Why study a PhD at LUMS?
Oliver talks about his research and the opportunities he has gained from studying for a PhD in Management Science at the Management School.
Overview
Top reasons to study with us
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70
70th for Business and Management in the world
QS World University Rankings (2023)
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85
85th for Business and Economics in the World
Times Higher Education World University Rankings (2022)
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Lancaster University is among the best in the UK - appearing in the Top 20 of all major national league tables.
Do you want to use advanced technical skills to solve problems in the world of management science? Join our global group of high potential scholars using quantitative analytical skills to address complex modern problems.
Our innovative research focuses on Operations Research, Management Science, Business Analytics, Operations Management, Information Systems and Project Management. We have particular strengths in the following areas:
- Marketing Analytics and Forecasting
- Health Systems
- Information Systems
- Supply Chain Management
- Optimisation
- Simulation and Stochastic Modelling
- Transport and Logistics.
As part of our friendly and thriving community of staff and students, you will enjoy access to state-of-the-art databases, a research training seminar series, dedicated office space, scientific computing facilities, and IT support. You will exchange ideas and holistic views through workshops, conferences, seminars and communal group working, and benefit from the support of a final year student during your first few months to help you settle in.
We take the lead through our research centres including the Centre for Marketing Analytics and Forecasting, the Centre for Productivity and Efficiency and the Centre for Transport and Logistics. Our staff incorporate insights from their latest research into their teaching, and their links with industry will also help to boost your career prospects. For example, we regularly hear about exciting opportunities for data scientists.
You will receive specialised support from two supervisors as you research and write your thesis. In addition to your thesis, an oral examination will form an integral part of the assessment of your doctoral research.
Part-time PhD study over 5 years is available through the Theory and Practice of Management PhD.
Entry Requirements
Academic Requirements
A relevant UK Master's degree with a minimum of 65% overall and 65% in the dissertation, or a non-UK Master's degree, graded at the equivalent level.
We may also consider non-standard applicants, please contact us for information.
If you have studied outside of the UK, we would advise you to check our list of international qualifications before submitting your application.
Additional Requirements
As part of your application you also need to provide a viable research proposal of up to 5000 words which has potential to make a significant contribution to prior literature. Guidance can be found on our writing a research proposal webpage.
English Language Requirements
We may ask you to provide a recognised English language qualification, dependent upon your nationality and where you have studied previously.
We normally require an IELTS (Academic) Test with an overall score of at least 7.0, and a minimum of 6.0 in each element of the test. We also consider other English language qualifications.
If your score is below our requirements, you may be eligible for one of our pre-sessional English language programmes.
Contact: Admissions Team +44 (0) 1524 592032 or email pgadmissions@lancaster.ac.uk
Fees and Funding
The tuition fee for students with UK fee status is set in line with the standard fee stipend provided by the UK Research Councils. The fee stipend for 2023/24 has not yet been set. For reference, the fee stipend for 2022/23 was full-time £4,596.
The international fee for new entrants in 2023/24 is full-time £19,520.
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Additional costs
There may be extra costs related to your course for items such as books, stationery, printing, photocopying, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits. Following graduation, you may need to pay a subscription to a professional body for some chosen careers.
Specific additional costs for studying at Lancaster are listed below.
College fees
Lancaster is proud to be one of only a handful of UK universities to have a collegiate system. Every student belongs to a college, and all students pay a small College Membership Fee which supports the running of college events and activities.
For students starting in 2022 and 2023, the fee is £40 for undergraduates and research students and £15 for students on one-year courses. Fees for students starting in 2024 have not yet been set.
Computer equipment and internet access
To support your studies, you will also require access to a computer, along with reliable internet access. You will be able to access a range of software and services from a Windows, Mac, Chromebook or Linux device. For certain degree programmes, you may need a specific device, or we may provide you with a laptop and appropriate software - details of which will be available on relevant programme pages. A dedicated IT support helpdesk is available in the event of any problems.
The University provides limited financial support to assist students who do not have the required IT equipment or broadband support in place.
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Application fees and tuition fee deposits
For most taught postgraduate applications there is a non-refundable application fee of £40. We cannot consider applications until this fee has been paid, as advised on our online secure payment system. There is no application fee for postgraduate research applications.
