PhD Accounting and Finance

Programme description

The Degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is awarded by the University in recognition of the successful completion of a course of supervised research, the results of which show evidence of originality and independent critical judgement and constitute an addition to knowledge.

Providing robust and systematic research training is a core strength of our PhD programme. To be able to take full advantage of the training opportunities that are offered, students should reside in or within commuting distance from Manchester. We strongly encourage any students who do not reside locally to enrol full-time.

Teaching and learning

Our research students follow a robust, systematic and flexible research training programme designed to

complement their own immediate requirements as they plan and write their thesis;
introduce them to the variety of research undertaken within the Business School; and
equip them with the broader skills to become leading edge business and management science researchers in the next generation.

The timetable runs from September to May each year. Students are required to attend research training sessions and workshops at the School and submit various pieces of assessed work throughout this period.

Normally, full-time students undertake this training and assessment in their first year of study. Part-time students are permitted to complete the research training element in two years.

Coursework and assessment

Students are assessed in a number of courses as part of their research training programme. In addition, their progress is assessed at various stages of studies through the annual progress review process.

Career opportunities

We have a tradition of producing high quality doctoral research. Many of our graduates hold academic positions in top universities and business schools around the world. We are strongly committed to creating a research community in which researchers can thrive and develop their skills and we view all our doctoral students as potential research stars of the future.

Candidates must hold a Bachelors degree with Honours (to UK standard) of First or Upper Second (2:1) Class. Applicants are also expected to hold a relevant Masters degree in finance, accounting or a cognate subject area. Normally we require performance at distinction level (70% or above) including any dissertation component; GPA of 3.3 or above; or equivalent.