Doctoral Programme is one of the most vibrant and intensive research degrees in London. Students become members of an internationally recognised research community in which scholarly excellence and innovative training are highly valued. We attract students from around the world who benefit from the School's expertise, energetic research culture and excellent work facilities. As the School of Business and Management, we are committed to the provision of equality of opportunity for all students, PhD researchers and staff. PhD Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee is open to all PhD researchers and aims to help improve the diverse and inclusive nature of our PhD programme by offering an open platform of discussion to identify areas of progressive action.

Research degrees normally consist of four years of full-time study in which an original contribution to an academic field is made. We have an excellent record for attracting College Studentships, and have placed PhDs in academic positions in top ranking UK and international universities. Former students have also been recruited to influential positions in the business, corporate and governmental sectors. Our taught programme introduces different methodological approaches in social science research and equips our first year PhD researchers with a wide range of knowledge and skills needed to complete their independent doctoral study. This programme is interdepartmental, involving departments from other Queen Mary and University of London faculties. We also encourage our PhD researchers to attend a range of social science research workshops and training sessions offered the London Interdisciplinary Social Science (LISS) Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP), which we are part of.

At Queen Mary, you will work with two supervisors who together will provide you with clear guidance and support throughout your studies. Over the years you can expect to form a close working relationship with your supervisors, meeting regularly during your time with the School. They will also closely advise and prepare you for the formal progression meeting that takes place after 9-12 months of research.

Applications are accepted based on the candidate's previous academic performance, the quality of their research proposal and the availability of two members of staff to supervise the chosen topic. The School also encourages applications from those whose topic might best be supervised jointly with another department within the College. Applicants are asked to submit a proposal of around 1,500 words (exluding the refrence list), outlining the research that they hope to undertake, providing key references. A full academic transcript (a record of courses taken and grades achieved) and two academic references should also be included. Applications for PhD studies beginning in September should be submitted no later than March of that year.