Business Studies

Note that our Business Studies PhD programme is currently under review for 2026/27 entry.

Our PhD Programme in Business Studies is structured over 3 years, full-time.

For some applicants, an additional year of training may be necessary, depending on previous qualifications. Please find out more about these two structures below.

3-year full-time PhD structure

Candidates with strong evidence of research training acquired via previous Master's level degrees may be admitted directly to our 3-year PhD Programme.

Evidence of research training includes the successful completion of taught modules on research design and methods, as well as the successful completion of a Master's dissertation based on original research, from Cardiff Business School or another UK or international University with equivalent standing. Typically, students are interviewed by prospective supervisors before being offered a place.

The programme will start with a School PhD induction in late September, and you will be expected to submit your dissertation by the end of the third year. While students should aim to complete within their 3-year fee-paying period, full time research students must present their thesis for examination within 4 years.

We have a robust process for monitoring the progress of our PhD students throughout the programme. Each year, there will be two progress reviews, one in winter and one in summer, to support PhD students and ensure their projects are on track to deliver the expected results. Our progress review cycle is represented below.

Assessment for the PhD programme will consist of a Thesis of a maximum of 80,000 words and a Viva Voce Examination.

Supervisors

A list of academic staff who can provide supervision can be found on the Cardiff Business School website.

Assessment

Students will be assessed on a Thesis of 80,000 words and a Viva Voce Examination for the PhD component of the programme.

PhD Research at Cardiff Business School

To learn more about the PhD research at Cardiff Business School, explore the brochure of our Annual PhD Conference.

Our faculty expertise encompasses a significant range of topics and themes.

Accounting and finance

The Accounting and Finance Section at Cardiff Business School has an established and expanding worldwide reputation for conducting high-quality theoretical and empirical research in accounting and finance and related fields.

Logistics and operations management

We aim to be the world's leading interdisciplinary teams of academics in advancing knowledge, theory and practice in logistics and operations management.

Management, employment and organisation

As well as promoting research of an international quality, the section aims to deliver research-led teaching of an outstanding quality and to provide a supportive environment for the development of academic researchers and educators.

Marketing and strategy

The Marketing and Strategy Section at Cardiff Business School undertakes and publishes innovative and original research on the formulation and implementation of effective market strategies at domestic and international levels.

Our PhD Programme in Business Studies is primarily designed for students seeking jobs in academia, but it also provides know-how that is appreciated by multinational companies, government agencies, financial institutions, consulting firms and international agencies.

At Cardiff Business School, we are proud to see our PhD graduates occupying prestigious academic positions in top Business Schools across the UK, Europe, the US, China, India and Australia.

In addition, our PhD graduates are currently employed in a range of non-academic institutions, including private companies, consultancy firms, research centres, governments, banks and other financial institutions.

During our PhD Programme, we will facilitate internships, interim work experiences, and international exchange opportunities that will contribute to your employability beyond the quality of your research.

Funding

Each year, a range of funded PhD studentships are available via the ESRC Wales Doctoral Training Partnership, Cardiff University, and a range of external sponsors.

See our latest PhD studentships and projects and find out more about other funding opportunities.

Tuition fees

Students from the UK

Get the latest information on postgraduate fees.

Students from the EU, EEA and Switzerland

Get the latest information on postgraduate fees.

Students from the rest of the world (international)

Get the latest information on postgraduate fees.

Applications for self-funded opportunities close on 31 May each year.

Before applying

• Read carefully about our programme’s structure, entry criteria, and funding opportunities
• Explore our research and faculty, and identify potential supervisors to include in your application
• Ensure that all documents required as part of your application are included

How to apply

On the top-right corner of this page, please select:

• Qualification: Doctor of Philosophy
• Mode of Study: Full Time

Click on apply now and complete the online application procedure

Application checklist

• Detailed research proposal of max 10 pages including references. Please include:
  • Title
  • Introduction
  • Clear statement of the research problem and research questions
  • Review of key literature
  • Proposed methodology
  • Proposed contribution (why your research is valuable and to whom)
• If English is not your first language, proficiency in the English language certificate (IELTS, and so on) – see Entry Requirements tab for more information
• Copies of both master's and bachelor's degree certificates and transcripts (with certified translations if applicable)
• Two academic references
• Academic CV
• name of potential supervisor (contact them in advance)

You must provide all the relevant information when you apply, as incomplete applications will not be considered.

After your application

Applications will be vetted by the PhD Office for completeness and reviewed by the Programme Director. Applicants who do not meet the necessary entry requirements or whose applications are incomplete or received after the stated deadline will be rejected outright.  You may not reapply for the same start date.

Applications from candidates who meet the entry requirements will be shared with their nominated supervisor(s). Once a supervisor expresses interest towards a candidate, a supervisory panel is formed, and an offer can be issued. You should expect to attend an interview prior to an offer being considered.

Entry requirements for the 3-year full-time PhD Programme

• A specialist Master-level degree in Business, Management, Social Sciences or related subjects, from an internationally renowned University of comparable or higher standing than Cardiff Business School.
• A minimum of 60% grades for a UK master’s degree, or the equivalent grading for international degrees.
• Evidence of previous research training, including attending research-focused taught modules and submitting a research-based Master's dissertation.
• As part of your application process, you will have to submit a research proposal demonstrating the intellectual ability to identify viable research questions and the potential to develop a valuable contribution to knowledge in your elected area.

Entry requirements for the 4-year structure (training and PhD)

• A Master's degree from a UK or international university falling short of the minimum criteria for direct entry to the Programme.

  For example:

  • marks between 50% and 60%, and/or
  • insufficient evidence of robust research training, and/or
  • degree from a University without a strong international status

• An upper second-class honours degree (2:1 in the UK or equivalent) in Business, Management, Social Sciences and related subjects, from an internationally renowned University.

As part of your application process, you will have to submit a research proposal demonstrating the intellectual ability to identify viable research questions and the potential to develop a valuable contribution to knowledge in your elected area.

English language requirements

Our minimum entry standard is the equivalent of an IELTS with an overall score of 6.5 with 5.5 in all subskills.

Please read our English language requirements for more details.