City

What you'll study

The PhD in EDMS is a research-led degree centred on an original thesis produced under sustained one-to-one supervision. Candidates pursue an independent research project that contributes new knowledge to their chosen field within the broad EDMS remit, supported by a programme of research training and development.

• Major research project: an extended piece of original research culminating in a doctoral thesis and an oral viva voce examination.
• Research training: mandatory and optional training in research methods, data analysis, ethics, and academic communication to build methodological rigour and transferable skills.
• Advanced topics and seminars: engagement with specialist seminars, reading groups and workshops addressing current theoretical and empirical debates relevant to EDMS research areas.
• Progress reviews and milestones: staged reviews (probation and annual) to assess progress, refine research questions and ensure timely completion.
• Teaching and knowledge exchange (where applicable): opportunities to gain teaching experience, contribute to supervised projects, or undertake placements with industry, public sector or non-governmental partners, subject to departmental approval.

Entry requirements

Applicants should normally hold a good relevant undergraduate degree (typically a 2:1 or equivalent) and a relevant master’s-level qualification with a research component, or demonstrate equivalently strong research experience. Candidates must submit a clear research proposal outlining objectives, methodology and contribution to knowledge, along with academic references.

• Academic qualifications: a first degree and a research master's or demonstrable equivalent research experience.
• Research proposal: a concise, focused proposal that shows awareness of the literature, methodological approach and feasibility.
• References: strong academic references that can vouch for the applicant’s research potential.
• English language: evidence of English proficiency where required by the University’s policy for international applicants.
• Interview and supervisory fit: shortlisted applicants are usually interviewed to assess fit with available supervisors and research environment.

Career prospects

Graduates from EDMS PhD programmes progress to a range of careers that value deep analytical skills and original research capability. Typical destinations include academic posts (postdoctoral researcher, lecturer), research roles in industrial R&D, data science and analytics teams, public sector and policy research, consultancy, and senior roles in non-profit and international organisations.

The training emphasises transferable skills — critical thinking, project management, advanced quantitative and qualitative methods, and written and oral communication — which are highly sought after in both public and private sectors.

Why study at City

City offers a supportive research environment with access to experienced supervisors working across a range of disciplines related to EDMS topics. Being centrally located in London provides ready links to industry partners, public institutions and professional networks that can enhance applied research and impact.

• Supervision and research community: interdisciplinary supervision teams and active research groups that foster collaboration and peer support.
• Training and resources: comprehensive researcher development programmes, library and computing facilities, and methodological training tailored to doctoral needs.
• Professional connections: proximity to businesses, consultancies and policy bodies facilitates placements, knowledge exchange and impact-focused research.
• Funding and support: information on scholarships, studentships and research council funding is available through the University and departmental webpages to eligible applicants.