Research opportunities
We provide research training in both accounting and finance. We prepare you for a demanding career as:
- an academic
- a professional researcher in the financial services sector
- a manager of business, government and professional organisations
You can study an MPhil over the course of one year or a PhD over three years.
Under specific circumstances and subject to conditions, part-time study can be arranged.
You can study any option in either of our two research areas:
Accounting
This is an opportunity for you to develop the theoretical competencies required to understand the role of accounting in organisations and society.
You'll follow an interdisciplinary approach to the technical and institutional practices that makes accounting a specific social practice.
We offer expertise in exploring the sociological, institutional and political approaches in the search for a thesis topic. We also assist with the methods used to produce new knowledge.
Finance
You'll develop the theoretical and empirical skills necessary to make a contribution to the latest research in your chosen area.
In your first year, you'll work with your supervisor to identify areas of interest and develop an agenda for your PhD thesis.
You're encouraged to consider both theoretical and empirical issues as part of your agenda in consultation with your supervisors.
You'll learn to design and carry out research plans based on an understanding of theoretical and methodological issues.
You're expected to develop the philosophical, technical and ethical awareness required to produce high-quality research.
Doctoral Training Centre
We have taken a lead (with Edinburgh University) in providing advanced training to Doctoral Training Centre students across Scotland.
From 2013, the two institutions have collaborated to offer three intensive doctoral-level courses:
- Corporate Finance
- Empirical Accounting
- Qualitative Accounting
Our aim is to train skilled students who will be able to compete with the best graduates in their future careers.
Postgraduate Certificate in Researcher Professional Development (PG Cert RPD) programme
As part of your PhD degree, you'll be enrolled on the Postgraduate Certificate in Researcher Professional Development (PG Cert RPD).
This certificate is designed to support you with your research and rewards you for things you'll do as a research student here.
It'll help you improve skills which are important to professional development and employability:
- the knowledge and intellectual abilities to conduct your research
- the personal qualities to succeed in your research and chosen career
- the standards, requirements and conduct of a professional researcher in your discipline
- working with others and communicating the impact of your research to a wide range of audiences
All you have to do is plan these activities alongside your doctorate, documenting and reflecting your journey to success along the way.
Find out more about the PG Cert RPD programme.
Strathclyde Business School
We offer an excellent academic environment where you can pursue your research degree.
You're required to:
- attend the Strathclyde Business School Faculty Research Methodology Programme. Though most achieve higher, you need to gain a Certificate level. It's four modules over two to three days each. If you're part time, you'll spread these over two years.
- attend our Annual Away Day for PhD students. This is combined with the Annual Review, held usually in October/ November.
- ensure regular meetings and contact with your supervisors.
Full-time students
You'll have access to computing, printing, email and office facilities. You're expected to be in the Department of Accounting & Finance on a regular basis. You'll also attend the department's research seminar series as well as other occasional workshops.
Part-time students
You'll have hot desking facilities giving you regular access to the department. This'll help you integrate better with other students and staff. You're required to attend the department for at least ten days per year. This is on top of the Research Methodology Programme.
Potential applicants should note that there is no dedicated distance-learning programme.
Fees & funding
Fees
All fees quoted are per academic year unless otherwise stated.
Here are our fees for 2017/18:
Scotland/ EU
Rest of UK
International students
Funding
Find any available funding opportunities on our scholarship search.
The fees shown are annual and may be subject to an increase each year.
How can I apply?
You can apply for a postgraduate research degree at any point in the year.
All you have to do is complete an online application.
Please complete and attach our Postgraduate Research Proposal Outline with your application.
Entry requirements
PhD in Accounting
We look for a good Masters degree or first-class UK Honours degree, or overseas equivalent, in accounting.
Qualified and part-qualified accountants with a first degree in social sciences or humanities are also encouraged to apply.
PhD in Finance
You'll need a good Masters degree or first class UK Honours degree, or overseas equivalent, in finance, economics, accounting or mathematics.
Before you apply
Writing your research proposal
Read our guidance on how to write your research proposal.
Getting a reference
Read our help on how to choose references and what the referees need to supply.
The application
During the application you'll be asked for the following:
- your full contact details
- transcripts and certificates of all degrees
- proof of English language proficiency if you're applying as an international student
- two references, one of which must be academic
- funding or scholarship information
- research proposal of 250 to 1,000 words in length, detailing the subject area and topic to be investigated. Please use our Postgraduate Research Proposal Outline.
By filling these details out as fully as possible, you'll avoid any delay to your application being processed by the University.
Supervisors
Research supervisors are assigned to you by the Department of Accounting & Finance.
We ask that you highlight a potential supervisor in your application but the department will team you up with the best supervisor for your project.
Once we've received your application, your research proposal is passed to potential supervisors for consideration.
If it's not compatible with the researcher's current projects and they cannot supervise then it's passed along to another for consideration.
If they can supervise you then the supervisor will confirm and nominate a potential second supervisor.
As soon as a second supervisor is confirmed, an offer will be sent to you through Pegasus, our online application system.
If you accept, you'll be sent a full offer in writing via the email address you'll have provided.
Accepting an offer
Once you've accepted our offer, we'll need you to fulfil any academic, administrative or financial conditions that we ask.
UK or EU students
If you're applying as a UK or EU student, you'll then be issued with your registration documentation.
You can apply for a postgraduate research degree at any point in the year.
All you have to do is complete an online application.
Support & development
Postgraduate Certificate in Researcher Professional Development (PgCert RPD)
Our PgCert RPD programme aims to ensure you get the most out of your current research activities at Strathclyde and help you prepare for your future career as a researcher.
We'll help you recognise and develop your transferrable skills that'll have a positive impact on your research, now and in the future.
Find out more about the PG Cert RPD programme.
Careers
We have a great careers service that can help you with everything from writing your CV to interview preparation. Take a look at our careers service pages to get more information.
Student support
From financial advice to our IT facilities, we have loads of different support for all students here at our University. Get all the information you need at Strathlife.
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