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Organisational Behaviour PhD programme

We are known as one of the top OB departments in the world, recognised for teaching excellence and innovative, in-depth research.

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Combine theoretical and methodological rigour with managerial relevance

Develop the knowledge and skills necessary to become a successful and productive scholar.

• Research excellence
• A rigorous and extensive curriculum
• The student experience

Contribute to our research output - the cornerstone of our ability to have a positive impact on the world

• Train to become a scholar in the field and secure an academic job in a research-oriented university
• Pursue research on the behaviour of individuals, groups and organisations, with the goal of advancing theoretical understanding of these phenomena
• Develop content knowledge and learn to conduct original empirical research
• Tutor, teach and internalise the professional values and traditions of the field.
• Integrate psychological, sociological and economic perspectives on the study of organisations and their members
• Emphasise the interplay between theory development and empirical research. 
• Work closely with our outstanding OB faculty

ethics and morality

decision making

negotiations

social networks

power and status

team and group processes.

Interested in applying to London Business School for your PhD? Our students share their experience of what it's like, from consideration to congregation. 

A primer on the LBS OB PhD

Faculty in the Organisational Behaviour group

We focus primarily on Micro and Macro Organisational Behaviour – the study of individual and group behaviour in an organisational context. We draw heavily on theory from psychology and sociology, and publish regularly in discipline-based and management journals.

Research Lab

A fully-staffed-state-of-the-art lab devoted to running business-related behavioural research studies. Controlled lab experiments, online surveys and field studies are just some of the methods our Lab can facilitate.

PhD students

We prepare the next generation of scholars to undertake cutting-edge research. Find out how they’re pushing the frontiers of their individual subject area. Meet our current PhD students

A unique life experience

Benefit from our central London location. Enjoy our vibrant campus environment. Welcome to a dynamic student and alumni community that provides lifelong engagement and opportunity.

Interested in applying? We recruit students through our annual PhD application process.

Ready to join the LBS PhD programme? We’d love to hear from you.

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The cornerstone of our School. Our curriculum challenges the status quo and shapes modern business practice. Through premium, ambitious learning experiences anchored in academic excellence, original research and our faculty’s expertise, our students learn how to think, not what to think.

Confident, captivating, eclectic and global – a cosmopolitan centre of trade, finance and culture in a time zone that overlaps with most world cities. That’s where you will find us. Our neighbours are the world’s biggest businesses and most unusual start-ups; top venture capital funds and the next big global social movement. London is our classroom; our playground and the oxygen that breathes life and dynamism into our people, their ideas and future lives.

Being global is in our DNA. Our students, staff, faculty, alumni and corporate partners come from every corner of the world, inspiring powerful international networks and meaningful connections across cultures. Many of our programmes will take you out of your comfort zone to examine different business approaches in international settings, like Johannesburg, Tel Aviv, Yangon and Lima. Social and professional trips abroad are limited only by your imagination. Our Dubai campus is growing quickly, attracting the region’s most ambitious future leaders and fueling our ambitions of global pre-eminence. Our alumni end up all over the world, changing the world and keep engaging with us in different ways, including funding scholarships and working with our Career Centre to offer our students valuable work opportunities. Be exposed to new perspectives, new ideas and new experiences at a truly global business school, London Business School.

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"It’s so good and powerful, after a core course, an elective or sometimes just a reading, or talking with peers to understand a different way to analyse, compare or to understand the world, the business: those amazing "It’s so good and powerful, after a core course, an elective or sometimes just a reading, or talking with peers to understand a different way to analyse, compare or to understand the world, the business: those amazing moments where you realise that everything is possible... " ...

"It’s so good and powerful, after a core course, an elective or sometimes just a reading, or talking with peers to understand a different way to analyse, compare or to understand the world, the business: those amazing moments where you realise that everything is possible " ...

Laurent Auzzino

LBS Sloan 2019 Fellow

£ 21.8 m

In scholarships awarded

for 2019-2020 academic year

Of our MBA students are international

No nationality dominates

Where minds come alive

We are proud to welcome you into our immensely international, diverse and supportive community where the world’s brightest minds will inspire you to reach your fullest potential and define your success. Since our inception in 1964, we have set out to help individuals thrive as well as advance a shared purpose: to have a profound impact on the way the world does business and the way business impact the world. Our faculty are world-class, influential business experts. They push boundaries and experiment. The FTSE 100 index of the biggest companies listed on the London Stock Exchange was the brainchild of our professors Paul Marsh and Elroy Dimson. Lucrezia Reichlin helped to pioneer the econometric concept of now-casting – a form of short-term forecasting based on real-time data -, used by central banks around the world to set monetary policy. The rigorous thought leadership and dynamic, personal approach of our 166 plus faculty members are at the centre of our eclectic education offering and underpin our top rankings.

