Business PhD (Doctor of Philosophy)

Facts about Business

Qualification	PhD (by Research)
Duration	Full time: 3–4 years Part time: 6–8 years
Attendance	Ten weekends in Year 1; two weekends each in Years 2, 3 and 4
Assessment	80,000 word thesis; oral exam
Course structure

Choose Kingston's Business PhD (Doctor of Philosophy)

Whether you are planning a career as an academic within the education sector or as a professional researcher within the public or private sectors, the Kingston Business PhD will enable you to both develop the appropriate research skills and enhance your professional credibility.

What will you study?

The distinct characteristic of the Kingston PhD is that you are able to gain the MSc in Management and Business Studies Research as part of your doctoral studies. The MSc is fully integrated within the PhD programme and is designed to provide a sound training in business research methods as well as a critical understanding of how organisations and their external environment are managed.

Your PhD thesis should be around 80,000 words and will be the subject of an oral examination in which you will show both how you have critically investigated your area of research and made an independent and original contribution to knowledge.

Programme team

This course is based at Kingston Business School, part of the Faculty of Business and Law. Find out more...

Course director:

Prof Stavros Kalafatis

Research areas

Research is an essential part of the day-to-day life of Kingston Business School and is embedded in its intellectual activities and development. As a Doctoral student you will be actively contributing to the research community and research profile of the Business School.

Find out more...

Course structure

Please note that this is an indicative list of modules and is not intended as a definitive list. Those listed here may also be a mixture of core and optional modules.

Year 1 structure

Induction
Research Design and Data Collection
Research Design and Data Collection

This module looks at different research techniques. You will learn how to:
- evaluate different methods;
- select the most appropriate for a specific research question;
- develop research design plans; and
- construct and test data collection methods.
Foundations of Data Analysis and Reporting
Foundations of Data Analysis and Reporting

This module will teach you how to plan and execute data handling and analysis, understanding the principles and techniques behind the analysis and linking data to research questions and aims. You will:
- look at both qualitative and quantitive data;
- become proficient in the use of dedicated software tools and techniques; and
- develop skills in writing up and reporting results.
Advanced Quantitative Research Methods
Advanced Quantitative Research Methods

In this module you will develop an in-depth understanding of different types of advanced and specialised quantitative research techniques. This will include:
- identifying the most appropriate context for their use;
- assessing their strengths and weaknesses; and
- understanding the principles behind them.
Advanced Qualitative Research Methods
Advanced Qualitative Research Methods

In this module you will develop an in-depth understanding of different types of advanced and specialised qualitative research techniques. This will include:
- identifying the most appropriate context for their use;
- assessing their strengths and weaknesses; and
- understanding the principles behind them.
Organisation Theory and Management
Organisation Theory and Management

In this module you study a broad range of issues relating to different organisation and management models. You will use this critical evaluation to identify areas that require research and development.

Topics covered will encompass organisational theorising, employment, organisation structure and economic models.
Dissertation Proposal
Dissertation