Business - Research, MPhil/PhD
Our business research degree (MPhil/PhD) allows you to undertake rigorous and critical exploration of an area of business with support from an expert supervisor.
Our Business MPhil/PhD programme involves producing a substantial piece of original work in your chosen field. Unlike taught courses, this degree places greater emphasis on research and an original contribution to knowledge. You attend courses in your first year to develop the advanced research skills for gathering, analysing and presenting quantitative and qualitative data.
The Business School can supervise research students in the areas of work and employment, human resource management, organisational behaviour, accounting and finance, financial services, critical and social research in accounting. We also support research in public policy, political economy, applied economics, social and economic network analysis, network science, international business, strategic management, supply chain management, knowledge management, entrepreneurship and innovation, urban systems, marketing and tourism.
Location
Duration
- 1.5-4 years full-time
- 2.5-7 years part-time
Start month
September; October; November; December; January; February; March; April; May; June; July; August
Home/international fees
* January, February, March, April, May, June, July and August 2024 starters pay the 2023/24 fees.
What you should know about this course
What you will study
About the course team
Welcome to our MPhil/PhD programme in Business Research. We are an experienced team of academics and industry professionals. You will be matched with a supervisor who is an expert in your chosen area. Our teaching is informed by research and consultancy work.
Come and meet us
We are offering virtual events so that you can still experience how Greenwich could be the right university for you.
Next Open Days
Got a question?
To find out more about our Open Days and Campus Tours or if you need any assistance, please email opendays@gre.ac.uk.
Entry requirements
If you are
Applicants should have:
- A taught Master's degree, with a minimum average of 60% in all areas of assessment (e.g. Merit or above), in a generic subject area relevant to the subject matter of the proposed research project, and/or
- A First Class or Second Class, First Division (Upper Second Class) Honours degree in a subject area relevant to the proposed research project.
Before submitting an application form, please read carefully the information below.
- Please make informal preliminary contact with a potential supervisor or research group within the Business School. Include the name of the potential supervisor(s) you contacted in your research proposal and personal statement.
- Submit a detailed research proposal of approximately 1,500 words, your CV, transcripts, and evidence of language proficiency (if relevant) with your application. We recommend adding a Gantt chart at the end of your proposal which provides a schedule for your project.
- There are intakes in September and January. To be considered for a September start, you must apply by 15 May. To be considered for a January start, you must apply by 15 October. If you are applying for a specific studentship which has been advertised, you must apply by the deadline given.
Further details
Contact the Business School's Research Administrator: pgr_business_recruit@gre.ac.uk.
For more information, contact courseinfo@greenwich.ac.uk or 020 8331 9000.
You can also read our admissions policy.
The University of Greenwich accepts a broad range of international qualifications for admission to our courses.
For detailed information on the academic and English language requirements, please find your country in our directory.
Alternatively, please contact us:
- By telephone: +44 (0)20 8331 8136.
- By email: international@gre.ac.uk.
Available to overseas students?
Yes
Can I use prior learning?
For exemption: If you hold qualifications or courses from another higher education institution, these may exempt you from courses of this degree.
How you will learn
Teaching
At the heart of this MPhil/PhD is the collaboration between you and your research supervisors who are experts in your chosen area. Supervisors will guide you through the process of:
- Refining your research project and the outcomes
- Outlining a plan, monitoring it, and keeping to a schedule
- Guidance on obtaining ethical approval (if applicable)
- Identifying any extra taught courses and training events to attend in support of your research.
Class sizes
Information coming soon.
Independent learning
Outside of timetabled sessions, you will need to dedicate time to self-study to prepare for coursework and to develop your research project. Our Stockwell Street Library and online resources will support your further reading and research.
You can also join a range of student societies, including the Doctoral Society.
Overall workload
Your overall workload consists of contact hours (lectures, seminars, research group meetings and meetings with your supervisor), independent learning and assessments. For full-time students, the workload should be roughly equivalent to a full-time job. For part-time students, this will reduce in line with the amount of time you have allocated to complete the programme.
