PhD study at the Management School

Discover the range of doctoral programmes, scholarships and funding at Lancaster University Management School.

Our PhD programmes
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Welcome to Lancaster University Management School doctoral programmes

As the Doctoral Director for Lancaster University Management School (LUMS), I am delighted that you are considering undertaking doctoral studies with us. Studying for a PhD is a challenging and rewarding journey, and one that has the potential to change your life. As you consider taking on this journey, I would encourage you to browse our web pages to get a sense of the breadth and depth of academics and other doctoral researchers within the School; they come from all over the world and from a wide range of different backgrounds. Our researchers are all here with the aim of making a contribution to the body of knowledge of their discipline. That’s what a PhD is and this is what we will help you to achieve if you decide to join us.

Our commitment to high-quality research is reflected in the lively research environment of LUMS, the exceptional quality of which has been demonstrated by our performance in the research evaluation exercises carried out since 1996. This excellence has been confirmed by the most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021), which recognised LUMS as the top business school in the UK for 'research power' for the second time, with 90% of our research activity being judged to be world-leading or internationally excellent. As a doctoral researcher, you will be a vital component of the research community within which this excellent performance is generated, and our exceptional research environment (rated 1st in the UK) supports doctoral researchers in producing the very best work of which they are capable.

Attaining your PhD is not easy – nor should it be if it is to reflect the quality and standards which, we hope, will lead you to choose to study at LUMS. You will need to be committed and focused – able to take responsibility for your own learning - while being open to guidance from your supervisors. You will have many claims on your time, yet you will need to prioritise your PhD to complete it within a sensible timeframe and to a high standard. As well as completing your PhD, we will encourage you to access the wealth of resources designed to prepare you for becoming an active member of the broader research community and for developing a successful post-doctoral career, whether in academia or elsewhere. Wherever your doctoral journey leads you, a Lancaster PhD is worth striving for, and I am sure you would find your time with us both rewarding and happy.

Professor Igor Goncharov

LUMS Doctoral Programmes Director

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Find a Course

1st

LUMS is ranked top business school in the UK for 'research power' for the second time (REF 2021, Business and Management Studies), and 90% of our research activity is judged to be world-leading or internationally excellent.

We were rated joint 1st for research environment, with 100% of LUMS’ research environment rated world-leading (REF 2021, Business and Management Studies).

Our quadruple accreditation is in recognition of the quality of everything we do from the most influential business school accreditation bodies. For our students and business connections, quadruple accreditation provides assurance that LUMS is a globally leading business school.

LUMS is an active member of many leading professional organisations in management education and beyond, including the Chartered Association of Business Schools (CABS), EFMD and Business in the Community (BiTC).
Our connectivity enables us to be sector-leading, benefitting our students, staff and stakeholders.

Lancaster University is ranked in the top 10 in the Complete University Guide 2025 and consistently in the top 15 in major UK league tables. We are also highly ranked in international league tables.

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Our beliefs

We believe in:

  • The strength of a healthy and growing LUMS community
  • Challenging convention, pushing boundaries and shaping agendas
  • Ensuring that research is at the heart of our success and has the power to transform lives
  • Promoting research-led teaching and engagement to develop critical thinking and better outcomes
  • Embracing different perspectives and collaboration strengthens what we do
  • Being a beacon for top talent and nurturing everyone’s potential

Why doctoral research at LUMS

Undertaking your PhD at the Management School.

A group of people talking

Our collaborative approach

For nearly 50 years, we have helped our students test new tools and techniques in the real world. Experience a mix of teaching styles to help you grow and develop, from interactive lectures to focused group work, placements and company-based projects. The modern world needs leaders with minds of their own and we believe strongly in the value of critical thinking, so you will be encouraged to question, reflect on and challenge current practice throughout your studies.

A meeting table

Links to business

We have strong relationships with the wider business community, across organisations large and small, in a range of industries and throughout the world. With LUMS, you will have the chance to work with, and for, organisations that can help you make your mark. An extensive programme of guest speakers, specialist business workshops, guest lectures and work placements keeps you tightly networked with the business world

Lancaster university main entrance

Our campus

Lancaster's tranquil 578-acre campus is made for learning, with the nearby city on your doorstep.

A study bedroom

Award winning accommodation

Our postgraduate accommodation in Graduate College includes standard and ensuite rooms, studios and flats suitable for couples or families.

Meet our academics

Profiles of some of our PhD supervisors.

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Being part of our doctoral community

The opportunities and advantages of being part of the dynamic, international, and cutting-edge research environment that is LUMS are manifold and diverse. From the doctoral community itself—spanning across the University and our international campuses—to participation in Methods North West, you will be able to carve out a path and experiences tailored to your specific interests. You will not only become a part of LUMS but also a global doctoral community, with opportunities to engage in international doctoral symposiums and workshops, and to participate in various seminar series hosted by your Department, the School, and the University.

Furthermore, you will reap the benefits of our International Visiting Scholars’ program, where we have welcomed numerous world-leading scholars from around the globe, including Nobel Prize winners. All of this, we hope, will nurture and cultivate your intellectual curiosity and academic commitment, aiding you in establishing the academic, business, and policymaker networks you seek. These connections will enable your research to genuinely impact our society and environment. We encourage you to embrace the opportunity to thrive in our exciting and progressive setting. We look forward to welcoming you as a new member of Lancaster University Management School’s research community.

Professor Maria Piacentini

Associate Dean for Research, LUMS

Achievements of our doctoral researchers

Shayan and Katy photographed with an award certificate in the Management School building

British Academy of Management award

Shayan Rashidi, Department of Entrepreneurship (ENST) and Strategy, won a prestigious award at the British Academy of Management annual conference. Professor Katy Mason, President of BAM and a Professor of Markets and Management Practice in ENST, said: “It is wonderful to see one of our up-and-coming researchers at Lancaster recognised at the BAM conference. For Shayan, along with his co-authors, to be recognised in this way is really wonderful."

PhD graduates throwing their hats in the air

Celebrating career successes

We welcomed back three of our PhD graduates who have achieved remarkable success in securing academic positions at prestigious universities: Zhifang Zhang (Associate Professor, Warwick Business School), Claudia Marangoni (Assistant Professor, University of Tilburg), and Xiaoxi Wu (Assistant Professor, Bocconi University).

A profile photograph of Adina

Accounting and Finance papers accepted

Two doctoral researchers from the Department of Accounting and Finance will present at prestigious and selective conferences. Adina Yelekenova is presenting her paper on the unintended consequences of ETF transparency at the Melbourne Asset Pricing Conference in Australia. Ziran Zuo’s paper has been accepted for presentation at The Journal of Corporate Finance—one of the leading journals in finance—Special Issue Conference on Ownership and Corporate Social and Sustainable Policies at the Hanken School of Economics, Finland.

Photograph of competition winner receiving a certificate

Quantitative finance competition win

Nikolas Vasilas, a doctoral researcher in finance, won the prestigious Chicago Quantitative Alliance (CQA) 30th Annual Academic Competition with his paper titled “Power Sorting”, co-authored by Anastasios Kagkadis, Harald Lohre, Professor Sandra Nolte, and Professor Ingmar Nolte.

Applications and funding

Entry requirements

You can find the entry requirements for your chosen programme on the programme course page.

How to apply

Applying for a PhD programme is a simple process and we accept applicants throughout the year. Information on how to apply for a PhD.

Fees and studentships

Our studentships and funding opportunities for PhD study are available through the UK's research councils, through Lancaster University, and through various other organisations. Funding options.

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