Real-world impact: always

We have never stood still. Over the years we have evolved and continue to evolve to reflect the ever-changing business landscape. We are constantly strengthening our expertise by adding degree and Executive Education programmes to our portfolio in line with market demand. As an example, in 2019, we celebrated our first intake for our Masters in Analytics & Management , a one-year Early Careers programme that blends data analytics and data science into our expert teaching in general management. Extending our footprint in Dubai, Hong Kong and New York emphasises our ambition to influence international business practice and help business leaders find innovative solutions to their greatest challenges. Our Executive Education programmes reach 10,000 participants each year and growing -delivered in 35 countries around the world. We are proud to be a world-leading business school. We are proud to be different. We are proud to be London Business School. The only business school in the heart of London and Dubai where diverse minds come alive to fuel fresh perspectives and change the world.

Female participants

On our Degree Education programmes, Sept 2023

From private equity to rugby (women’s and men’s)

Global collaboration

We strive for worldwide excellence in business education. We benefit from numerous academic partnerships with other global business schools whilst retaining ultimate responsibility for the academic standards of our awards and the quality of learning opportunities. View our List of International Academic Partners

• Launched in 2001
• Jointly developed by London Business School and Columbia Business School
• Develops global business leaders, broadens global perspectives and expands worldwide networks.

EMBA-Global Americas & Europe with Columbia Business School

• Launched in 2006
• Taught at the Dubai International Finance Centre (DIFC), location of our Dubai Office.

Executive MBA Dubai

Most programmes offer international study opportunities at top global institutions. In return, we host incoming exchange students from around the world:

• MBA International Exchange Programme
• Masters in Finance International Exchange Programme
• Leadership Programmes International Study Opportunities.

Our growing engagement with China continues:

• Global Masters in Management (GMiM) double degree agreement with Fudan University - students join the LBS Masters in Management programme in year one and receive the relevant degree award, immediately followed by year two of Fudan’s MSc International Business, which students undertake in Shanghai and for which they receive Fudan’s award. The Global MiM had its first intake of students in September 2015.
• MBA students from the University of Hong Kong spend one term at LBS
• London Business School hosts a group of EMBA participants annually from the China Europe International Business School (CEIBS) as part of their regular month-long European study tour.

LBS was instrumental in the founding of the Indian School of Business in Hyderabad. We regularly send faculty to support programmes.

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Regent's Park London Marylebone London NW1 4SA United Kingdom

London Business School (LBS) is a leading global business school and is one of the few in the world to have the triple crown accreditation (AACSB, EQUIS, AMBA).

London Business School was founded in 1964 and joined the University of London in 1965.

The School offers post-graduate degrees and covers seven subject areas – Accounting, Economics, Finance, Management Science and Operations, Marketing, Organisational Behaviour and Strategy and Entrepreneurship.

Students are given the opportunity to travel the world as part of their studies and in their career searches, through international exchanges to over 30 top business schools and internships.

Students further benefit from the School’s 42,000 alumni who provide a wealth of knowledge, business experience and worldwide networking opportunities.

• More about the Triple crown accreditation (External website)
• The School was ranked the best business school in Europe for three years in a row (2014-2016) by the Financial Times (External website)
• Ranked third in the world for Business and Management Studies in 2022 by the QS Rankings (External website)

Choose start date: Start date: September 2024 Duration: Five to six years Deadline: Applications are now closed Fee: Fully funded Location: London, UK Admissions Funding and scholarships

A fully-funded PhD for aspiring scholars seeking an academic career 

We believe that rigorous academic analysis can provide practical solutions to complex problems in society. Our fully-funded PhD programme provides students with the opportunity to conduct their own research in a world-leading university, finding solutions to key challenges in modern business. As a Business School, we rank first in the UK for research environment and second for management and business students, while Imperial College London ranks first in the UK overall for research (REF 2021). 

Starting with a one or two-year Master’s in Research (MRes), depending on your chosen research area, you will gain a strong theoretical grounding and thorough research training to prepare you for the PhD. As a doctoral student you will have the benefit of supervision from leading world scholars. You will develop the expertise and research skills necessary to pursue a career in academia with previous Imperial doctoral graduates finding success in other leading universities such as Copenhagen Business School, Tsinghua University, University of Amsterdam, University College London, and The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.