For some of our courses you will need to pay a deposit to accept your offer and secure your place. We will let you know in your offer letter if a deposit is required and you will be given a deadline date when this is due to be paid.
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Fees in subsequent years
If you are studying on a programme of more than one year’s duration, the tuition fees for subsequent years of your programme are likely to increase each year. Read more about fees in subsequent years.
Scholarships and Bursaries
You may be eligible for the following funding opportunities, depending on your fee status and course. You will be automatically considered for our main scholarships and bursaries when you apply, so there's nothing extra that you need to do.
Unfortunately no scholarships and bursaries match your selection, but there are more listed on scholarships and bursaries page.
If you're considering postgraduate research you should look at our funded PhD opportunities.
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We also have other, more specialised scholarships and bursaries - such as those for students from specific countries.
Browse Lancaster University's scholarships and bursaries.
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Management and Business
- Business Administration MBA
- Business Administration (Executive) MBA
- Business Analytics MSc
- Cyber Security Executive MBA MBA
- Digital Business, Innovation and Management MSc
- Entrepreneurship and Innovation MSc
- Human Resource Management MSc
- Human Resources and Consulting MA
- Innovation and Improvement Science MSc
- Innovation and Improvement Science PgCert
- Innovation and Improvement Science PgDip
- International Business and Strategy MSc
- International Masters Program for Managers No Qual (PGT)
- Leadership and Management PgCert
- Leadership and Management (Health Care) PgCert
- Leadership Practice MSc
- Leadership Practice PGDip
- Leadership Practice (Apprenticeship Pathway) PgDip
- Logistics and Supply Chain Management MSc
- Management MSc
- Management (Entrepreneurship and Strategy) PhD
- Management (Organisation, Work and Technology) PhD
- Management Science MRes
- Management Science PhD (Integrated)
- Medical Leadership MSc
- Medical Leadership PgDip
- Medical Leadership PgCert
- Organisation, Work and Technology MRes
- Politics, Philosophy and Management MSc
- Professional Development PGCert
- Professional Practice MA
- Professional Practice MSc
- Professional Practice PgCert
- Professional Practice PgDip
- Project Management MSc
- Strategy MSc
- Theory and Practice of Management PhD
- Theory and Practice of Management (IDPM) PhD
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Find a PhD Topic
Discover the research interests of our academics to find a synergy with your desired area of research.
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Studentships and Funding
Find out more about our range of options to help you fund your postgraduate studies.
Student Insights: Yiyi
In her latest blog, recent PhD graduate Yiyi Fan discusses the support she received during her studies. "My supervisor provided me invaluable support at every step along the way. Our regular meetings facilitated critical reflections and evaluations of my progress, enabling me to proceed through each stage of my research effectively."
Read Yiyi Fan's BlogStudent Insights: Oliver
In his latest blog, recent PhD graduate Oliver Schaer shares his experiences of the research community at LUMS. "I am very happy with my decision to have embarked on this ambitious project. I enjoyed the overall aspect of research and being able to develop new methods to improve the decision-making process."
Read Oliver Schaer's Blog
Job Market Candidates
Our Management Science job market candidates students are listed below. For a full list of LUMS candidates, please visit our PhD Job Market Candidates page. For further details, please contact the Doctoral Office.
Alumni Profiles
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Important Information
The information on this site relates primarily to 2023/2024 entry to the University and every effort has been taken to ensure the information is correct at the time of publication.
The University will use all reasonable effort to deliver the courses as described, but the University reserves the right to make changes to advertised courses. In exceptional circumstances that are beyond the University’s reasonable control (Force Majeure Events), we may need to amend the programmes and provision advertised. In this event, the University will take reasonable steps to minimise the disruption to your studies. If a course is withdrawn or if there are any fundamental changes to your course, we will give you reasonable notice and you will be entitled to request that you are considered for an alternative course or withdraw your application. You are advised to revisit our website for up-to-date course information before you submit your application.
More information on limits to the University’s liability can be found in our legal information.
Our Students’ Charter
We believe in the importance of a strong and productive partnership between our students and staff. In order to ensure your time at Lancaster is a positive experience we have worked with the Students’ Union to articulate this relationship and the standards to which the University and its students aspire. View our Charter and other policies.
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