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About the Durham PhD

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The PhD Programme

The PhD is the highest academic degree and as such Durham graduates are in demand for:

  • academic posts in leading universities and top business schools.
  • business and management consultancy in commerce and industry.
  • senior management roles in private sector organisations and government institutions. 

Whatever your goals, the Durham PhD gives you the opportunity to combine rigorous academic theory with research to influence the world of business and make a unique contribution to your field of study. It attracts exceptional students of the highest calibre, and in conjunction with scholars internationally-renowned for their research and thought leadership, the PhD programme at Durham University Business School is both challenging and stimulating. 

The Durham PhD is for applicants who normally already hold a Masters qualification (or international equivalent) with a significant research element. This usually means that your first degree will have included a thesis or dissertation at the final stage and some taught research methods. 

University student
I am someone who is passionate about research and there is no better University that would provide me with a rich and fulfilling experience to ensure the pursuit of a successful academic career.

Nazha Gali
PhD in Management Entrepreneurship

 

 

More about our PhD programmes

Find out more about our programmes, facilities and support for our PhD students and the global reputation of the Business School.

PhD in Accounting

The Department offers two programmes: a three-year (part-time six year) Accounting PhD and a four-year (part-time eight year) PhD in Accounting (with Integrated Studies)
Coins with an accounting graphic in the background

PhD in Economics

The Department of Economics offer three-year full-time or six-year part-time options with October and January starts.
Virtual economics data

PhD in Finance

The Department of Finance offer three-year full-time or six-year part-time options with October and January starts.
London financial district

PhD in Management and Marketing

The Department of Management and Marketing offer four-year full-time or eight-year part-time options with an October start.
City skyline

Faculty of Business PhD Studentships

The School has a number of scholarships for Home and International students available for 2025. Find out more here
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NINE DTP Studentship

Durham University takes part in the Northern Ireland and North East Doctoral Training Partnership (NINE DTP) funded by the Economic and Social Research Council.
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Smart and Scale Scholarship

Smart and Scale scholarships are open to full-time UK students specifically interested in supporting SMEs in the North East of England. More details to be added in 2025.
PhD

China Scholarship Council (CSC) Scholarships

CSC scholarships are available thanks to a partnership with the China Scholarships Council. The scholarships are open to PhD applicants from Mainland China.
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Global Grand Challenges Studentships

These Studentships are a new initiative launched by the University to support early career researchers wishing to pursue doctoral research & training aligned with a UNSDG
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Facilities and Support

Find out more about the facilities and support available for all PhD students studying with the Business School.
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How to Apply or Download a Brochure

Choose one of the following options to take your next step:

  • How to Apply

    It is important that your general research interests match those of at least one member of our academic staff.
    Man hands typing on a laptop
  • Download a Brochure

    Find out more, by downloading our PhD brochure.
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  • Contact Us

    Get in touch with one of our departments to discuss your research interests with the team.
    Two business people

How to Apply

It is important that your general research interests match those of at least one member of our academic staff.
Man hands typing on a laptop

Download a Brochure

Find out more, by downloading our PhD brochure.
Business People sat around a table with a laptop

Contact Us

Get in touch with one of our departments to discuss your research interests with the team.
Two business people