Assessment
On this course, you'll be assessed by coursework in your first year (or second year for part-time students). The degree is awarded when you submit your thesis and successfully defend it by oral examination (viva-voce) at the end of your research.
Feedback summary
Once you submit your dissertation, it normally takes three months for the thesis to be reviewed by an examination team. The viva exam normally takes place towards the end of this three-month period.
Dates and timetables
The academic year runs from September to June.
Full teaching timetables are not usually available until term has started. For any queries, please call 020 8331 9000.
Fees and funding
Your time at university should be enjoyable, rewarding, and free of unnecessary stress. Planning your finances before you come to university can help to reduce financial concerns. We can offer advice on living costs and budgeting, as well as on awards, allowances and loans.
2023/24 fees *
| Full-time (per year) | Part-time | |
|---|---|---|
| View fees |
* January, February, March, April, May, June, July and August 2024 starters pay the 2023/24 fees.
Fees are assessed based on your country of domicile, with students domiciled in the EU charged international fees. If you are unsure, find out more about how your fee status is assessed.
Accommodation costs
Whether you choose to live in halls of residence or rent privately, we can help you find what you're looking for. We have dedicated accommodation for postgraduate students (Devonport House) available from just £160 per person per week, with bills included. If you require more space or facilities, these options are available at a slightly higher cost. Students based at the Medway Campus can also reside in student halls in Chatham or rent privately in the local area.
There is a range of financial support available to support your studies. This includes postgraduate loans, international scholarships, and options for current students and alumni to continue studying at the university. EU students may be eligible for a bursary to support their study. View our EU bursary to find out more.
We also provide advice and support on budgeting, money management and financial hardship.
Other costs
Further costs may include (but are not limited to):
- Resources: you may need to purchase books for your studies, as well as specific computer software (estimate, £150 per year). Our Stockwell Street library offers an extensive range of books for loan, as well as access to journals and digital resources.
Careers and placements
What sort of careers do graduates pursue?
You can have a career in research, whether in academia, think tanks, private research institutions, or the research and development departments of businesses or government bodies.
Do you provide employability services?
Our Business School Employability team is committed to supporting your journey towards a rewarding graduate destination. We provide a professional service to empower you to achieve your potential and offer support for two years after graduation. Services include:
- CV, cover letter, and application tips
- Interviews support
- Careers fairs
- Mentoring
More about our Employability services.
Support and advice
Academic skills and study support
We want to make sure you make the most of your time with us. You can access study skills support through your supervisors, the research groups you will be affiliated to, our subject librarians and our online academic skills centre.
Where appropriate, we provide support in academic English and mathematics. If you need to use particular IT packages for a specific module, we will provide training for this.
The University of Greenwich also participates in SCONUL. This scheme allows research students to access or borrow materials from libraries at other participating universities. Other libraries may charge admin fees for issuing entry cards or similar.
Support from the department
The Business School's main research expertise is located in its research groups. The following centres have expertise and can supervise research students:
- Centre for Business Network Analysis
- Centre for Research on Employment and Work
- Connected Cities
- Institute of Political Economy, Governance, Finance and Accountability
- Tourism Research Centre
Research is seen as an essential activity for the Business School, both as a foundation for excellence in teaching and as a basis to provide contract research and consultancy services to business and the wider community, both nationally and locally (especially within south-east London and Kent).
As a Business School student you will be able to enter our Enterprise Challenge, which rewards student entrepreneurship and innovation. Previous winners have received significant prize money to develop their business ideas.
We hold Big Picture Seminars with senior executives from organisations including Northern Trust and Barclays are invited to pass on their insights and experience.
Not quite what you were looking for?
We've got plenty of other courses for you to choose from. Browse our postgraduate research prospectus or check our related courses below.
Business and management degrees at the University of Greenwich
Choose from a range of courses, from business entrepreneurship to international business. You’ll benefit from our excellent links with over 200 businesses, as well as our mentoring and networking schemes.
Visit our business and management degrees page.
Business and management degrees
Mode of study
Select from the dropdown below.
| Course level | |
| UCAS code | |
| Duration | |
| Location |
Need more help?
020 8331 9000• Live chat• courseinfo@gre.ac.uk• More information