97% world-leading or internationally excellent research (REF 2021) #1 in the UK for research (Imperial College London, REF 2021) 1% top one per cent of business schools worldwide to have achieved triple accreditation 6 research areas Explore the programme

Advance your academic success at a world class research institution

3rd in Europe (Imperial College London, Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024)

6th in the world (Imperial College London, QS World University Rankings 2024)

#1 city for students (London, QS Best Student City Rankings 2024)

Build your career with our global reputation

With particular expertise in finance, entrepreneurship, health, and sustainable business, the Business School is recognised as leading the field. Benefit from strong industry partnerships and a diverse alumni network. 

A fully-funded programme

Every student on our Doctoral programme is offered full funding, including a full tuition fee waiver (Home/EU or Overseas fees) plus a living stipend for up to five years. Funding for a 6th year can be considered on a case-by-case basis, with the potential to undertake a teaching or research assistant studentship with one of the Business Schools research centres.  

World-class faculty

Our internationally admired faculty are leaders in their respective fields, bringing a wealth of experience and academic distinction. They are deeply invested in developing the research interests of our PhD students, fostering an environment of intellectual growth and innovation. 

Impact on industry

Working closely with businesses and governments, we drive policy and practice through inspiring collaboration and research excellence, giving you the opportunity to observe the impact of research on business and society. 

Inspiring intellectual community

Engage with a diverse cohort of fellow PhD students and researchers, creating an inspiring and collaborative environment that encourages intellectual development and professional connections. 

Programme content

The Business School Master’s in Research (MRes) is an integral part of the PhD, introducing theory and research methods in Finance, Economics and Management, providing you with a solid foundation for your doctoral studies. Depending on the research area you choose to specialise in, you will embark on a one or two-year MRes programme as shown below. 

*Please note programme content is subject to change. The modules mentioned below are just a sample of what is available in the programme.

Data Analysis Tools

This course provides students with a basic foundation in mathematics and statistics required to undertake further quantitative research methods courses. This course consists of two parts, statistics and mathematics. Topics covered include: matrix algebra; optimization; differential equations; random variables and probability distributions; moments of a random variable; probability distributions; joint, marginal and conditional distributions; functions and transformation of a random variable; hypothesis testing; univariate regression.

Systematic Reviews

When starting new research, the first step is usually a literature review: scanning what is already known about a given topic and figuring out where the gaps are. However, novice researchers tend to be anything but systematic in their literature review: they have no method for scanning the literature, and they usually have little idea of what is relevant and what is not. The Systematic Review method opens a way to create research syntheses that add real value and novel insight – in a way that is potentially publishable in its own right.

Specialist Modules

Optimisation

Stochastic Processes - This module introduces you to basic tools for modelling stochastic phenomena. The focus of the module is the theory of stochastic processes, but applications will be drawn from operations research, analytics / ML, and finance to illustrate the usage of the models for studying real-world business problems

Machine Learning for Analytics - This module gives you an overview of machine learning methods for analytics. Applications in the module will be drawn from various sources including medical applications (e.g. patient discharge from hospitals), recommender systems and the Netflix prize, advertising and marketing, estimating scofflaw rates, reputations systems and Google's PageRank algorithm, filtering, text mining, sports analytics etc.

Decision Making Under Uncertainty - This module gives you an overview of different paradigms of decision making in dynamic uncertain environments, including dynamic programming, stochastic optimisation and robust optimisation. Along with theory, applications in operations management and analytics will be introduced, with the aim of preparing you for research in these areas.

Industrial Organisation

Sustainable Behaviour - This module aims to provide you with an in-depth exposure to the emerging academic field of sustainable behaviour. You will be presented with the main methodological tool used in behavioural research (lab and field experiments) as well with the multiple articles and journals which have published cutting-edge experimental research on sustainable behaviour across a wide variety of contexts.

Consumer Behaviour - This module aims to give you a robust foundation in consumer behaviour and how it relates to marketing. The module covers topics such as how consumers process marketing communications, how consumer involvement affects decision making, and how external factors impact consumer behaviour.

Microeconomics 1

Microeconomics 2

Research methods modules

Applied Microeconometrics

Applied Microeconometrics 2

Econometrics 1

Econometrics 2

Qualitative Methods 1

Qualitative Methods 2

Quantitative Methods 2

Other elective modules

You can choose from a range of elective modules relevant to your pathway.

