Business Management: Fully Funded ESRC Wales Graduate School for the Social Sciences (WGSSS) PhD Studentship in the Business and Management Pathway

Swansea University, supported by the ESRC Wales Graduate School for the Social Sciences (WGSSS), invites applications for PhD study in Business and Management, with the possibility of being awarded a fully-funded ESRC WGSSS studentship, available to start in October 2025.

The Business and Management pathway focusses the realm of social sciences on current challenges for businesses and the industrial landscape. There are significant opportunities for interdisciplinarity through its disciplinary expertise in accounting, finance, banking, marketing, strategy, logistics and operations management, organizational management, innovation, and tourism; all underpinned by the research strength and experience of faculty members at the Universities of Swansea, Cardiff and Bangor. This joint working allows students increased access to leading researchers and practitioners whilst also offering them a breadth of contacts and experiences, enabling them to network within a larger cohort and to see their research within an especially wide disciplinary context. The pathway also examines and develops knowledge relating to wider issues, e.g. (in)equality, wellbeing, climate change, and sustainability. 

Swansea University’s School of Management has significant strengths in digital innovation, human resources, and enterprise development policy. Interdisciplinary Research Institutes (e.g. Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Public Policy and Practice, Geopolitical Challenges, and Culture and Communities), Networks (Climate Action, AI & Digital Economy & Society) and Research Centres e.g. i-Lab (Innovation Lab), EPSRC CDT Enhancing Human Interactions and Collaborations with Data and Intelligence Driven Systems; All-Wales Intensive Learning Academy for Innovation in Health and Social Care) foster challenge-led research and impact. Within the School there are also significant opportunities to engage with practitioner-focussed initiatives such as the Circular Economy Innovation Communities (CEIC) and major health think tank, the Bevan Commission. Such outlets represent further structured links and offer potential for shared skills training. The School collaborates with other Faculties within the University to enable strong inter-and multi-disciplinary research to flourish. The pathway will build on the highly successful collaboration between Bangor, Cardiff and Swansea in the Previous Doctoral Training Partnership Wales (DTP-Wales). This pathway also collaborates on supervision/training with other WGSSS cluster pathways such as Economics, and Digital Economy and Society.

Eligibility

To receive ESRC studentship funding, you must have qualifications or experience equal to an honours degree at a first or upper second-class level, or a masters from a UK academic research organisation. 

WGSSS studentships are available to home and international students. Up to 30% of our cohort can comprise international students. International students will not be charged the fee difference between the UK and international rate. Applicants should satisfy the UKRI eligibility requirements.  

The WGSSS is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity and to creating an inclusive environment for all. We welcome applications from all members of the global community irrespective of age, disability, sex, gender identity, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief and sexual orientation. 

English Language: IELTS 6.5 Overall (with no individual component below 6.5) or Swansea University recognised equivalent.

Funding Details

Funding Comment

The studentship funded by the ESRC covers tuition fees and an annual tax-free living stipend in line with UKRI minimum rates (currently £19,237 for 2024/25).

If you have a disability, you may be entitled to a Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) on top of your studentship. 

Students also have access to a Research Training Support Grant, worth up to £940 per year.

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