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MPhil, DBA, PhDManagement science

Research opportunities

You can study an MPhil over the course of one year and a DBA or PhD over three years.

At the moment, research degrees are offered in topics which match the interests and expertise of our staff and depend upon staff availability. Please get in touch for more information.

Master of Philosophy (MPhil)

This qualification requires a minimum of 12 months full-time study or 21 months part-time.

You're required to follow an approved scheme of research and coursework and to submit a thesis based on this work. This may include original research, a critical review of existing knowledge or a combination of both.

Doctoral studies (PhD & DBA)

Full-time study for a doctoral degree normally lasts not less than three years. A part-time option is available. The minimum period of part-time study is set according to how much time you're able to devote to study.

You'll complete a programme of coursework and submit a thesis with the results of your research. It must make a "distinct contribution to knowledge". There's also a viva oral examination.

In both programmes, you're expected to focus on academic learning and developing practical skills. In the PhD the emphasis is on the academic learning and in the DBA on practical skills.

If you wish to pursue a PhD, you must register for an MPhil in the first instance. You can transfer to the PhD after a year, subject to satisfactory progress.

Research areas

We have a flourishing community of around 40 research students in the department. Our students come from many different countries and work on a variety of topics. All full-time research students (and some part-time students):

  • have full access to computing facilities, email and internet
  • undertake a research methodology course during their 1st year

The department organises an annual residential workshop  for research students and supervisors. It's held over two full days, involving discussion of individual projects and general issues such as research strategy, time management and writing-up.

There are regular departmental research seminars, with staff and research students both attending and contributing. Other events, academic and social, are often organised by the students themselves.

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 Management Science 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 stated otherwise.

Here are our fees for 2017/18:

Scotland/ EU

  • £4,195 (full-time)

Rest of UK

  • £4,195 (full-time)

International students

  • £13,500 (full-time)

Funding

Have a look at our scholarship search for any funding opportunities available.

If you wish to apply for University scholarships please note that competitions for PhD funding for starting in October run through the first half of the year, from January to June. You should indicate on your application whether you wish to apply for funding.

Our research students are funded in many ways. Part-time students are normally in employment, and some receive financial support from their employers. Full-time students from overseas have received a variety of scholarships from their own governments or institutions such as the British Council.

The department of management science has also been successful in finding funding from industrial sponsors or partners, and research councils for specific projects. We've full recognition from the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) for research students. Many research students also supplement their income by undertaking work within the department e.g. assisting with the marking of undergraduate work.

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

You'll need a first or 2:1 UK Honours degree, a merit or distinction at Masters level, or overseas equivalent, normally in a relevant social science, business or science subject.  

If English isn't your first language, you'll also need to have a recent UKVI recognised Secure English Language Test (or a SELT) qualification.

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 English isn't your first language
  • two references, one of which must be academic
  • funding or scholarship information
  • research proposal 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. Incomplete applications will be returned to applicants.

Supervisors

If you're interested in studying for a research degree we recommend that you identify members of staff with relevant expertise before applying.

You should write to the individual member of staff to chat about the potential for supervision, explaining how your proposed research topic relates to their research interests.

To get a sense of staff members' research interests, you could take a look at our staff profile pages. Reading the research papers listed on their profile pages is a good way to get a better understanding of their interests. 

If your chosen supervisor is available to work with you, an offer of study will be sent to you through Pegasus, our online application system.

If your research proposal is not compatible with the researcher's current projects and they cannot supervise then it's passed along to another for consideration.

As soon as a second supervisor is confirmed, an offer will be sent to you through Pegasus.

If you accept our offer of study, you'll then be sent a full offer in writing via the email address you provide.

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.

Find out more about management science

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Continuing Professional Development

We offer online graduate executive training in Business Analysis and Operational Research. Discover more about our courses.

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International students

We've a thriving international community at the University of Strathclyde, with students coming here to study from countries across the world.

Scholarships & funding opportunities

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We can help with a wide range of financial support.