Asset Pricing Theory 

Corporate Finance

Consumer Behaviour

Empirical Asset Pricing

Entrepreneurship 

Financial Economics of Climate Sustainability

Machine Learning for Analytics

Machine Learning for Economic Analysis

Macroeconomics

Macro-Finance

Micro Development Economics

Organisational Behaviour

Organisation Theory 

Topics in Empirical Banking 

Topics in Environmental Resource Economics 

Topics in Health Economics

Topics in Household Finance 

Business Models and Intellectual Property*

Contemporary Topics in Health Policy*

Digital Marketing Analytics*

Healthcare and Medical Analytics*

Logistics and Supply Chain Analytics*

Optimisation and Decision Models*

Retail and Marketing Analysis*

Workforce Analytics*

*These modules are available subject to capacity and timetabling constraints in other faculties and are differently weighted to the MRes Business electives

Year one compulsory modules for Economics and Public Policy pathway

Applied Microeconometrics I  - This module will provide an introduction to the practice of applied microeconometrics. Students will learn the standard empirical methods in current use by applied researchers and be exposed to a handful of frontier approaches. The focus will be on implementation beyond simply estimating a parameter of interest: getting the standard errors right, validation and conducting appropriate robustness exercises, and adapting methods to fit new contexts.

Applied Microeconometrics II  - This module will be an introduction to some of the most important themes for students wishing to conduct their own research in Empirical Corporate Finance. For other students, this module will help students gain a better understanding of research related to your own field. Topics covered include: regression refresher, causality and randomized experiments, instrumental variables, difference-in-difference, regression discontinuity, standard errors, event studies, discrete response models, matching methods, and non-parametric methods

Econometrics I  - The module has the objective to provide the students with econometric tools necessary to conduct their empirical research and discuss fundamentals of econometric theory behind them. Students will learn how to conduct - and how to critique - empirical studies in finance, economics and related fields.

Macroeconomics  - This course covers research issues that arise in the intersection of macroeconomics and finance. Topics include portfolio choice, general equilibrium models with heterogeneous agents and dynamic asset pricing models.

Microeconomics I  - The module covers the main tools of microeconomic theory and focuses on preferences, consumer theory, choice under uncertainty, producer theory, and game theory. Time permitting, it introduces general equilibrium in competitive markets. The emphasis is on economic intuition as well as techniques. The fundamental concepts of microeconomic theory are discussed.

Microeconomics II  -   This module covers competitive equilibrium, markets with imperfect, competition and asymmetric information, general equilibrium, Social choice and mechanism design

Research Experience  – This module is intended to give students practical experience of research preparation for their dissertation the following year.  They will undertake research tasks under the supervision of a faculty member on a topic chosen by the faculty member.  Students can select those projects that fit their research interests.

Year one compulsory modules for Finance pathway

Empirical Corporate Finance  - This module will provide an introduction to the practice of applied microeconometrics. Students will learn the standard empirical methods in current use by applied researchers and be exposed to a handful of frontier approaches. The focus will be on implementation beyond simply estimating a parameter of interest: getting the standard errors right, validation and conducting appropriate robustness exercises, and adapting methods to fit new contexts.

Econometrics II    - This module will be an introduction to some of the most important themes for students wishing to conduct their own research in Empirical Corporate Finance. For other students, this module will help students gain a better understanding of research related to your own field. Topics covered include: regression refresher, causality and randomized experiments, instrumental variables, difference-in-difference, regression discontinuity, standard errors, event studies, discrete response models, matching methods, and non-parametric methods. 

Econometrics I  - The module has the objective to provide the students with econometric tools necessary to conduct their empirical research and discuss fundamentals of econometric theory behind them. Students will learn how to conduct - and how to critique - empirical studies in finance, economics and related fields.

Microeconomics I  - The module covers the main tools of microeconomic theory and focuses on preferences, consumer theory, choice under uncertainty, producer theory, and game theory. Time permitting, it introduces general equilibrium in competitive markets. The emphasis is on economic intuition as well as techniques. The fundamental concepts of microeconomic theory are discussed.

Corporate Finance  - This module is taught in two parts, starting with a historical background, and then considering the theory of investment decisions, capital structure, financial innovation, and corporate governance.

Asset Pricing Theory  - The first part of this module deals with representative investors, portfolio choice and dynamic securities markets in discrete time before covering portfolio choice in continuous time and option pricing. The second part starts from the asset pricing implications of a general equilibrium Lucas-tree economy. Then, it discusses the main asset pricing puzzles implied by these economies. Finally, we will explore optimal portfolio choice, multiple trees economies and some of the latest attempts in the asset pricing literature to solve some of these puzzles.

Empirical Asset Pricing  -   The module is intended for students with a prior knowledge of asset pricing theory, capital markets and econometrics, and will concentrate on discrete-time methods and use a variety of econometric techniques. The module will cover these econometric tools in order to empirically address meaningful economic questions.

