University of Warwick

What you'll study

The MRes/PhD route begins with a rigorous MRes year that provides core research training in preparation for doctoral study, followed by a PhD research phase leading to a thesis and viva. During the MRes year you study advanced research methods (quantitative and/or qualitative), econometrics and statistics for management research, research design, and specialist modules aligned to your chosen field (for example strategy, organisational behaviour, marketing, entrepreneurship, accounting, finance or operations). You will also take advanced theory and literature seminars that equip you to develop a focused doctoral research proposal.

After successful completion of the MRes year and transfer to the PhD, the programme centres on an original research project conducted under the guidance of at least two supervisors. Typical activities in the PhD phase include: fieldwork or data collection, advanced methodological workshops, regular research seminars, conference attendance and paper-writing aimed at submission to peer-reviewed journals. Students are expected to produce a thesis that makes an original contribution to knowledge in business management and to defend it at a viva voce examination.

Teaching and assessment methods combine taught coursework, assessed assignments and exams in the MRes year, followed by continuous assessment of research progress during the PhD through supervisory meetings, progress reports and presentation at internal seminars and doctoral workshops.

Entry requirements

Applicants normally hold a strong honours degree (typically first-class or upper second-class with a substantial research component) and a relevant master’s degree with a high level of achievement, or an integrated master’s with distinction. Exceptional candidates with only a bachelor’s degree but demonstrable research experience and strong academic references may be considered.

Successful applicants typically demonstrate: prior training or experience in research methods (quantitative, qualitative or mixed methods as appropriate to their project), a clear and feasible research proposal, strong academic references, and evidence of capacity for independent research. Some applicants may be asked to provide GRE/GMAT scores, especially if they have non-standard academic backgrounds.

As the programme is taught and examined in English, applicants whose first language is not English must meet the School’s English language requirements (for example through recognised tests such as IELTS or TOEFL) unless formally exempted.

Career prospects

Graduates from the MRes/PhD Business Management programme typically pursue careers in academia as lecturers, postdoctoral researchers and research fellows at universities and business schools. Many also move into high-level research roles in industry, consultancy, think-tanks and public policy organisations where expertise in rigorous research design and advanced analysis is valued.

Other common career paths include senior roles in corporate strategy, analytics and data science teams, research units within large firms, and leadership positions in research-intensive non-governmental organisations. The programme’s emphasis on publishing and conference presentation also helps candidates secure competitive academic and research-track roles.

Why study at University of Warwick

Warwick Business School offers a research-active environment with internationally recognised faculty across a broad range of management disciplines and well-established research groups. The School provides structured doctoral training, regular research seminars, and a collegial doctoral community that supports interdisciplinary collaboration.

Students benefit from dedicated supervision from experienced scholars, access to the University’s research resources and facilities, and opportunities to present work at internal and external seminars and conferences. The University’s links with industry and policy bodies create opportunities for applied research, placements and networking that can enhance post-PhD career prospects.

In addition, doctoral researchers at Warwick have access to general researcher training and support via the University’s Doctoral College, including professional development workshops, funding competitions and cross-disciplinary initiatives that complement the School-level research training.