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Our PhD Programmes

Discover the range of PhD programmes available within the Management School.

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 2014) that recognised LUMS as the most research-intensive business school in the UK, with 80% of our research activity seen to be world-leading or internationally excellent. As we await the outcome of the 2021 REF exercise, we are confident of maintaining the high standards we achieved in 2014. As a doctoral researcher, you will be a vital component of the research community within which this excellent performance is generated, and this environment is one which 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 - whilst, at the same time, being open to guidance from your supervisors. You will have many claims on your time, yet will need to prioritise your PhD if you are 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 wider 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 certain you would find your time with us both rewarding and happy.

Dr Marian Iszatt-White

LUMS Doctoral Programmes Director

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 20 in three major UK league tables, and highly ranked in international league tables.

LUMS Ambition 2025

As a Management School, our ambition is to be the go-to community for cutting edge knowledge of which everyone wants to be a part. Our beliefs are:

  • In the strength of a healthy and growing LUMS community
  • In challenging convention, pushing boundaries and shaping agendas
  • Research is at the heart of success and has the power to transform lives
  • Our research-led teaching and engagement leads to critical thinking and better outcomes
  • Embracing different perspectives and collaboration strengthens what we do
  • We will become a beacon for top talent and nurture potential for all
Download our Ambition 2025
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Why doctoral research at LUMS

Undertaking your PhD at the Management School.

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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.

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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

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Our campus

Lancaster's tranquil 560-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.

Brochure download

Download our PhD opportunities brochure to discover more about our programmes and doctoral study at LUMS.

PhD Opportunities

Meet our academics

Profiles of some of our PhD supervisors.

Our PhD Programmes

You can apply for these PhD programmes starting in the next academic year.

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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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 many and varied. From the doctoral community itself, which spreads across the University, our international campuses, to participation in Methods North West, you will be able to carve out a route and experiences that work for your particular interests. You will become part of, not just LUMS, but a global doctoral community with opportunities to take part in international doctoral symposiums and workshops, and to join in with your Department’s, the School’s, and University’s various seminar series.

You will also benefit from our International Visiting Scholars’ programme that has seen us welcome many world-leading scholars from around the globe, including Nobel prize winners. All this, we hope will nurture and grow your intellectual curiosity and academic commitment, helping you build the academic, business and policymaker networks you are seeking so that your research can make a real difference to our society and environment. We hope you will take the opportunity to flourish in our exciting and progressive environment, and we look forward to welcoming you as a new member of Lancaster University Management School’s research community.

Professor Katy Mason

Associate Dean for Research, LUMS

How to Apply
Funding for a PhD