Research Experience  - This module is intended to give students practical experience of research preparation for their dissertation the following year.  They will undertake research tasks under the supervision of a faculty member on a topic chosen by the faculty member.  Students can select those projects that fit their research interests.

Year one compulsory modules for Innovation and Entrepreneurship pathway

Introduction to the Practice of Research  - This module will introduce you to the craft of research. You will develop the skills and knowledge you need to effectively produce research questions and hypotheses, ensuring consistency between theory, research design, methods and measures, and developing a clear and compelling argument.

Qualitative Methods I  - This module covers research methods required in qualitative research. You will develop skills in all aspects of the research process, including research design, data collection, data analysis, theory building, writing up as well as reviewing papers and responding to referees. The module is essential for those who wish to author qualitative research but will also be useful for quantitative researchers.

Quantitative Methods I  - This module provides an overview of the primary quantitative methods employed in management research. It will enable you to develop the ability to interpret the results of your own research as well as to critically assess the findings presented in other studies. The emphasis will be on the practical application of different estimation models using STATA rather than on the econometrics and mathematical specification.

Organisational Behaviour  - In this module you will be introduced to a selection of most seminal papers in organisational behaviour with a particular focus on classic and contemporary theories, ongoing controversies, and ground-breaking empirical studies. The emphasis is on providing a foundational overview of the field.

Organisational Theory  - This module will expose you to the major theoretical perspectives and issues studied in organisation theory research. You will also be exposed to a set of approaches to understanding how and why organisations form, survive and grow.

Strategy  - In this module you will develop the fundamentals of strategy including the theories of competitive advantage, industry analysis, understanding of resource based view/knowledge based view, and corporate strategy.

Innovation Management  - This module will offer a thorough theoretical understanding of the key themes of innovation research, combined with practical insights into the challenges of innovation management in organisations. You will address topics ranging from technological change, creativity, the role of networks in innovation, and appropriability/value capture from innovation.

Entrepreneurship  - This module introduces students to the major theoretical threads and debates in the field of entrepreneurship. Students will learn to make connections between theory and empirical research, practice critiquing and identifying insight in research, engage with fundamental debates in the field and formulate directions how the field may be further advanced.

Year one compulsory modules for Strategy and Organisational Behaviour pathway

Elective modules for economics and public policy pathway.

Asset Pricing Theory

Decision Making Under Certainty

Econometrics I

Econometrics II 

Financial Economics of Climate and Sustainability

Machine Learning for Economics Analysis

Macroeconomics 

Microeconomics I

Microeconomics II 

Sustainable Behaviour

Topics in Empirical Banking

Topics in Environmental Resource Economics

Topics in Household Finance

Elective modules for Finance pathway

Advanced Financial Statistics

Asset Allocation and Investment Strategies

Big Data in Finance I

Big Data in Finance II

Decision Making Under Uncertainty

Econometrics II

Financial Economics for Climate Sustainability

Microeconomics II

Elective modules for Innovation and Entrepreneurship pathway

Advanced Topics in Organisational Behaviour

Corporate Sustainability

Interdisciplinary Research

Qualitative Methods II

Readings in Digital Business

Readings in Social Networks/Social Capital

Social Network Analysis

Social Data Science

Special Topics in Organisational Theory/Strategy

Elective modules for Strategy and Organisational behaviour pathway

Advanced Topics in Organisational Behaviour 

Social Network Analysis 

Research Project

During the second year, students work on their MRes project which is formally assessed and counts towards the overall MRes mark. Students are expected to approach potential supervisors from within the department’s academic staff. Students submit their proposed research project title and a brief outline by the end of September of Year two. Students submit a Progress Report in February, outlining their progress to date with the thesis. During the Summer Term, students will submit their MRes dissertation. This will be followed by an oral exam

Research plan 

When you progress from the MRes to the PhD, you will work with your supervisors, chosen based on your research interests. Your supervisors will help you develop your research question, identify research and teaching opportunities and support you through your studies and the academic job application process.  

Seminars and conferences

Being part of the School’s inspirational research community is a crucial aspect of the doctoral experience – as is gaining familiarity with cutting edge research from world-leading academics. Each department runs seminars where internal and external academics discuss their latest work.  

As well as providing insight into yet-to-be-published research, the seminars offer networking opportunities and visiting academics often lead special topic workshops for research students. The Doctoral programme also supports the participation of research students in international conferences where you can present your own research and participate in doctoral consortia. 

