Research students
The Department of Accounting & Finance provides research training in both accounting and finance to prepare graduates to pursue demanding careers as academics, professional researchers in the financial services sector or managers of business, government and professional organisations.
Strathclyde Business School (SBS) offers extensive structures of academic support, research training and careers advice that complement resources available to the students at departmental level. All research supervisors are required to attend the school's supervisor training course.
Registration of students
The department assesses each application on its merit.
For the PhD in Accounting, students should normally hold the equivalent of a good Master's degree in accounting, but qualified accountants and part-qualified accountants with a first degree in social sciences or humanities are also encouraged to apply.
For the PhD in Finance, students with the equivalent of a good Master's degree, particularly in finance, economics, accounting or mathematics, are encouraged to apply. We'll also consider applicants with exceptional undergraduate degrees (the equivalent of first-class honours) in the above disciplines.
Admission to either programme will also require a research proposal that attracts support by a member of staff trained in PhD supervision, and an academic or professional record that shows the ability to produce high-quality research.
The PhD is normally pursued on a full-time basis for three years. However, in specific circumstances and subject to certain conditions, part-time study can be arranged.
Accounting
Pursuit of a PhD in Accounting is seen by the department as an opportunity for individuals to develop the theoretical competencies required to understand the role of accounting in organisations and society. Students are encouraged to pursue an interdisciplinary approach to the technical and institutional practices that constitute accounting as a specific social practice.
The department offers particular expertise in exploring the sociological, institutional and political approaches to the identification of a thesis topic, and the methods used to produce new knowledge.
Finance
The PhD programme in finance is designed to develop the theoretical and empirical skills necessary to make a contribution to the latest research in the student's chosen area. In their first year, students work with their supervisor to identify areas of interest and to develop an agenda for their PhD thesis. Students are encouraged to consider both theoretical and empirical issues as part of their agenda in consultation with their supvervisors.
The general aim of the programme is to prepare students to design and carry out research plans based on a well-rounded understanding of the theoretical and methodological issues. In particular, students are expected to develop the philosophical, technical and ethical awareness required to produce high-quality research.
The research environment of the department and the research expertise of potential supervisors (staff) jointly make the department an outstanding place to study for a PhD in the fields of accounting and finance.
Research students have access to the data listed on our Databases page
ICAS have written a PhD guide for accounting & finance research study in Scottish Universities. Read our information in the ICAS PhD Guide.
Further information and application
Please visit our research pages for further information and application.
