Doctoral Programme
Fast Facts
Programme duration: 3 years full-time, 6 years part-time
(or 2 years full-time, 4 years part-time for an MPhil)
Entry requirements: At least an upper second class UK honours degree or equivalent, and a Masters degree with a significant research component. » English Language entry requirements
Fees (PhD 2009-10): UK/EU: £3,390
International: £12,785
» More information on fees, funding and costs
Programme Structure
Our Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and Master of Philosophy (MPhil) is primarily based around an in-depth study of a specific topic, which is guided by one or more staff members who are experts and active researchers in their fields, and experienced supervisors of research.
The programme aims to:
- Provide the opportunity to enhance the student’s knowledge of the broad area and to study the theoretical foundations and specific techniques of the subject;
- Ensure the student uncovers and critically examines background literature on the topic;
- Provide the student with the stimulus required to develop originality and creativity in the research;
- Give the student the opportunity to develop skills in making and testing hypotheses or research questions, in developing new theory, and in planning and conducting investigations to discover new insights;
- Provide, through critical scrutiny of written work and oral presentations, an opportunity for the student to develop skills in writing and presenting the results of the research in learned journals.
Year 1
All doctoral candidates are automatically registered as MPhil students during their first year, within which time they are expected to complete a detailed literature review, a formal research proposal and to acquire the additional research skills they will need to conduct research in their chosen area.
Years 2 & 3
The second and third years are normally spent collecting data, conducting field research, analysing results and writing up. The PhD thesis is usually submitted at the end of the third year and is judged by internal and external examiners appointed by the University of London. The candidate is then invited to defend his/her thesis before these examiners.
Research in the School of Management
All our staff are involved in research and the Research Assessment Exercise (RAE), which ensures the development of a research capability and climate in where pressures, pains and joys of research are a shared experience. The core research groups are:
- Accounting, Finance and Economics
- Marketing
- Organisation Studies and Human Resource Management
- Strategy and International Business
- Technology and Information Management
Funding
We have a limited number of scholarships each year which are funded by either the College and/or the School of Management. Applicants are also encouraged to apply externally for funding. As our doctoral programme has been approved by the ESRC, UK applicants may be eligible to apply for an ESRC studentship, which covers both tuition fees and a maintenance bursary.
Details of various funding schemes for which students may be eligible can be found at: www.rhul.ac.uk/Prospective-Students/financial.html
SouthWest London Academic Network (SWAN) PhD Studentships
The SouthWest London Academic Network offer a number of fully funded joint studentships across Kingston, Royal Holloway and St George’s: SWAN PhD Studentships
Careers and Employment
PhD and MPhil students are important members of our community and a number of students go on to secure positions either with us or at other top-rated universities.
Throughout the doctoral programme you are expected to publish your work, either as working papers, journal articles or conference papers. In years two and three there are often opportunities to gain teaching experience. Consultancy and similar assignments may also be available and can sometimes provide additional income to students.
In addition, the Royal Holloway Graduate School organises courses for all PhD students in each year of study (1/2/3). These workshops will equip you with key research and project management skills and prepare you for future employment. For further information, see www.rhul.ac.uk/graduate-school
Entry Requirements and the Application Process
We welcome applicants from all disciplines provided they can demonstrate a good understanding of management research and its methodologies. There is no formal deadline for applications to the programme, but we recommend that applications are sent well in advance of the September or January enrolment date. Click on the link below for further details of the application process.
» Admissions & Entry Requirements; When to Apply; Application Process
Student Testimonials
"Among the three management schools I have studied at, Royal Holloway’s School of Management is the fastest-growing and still full of potential. The staff are friendly, experienced and knowledgeable. They make the curriculum challenging enough while not overwhelming. It covers enough theoretical background but also has plenty practical implications. The academic atmosphere on campus is very pleasant. At the School of Management, the administrative staff work very hard to make our lives as easy as possible. Royal Holloway will make your overall experience of postgraduate research worthwhile."
Dr Norman Peng
Former Postgraduate Research Student
"A journey on a PhD programme is a long term relationship which will last forever, and in some respects is a bit like a roller-coaster ride. At Royal Holloway’s School of Management, the faculty members’ knowledge, support and the collegial atmosphere – plus a superb ultra-modern resource centre solely dedicated to PhD students – make the ride for a PhD smoother and worthwhile.
I am a big believer in shopping around for international programmes; I had previously applied to (and successfully completed) one of Royal Holloway’s taught masters degrees mainly on account of the University of London brand, Royal Holloway’ own research reputation, the impressive Founder's Building architecture and the rich history of Egham and its environs; and I progressed successfully to the PhD.
I can say with confidence and without regret that my investment in both the PhD and my earlier masters degree at Royal Holloway has been good value-for-money."
Dr John Ahwere-Bafo
Teaching Fellow
» Awarded Zayed Prize for Most Outstanding Paper in 2007
"After having completed my MA at Royal Holloway, I decided to continue researching my area of interest at the PhD level. Royal Holloway was the only place I saw myself accomplishing my goal. Royal Holloway’s School of Management is a unique place where I can continue developing existing skills as well as embark on developing a set of new ones. Whilst self-motivation and strong research focus are essential requirements for a PhD student, my supervisor and advisor are always available to help, offer advice and practical examples based on the on-going research they undertake. A PhD student also works closely within an area-specific research team which helps the logistics of research technicalities – particularly during the conceptual construction of field work. Although a student’s originality and creativity are preserved, the research is closely monitored by a supervisor as well as via semi-annual written and oral presentations.
I am glad I chose Royal Holloway as a university to do my research: whilst I find myself in a very friendly and relaxed environment, I cannot help but feel being a part of a very strong academic community that includes people from very diverse cultural and academic backgrounds, making studying at Royal Holloway a truly unique and enriching experience."
Kamilla Galiy
Postgraduate Research Student
"The first time I came to Royal Holloway was with my wife, when she came for an interview to continue her doctoral studies. I then started dreaming of studying here. The ‘dream’ became reality a year later after I was invited by my supervisor for an interview. My area is related to higher education administration, and my supervisor was looking for someone interested in this area. We agreed a topic and I had the privilege of becoming a PhD student under the supervision of an authority in the public sector in the UK.
I strongly believe that I made the best decision of my life by coming to continue my postgraduate studies at Royal Holloway’s School of Management. The reputation of the University of London is global, and wherever I attend international conferences I am always very welcome. I am now gathering data in Brazil and the UK, and aim to complete my PhD within the next year.
I feel very confident that the academic success I have been achieving at Royal Holloway will be part of my professional life for the rest of my life."
Ailson Moraes
Postgraduate Research Student and Teaching Fellow
Disclaimer
The Department reserves the right to modify any statement if necessary, make variations to the content or methods of delivery of programmes of study, to discontinue programmes, or merge or combine programmes if such actions are reasonably considered to be necessary by the College.
Every effort will be made to keep disruption to a minimum, and to give as much notice as possible.
Tel/Fax : +44 (0)1784 276213/276100