Early Stage Assessment 

The Early Stage Assessment (ESA) takes place in the summer of year one of the PhD and is assessed by a panel of faculty. The ESA outlines the research question, the work you have done to date and the future research activities to be carried out to complete the project. 

It consists of a written report and presentation to which all PhD students and research department faculty are invited. The purpose of the ESA is not only to assess your personal progress but it also gives you the opportunity to discuss your work at its early stages and get feedback and ideas from faculty to improve your research. 

Armed with feedback from the Early Stage Assessment, you will work intensely on your thesis, focusing on the collection and analysis of empirical data and developing theoretical frameworks. Under the guidance of your supervisors, the thesis gives you the opportunity to conduct a substantial piece of original research. 

Late stage review

The Late Stage Review (LSR) takes place in the summer of year two of the PhD and follows the same principle as the Early Stage Assessment, in that its purpose is to assess your progress and provide you with feedback and advice on the direction and scope of your research. 

Our research areas

What our students say

“The programme structure is different from many other business schools because during the first year at Imperial we study the Master’s of Research (MRes), which is focused on developing strong foundations before continuing to the PhD programme. This also gives us additional time to discover opportunities and find the right paths for our research.”

Class profile 2022

20 new students per year

51% female students

20 nationalities represented

Funding and scholarships

Request a brochure, career impact.

In recent years, our PhD students have joined leading universities, research centres and institutions such as Tsinghua University, University College London, Copenhagen Business School, the Bank of England, the University of Bath, King’s College London, National Chengchi University, the University of Sussex and Renmin University in China. Others have sought top positions in industry or founded successful start-ups.

The doctoral programme has been re-structured in recent years to focus more on academic development and it is anticipated that over the coming years placements will focus more on academia than industry.

Find out more about career outcomes

Meet your faculty

Our PhD programme provides close collaboration between leading Analytics & Operations faculty and doctoral students, developing your research interests and providing continuous support and guidance throughout the programme.  

Alexander Michaelides

Kalyan Talluri

Wolfram Wiesemann

Edward Anderson

Martin Haugh

Xiaocheng Li

Reza Skandari

Jiankun Sun

Carol Propper

Franco Sassi

Jonathan Haskel

Marisa Miraldo

Richard Green

Pedro Rosa Dias

Esther Bøler

Franklin Allen

Patrick Bolton

Ramana Nanda

Lara Cathcart

Enrico Biffis

Christopher Hansman

Clara Martinez-Toledano

Alan Hughes

Celia Moore

Markus Perkmann

Christopher Tucci

James Barlow

Ileana Stigliani

Mark Kennedy

James Eteen

Eduardo B. Andrade

Andreas Eisingerich

Rajesh Bhargave

Sven Mikolon

Michelle Rogan

Frequently asked questions, how long does it take to complete the doctoral programme.

The Doctoral programme is structured to take between four to six years full-time. In the first year, all students undertake a one or two year MRes programme depending on their chosen research area specialism. Subject to satisfactory academic progress, students then progress to the PhD which takes between 3-4 years.

When does the academic year start?

The Doctoral programme has one intake each year in September and is spread over four to six years.

Do you offer any distance learning or part-time research programmes?

It is not possible to enrol on the Doctoral programme on a part-time or distance learning basis. Students must be in attendance throughout the full period of study.

Can I transfer from my current Doctoral programme to Imperial College Business School's Doctoral programme?

It is not usually possible to transfer onto the Doctoral programme as it is unlikely that previous studies would perfectly overlap with the School’s expertise.

Can I come to Imperial College Business School as a visiting student?

Please visit Imperial College London's visiting students page .

Can I have a part-time job whilst enrolled in the programme?

The Doctoral programme is full time. Students are able to undertake part-time work if this does not break any relevant visa and/or scholarship conditions, however the programme offers a living stipend to support students during their studies.

How many students do you accept onto the Doctoral programme every year?

Admission onto the Doctoral programme is highly competitive as we accept around 15 students each year, from a total of approximately 200 applications.

Is there a workspace assigned to Doctoral students?

There is a designated workspace which includes a computer and relevant software assigned to all enrolled Doctoral students. You will share working space with other PhD students in your cohort.

How do I apply and what documents do I need to submit with my application?

All applications to the Doctoral programme are made via our online platform. You will either need to select 'Business (MRes 1YFT)' or 'Business (MRes 2YFT)' based on your research area of interest. Further information can be found on our  Doctoral programme page.

Please refer to the  How to apply page  to see application deadlines, what documents you are required to submit with your application and to view the selection process.

When is the application deadline?

To find out more about application deadlines for our Doctoral programme please  visit the How to apply page .

What do I need to include in my statement of purpose?

