
Strathclyde Business SchoolPhD@Work
What is a PhD@Work?
A PhD is the highest postgraduate qualification offered by universities. PhDs are research-based degrees. In the PhD@Work programme, the candidate prepares an original research question/proposal in collaboration with their employer and an academic supervisory team at Strathclyde and explores the topic in depth with the intention of producing academic outputs relating to the project. Candidates remain in employment and are supported by their employer to study for a PhD, normally on a part-time basis. Employers will both pay the fees and agree to provide the candidate with sufficient time to study.
The PhD@Work programme is for those who are looking to build on what they studied during their undergraduate and/or master's degrees, who are currently employed and wish, with the support of their employer, to carry out research on a particular topic/challenge relating to their field of activity and expertise. Candidates will work with an academic supervisory team in Strathclyde Business School and an industry supervisor, ultimately making a contribution to knowledge and expanding the boundaries of a particular field of research.
Contact the team
If you would like to learn more about the programme, or if you are interested in discussing the study options available, then get in touch with the Strathclyde Business School postgraduate research admissions team.
How does the PhD@Work programme work?

Candidates will spend a significant amount of their working time on a PhD project, co-created with their employer and academics in Strathclyde Business School. This project will be focussed on challenges relevant to them and their company.
There is flexibility, and candidates undertaking a PhD@Work would typically do so on a part-time basis, allowing the research to progress in parallel to, and be blended with, the business needs of the employer.
Research projects are usually carried out at the candidate’s workplace. Where appropriate, candidates may come to Strathclyde to interact with supervisors and other colleagues and participate in workshops and seminars.
Candidates will study some taught research development classes leading to a PG(Cert) in Research Methodology in Business and Management (which can be completed at a distance) and will regularly engage in a reflection of their development needs.
There will be the option to engage with Strathclyde’s Researcher Development Programme.
PhD@Work vs PhD vs Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)
PhD@Work
The PhD@Work programme has some unique features: candidates must be employed and supported by their employer to engage in research on a topic of interest to both the candidate and the employer which will ultimately lead to a contribution to academic knowledge.
PhD
With our standard PhD candidates are also engaging in research to make a contribution to academic knowledge, but typically do so on a full-time basis or on a part-time basis but where the research is not linked to their job.
DBA
Strathclyde Business School’s DBA is also a post-experience research degree, like the PhD@work, but the programme is more structured in terms of taught components and the contribution stemming from the research will typically be a contribution to practice and have more of a problem-solving focus. Candidates undertaking the DBA do not need to be sponsored by their employer.
What are the benefits to the candidate?
In addition to carrying out research and producing a thesis for examination, a PhD has traditionally been viewed as training and development towards a career in academia. However, the modern PhD is a very flexible qualification, focused on the development of valuable research and leadership skills designed to help the candidate communicate and apply their research beyond a university setting. Candidates will also benefit from joining other PhD researchers from other companies as well as full-time students - presenting valuable networking, peer learning and support opportunities.
What are the benefits to the company?
The company will be able to access the valuable knowledge created during the programme, potentially exploit this for commercial gain, and benefit from publicity and marketing opportunities associated with conducting world-leading research. This will create new opportunities for growth and innovation through the collaboration between Strathclyde and the partnering company. Employers will also have the opportunity to engage with world-leading researchers and innovators at Strathclyde who work within their research area(s), enabling knowledge transfer and networking.
Costs and timelines
The fees for the PhD@Work programme are equivalent to the fees for a standard PhD charged on a pro-rata basis.
If a candidate’s sponsor is a small business (as defined by the EU, with fewer than 50 employees), part of the third sector, or from a low or middle-income country as classified by the World Bank then help with fees may be available and you should contact us to discuss eligibility.
Candidates would typically join the programme on a part-time basis, spending six years completing the PhD. It may be possible to reduce this duration in some cases. The option of a shorter two-year part-time Master's by Research (MPhil) degree is also available. Please contact us to discuss your situation and requirements.
Why Strathclyde

Strathclyde Business School is committed to providing a unique and innovative collaborative approach to solving some of the challenging problems facing business, government and the third sector.
Our driving ethos is ‘the place of useful learning,’ and as a global business school, our mission is to research, educate and exchange knowledge for the benefit of society. To achieve this, our academics are engaged in consultancy and research, advising governments, public bodies and businesses - from SMEs to large global corporations.
The composition of Strathclyde Business School and its position within the University of Strathclyde provides a faculty with a unique perspective to impact the challenging multidisciplinary problems facing society. Strathclyde Business School academics have expertise in a wide range of business disciplines including accounting, finance, economics, marketing, management science, entrepreneurship and innovation, human resource management, strategy and leadership.
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
The University of Strathclyde is committed to creating collaborative, inclusive and supportive working environments which enable high-quality, innovative and industry-focused research. In the PhD@Work programme, we will take a proactive approach to ensure equal access to the opportunity for underrepresented groups, those with varying backgrounds and working patterns, career stages, and those with protected characteristics.
If you are interested in applying for a PhD@work, select the 'Apply' button below and choose the department you are interested in working with. Please feel free to make contact with individual academics (through browsing the various Strathclyde websites) to discuss potential opportunities directly.
For more information please contact sbs-pgradmissions