Overview

Research by Cardiff Business School PhD students aims to make the world a better place. In line with our Public Value ethos, our PhD in Business Studies is 3-year full-time program designed for highly qualified and motivated students who wish to research current and important problems and phenomena facing our economy and society. We ensure that PhD students are fully integrated members of our research community. As a doctoral student, we will expect you to contribute fully to the advancement of knowledge within your chosen academic field. As a PhD student, you will develop your knowledge and skills in research design, qualitative and quantitative research methods and research ethics. Subject experts will guide and supervise you during your PhD programme. In addition to your thesis, an oral examination will form an integral part of the assessment of your doctoral research.

Course structure

Candidates with strong evidence of research training acquired via previous Master-level degrees may be admitted directly to our 3-year PhD Programme. Evidence of research training includes successful completion of taught modules on research design and methods, and successful completion of a Master dissertation based on original research, from Cardiff Business School or from another UK or international University with equivalent standing. Typically, students are interviewed by prospect supervisors before being offered a place.

Learning and assessment

Students will be assessed on a Dissertation of 20,000 words for the MSc in Social Science Research Methods component of the programme. Students will be assessed on a Thesis of 80,000 words and a Viva Voce Examination for the PhD component of the programme.

Career prospects

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 UK, Europe, 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.