One of the most important parts of our application form is the ‘statement of purpose’ section. It should be no more than one or two A4 pages and should cover the following points:

Your motivation for undertaking the programme

A discussion of possible research areas that you might pursue and how these are a good fit for Imperial College Business School

What interests you most about your chosen field of study

Relevant past study, industry, or research projects

Long-term career goals

I haven't decided what area I want to specialise in for my PhD, what should I do?

You should browse the description of the different research groups in the Business School and the webpages of faculty members. This will give an overview of their research interests and current projects. The MRes gives you an opportunity to pursue potential interests through courses and a project prior to committing to the PhD

Do I need a willing supervisor prior to application?

No, although in your application you should list a member of  faculty  you have identified as a potential supervisor. You can demonstrate in your statement of purpose how your research interests are aligned to a potential supervisor and the Business School.

Checking the research profiles of faculty members and Business School projects will give you an indication of whether the Business School is a good fit for you. If no faculty are working in your area of interest it is unlikely that you would be shortlisted, as we may not be able to provide supervisory support during your PhD.

During the MRes year, you will become part of the research community at Imperial College Business School and interact with faculty and other PhD students during taught courses and at seminars, which we hope will influence and help shape your research ideas for the PhD.

Are all applicants interviewed?

Not all applications progress to the interview stage of the selection process, however we interview all shortlisted candidates before making an offer. In the case of overseas candidates we will arrange an interview by telephone or via Skype.

Is GMAT/GRE a compulsory requirement?

Yes. A GMAT/GRE score must be submitted before we will consider an application. Any applications submitted without a GMAT/GRE score will be considered incomplete until we receive a score. Please note that we do not make offers on the condition that a candidate achieves a satisfactory GMAT/GRE score. To see the GMAT/GRE scores we look for, please refer to the  Entry Requirements page .

Do you offer Doctoral funding and stipend?

We offer a fully funded Doctoral programme at Imperial College Business School – this includes a tuition fee waiver and a stipend for up to five years. The 2024-25 rate of the Graduate Teaching Assistant scholarship stipend is £25,000. Rates are reviewed annually and are expected to increase for 2025-26 in line with Research Council UK rates. Stipends are tax-free and the continuation of the stipend will depend on your satisfactory progress on the programme.

What living costs should I allow for in London?

Living costs vary considerably depending on the area of London you choose to live in and your choice of accommodation.

Read more about  estimated London living costs  and  accommodation for postgraduates .

Do you offer Doctoral scholarships?

Within Imperial, we also have funding opportunities from various external studentships, including EPSRC, ESRC, and the Imperial College President’s PhD Scholarships .

Students who are eligible for other PhD  funding opportunities  that may be available to them are expected to apply for them.

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Game-changing research. A contemporary approach to postgraduate business education. And a central London hub for engaging with business, finance and government. King’s Business School creates socially responsible leaders of the future. Ready to start your postgraduate journey?

We tackle business challenges. Our expert researchers and lecturers will encourage you to take an interdisciplinary approach to solving real world problems. You’ll develop an entrepreneurial mindset and become a specialist in your field.

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You’ll study in the iconic Bush House in central London. Our building is surrounded by entrepreneurial firms and SMEs – and not far from the Square Mile with its huge concentration of financial firms.

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Discover the economic, technical and institutional foundations of accounting and financial management.

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Explore the challenges facing financial markets and the global banking sector.

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Our Digital Marketing MSc course will provide you with knowledge of the strategic and tactical use of digital marketing and its importance in contemporary business.

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Learn about micro and macroeconomics, financial markets & services and the relationship between finance and econometrics.

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The programme will introduce you to cutting-edge theoretical and applied research on the management of environmental, social, and governance matters. The topic areas covered are multi-disciplinary, and the programme will offer you research- and problem-based perspectives from fields as diverse as science, economics, accounting, finance, law, and strategy.

The Executive MBA at King’s is your opportunity to shape a new paradigm for business. Alongside top academics and other future leaders, you’ll discover the role of business in solving world challenges.

Executive MSc Strategic Marketing

Our Executive MSc Strategic Marketing aims to enable professionals already working in marketing (or adjacent roles) to accelerate their careers and position themselves as future marketing leaders. The course offers specialist marketing knowledge and skills and equips executive candidates with transferable leadership skills that are highly sought after by employers.

Finance (Asset Pricing) MSc

Discover how complex financial markets operate. And learn about the banking sector in different markets around the world. In the MSc in Finance (Asset Pricing), you'll develop your understanding of the financial instruments that determine asset prices.

Finance (Corporate Finance) MSc

Develop a strong understanding of the internal financial workings of corporations, institutions, and firms.

Finance Analytics MSc

Experience rigorous applied training in quantitative and empirical methods in Finance.

Global Finance & Banking MSc (online)

Rooted in academic excellence and delivered by the triple-accredited King’s Business School, our Global Finance & Banking MSc offers a unique blend of theoretical methodologies grounded in real-world practice.

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Our Global Finance Analytics MSc combines core finance principles with cutting-edge analytics, challenging you to delve into the industry’s most pressing topics: artificial intelligence, investment analysis, big data and machine learning.

Human Resource Management & Organisational Analysis MSc

Prepare yourself for the key challenges in human resources, learning and development, organisational development, and organisational change.

International Management MSc

Develop a deep understanding of management decision-making. Discover the different cultural, political and economic contexts international businesses operate in.

International Marketing MSc

From brand management to consumer behaviour, this course provides you with the essential skills you'll need for a career in marketing.

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Learn how this programme, Management & Technological Change, will cultivate a richer social scientific understanding of the relationships between people and technology.

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Gain the strategic and practical marketing skills to help businesses and organisations succeed with our Marketing MSc.

MedTech Innovation & Entrepreneurship MSc

Prepare for your career as a MedTech entrepreneur, innovator or leader in the medical technology industry.

Public Policy & Management MSc

Develop the skills you need to evaluate & develop policy options for public services.

Strategic Entrepreneurship & Innovation MSc

Discover the key issues of innovative entrepreneurship, from opportunity exploitation to sales and marketing. This intellectually challenging course will give you a thorough understanding of what it takes to succeed as an entrepreneur. King's Business School

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The MBA Application: Is it OK to Apply in Later Rounds?

By Arial Starks

Amanda Fend

Have you been contemplating whether now is the time to pursue an MBA program? There is no time like the present and it’s never too late to further your education. If you have missed the first few application rounds and fear you may have waited too long to apply, do not fret, you still have time. Amanda Fend , Director, MBA Recruiting, shares some insight into the Vanderbilt MBA admissions process and why it is still okay to apply in later rounds. 

The components of the MBA application

There are several components to the MBA application, so it is always advised that you visit your desired program’s website before applying to learn everything you will need in order to get started. At Vanderbilt Business, candidates are provided an application checklist to keep them on track, ensuring all I’s are dotted and T’s crossed before hitting “submit”. 

In addition to filling out the online application and completing a video response and evaluative interview, candidates will need to make sure they have the following:

• Standardized test scores or waiver; international students will need English Language Exam scores or a test waiver
• Unofficial transcripts
• Letter of Recommendation
• Resume and work experience
• Short written statements
• Application fee 

All of these components will give the candidate a chance to showcase who they are, what they have accomplished thus far, and where they aspire to go next. 

Completing the MBA application

With all of the different moving parts of the MBA application, getting started can seem intimidating. But, if you do your research and make sure you know everything you will need ahead of time, completing the application can be done in as little as 7 days .  

“Every single person who applies to the Vanderbilt MBA program gets a dedicated recruiting manager who is there to walk alongside them and be a resource to support them,” says Fend. “That really makes the process easier for candidates, whether they have 10 weeks or 10 days from the time they have started the application.”

For candidates who are concerned they may miss out on important events by applying in later rounds, Fend assures that all Vanderbilt MBA candidates will have access to the same programming and resources. Most events that take place over the summer will be recorded and available for admitted students to watch at later times, and official opportunities for MBA candidates to get together with their cohort will not begin until the start of the school year. 

It’s not too late to apply in later rounds

Before applying to any MBA program it is important to check out the school’s website and find out how many application rounds there are and the final deadline to apply. At Vanderbilt Business, there are several rounds of deadlines for the MBA program, and the timing of your returned decision is dependent on when you submit your application. The Vanderbilt MBA application deadlines slightly change year over year, and the deadlines for each round are published at the beginning of the cycle in August. 

“Generally, it’s about 2 months between the time someone applies and when they receive a decision, but with the rolling admissions, the return decision will be much faster, because we want to make sure anyone applying during that round has enough time to prepare,” Fend explains.

While there are benefits to applying earlier in the MBA application cycle, applying in later rounds can be a positive for someone looking for a quicker return decision. But, regardless of when you apply, Fend says Vanderbilt Business has an MBA application process and resources that can be adaptable for anyone at any stage of pursuing business school.

“We recognize that everyone has their own individual path to business school, and whatever that path looks like, we want to be able to support people.”

Click here to see MBA application deadlines.

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