Business School PhD Scholarship with Graduate Academic Assistantship

The University of Aberdeen Business School comprises the related disciplines of Accountancy, Business Management, Economics, Finance and Real Estate. The school’s disciplines are consistently ranked high on national league tables and are internationally recognised for research excellence.

The Business School invites applications from highly motivated and ambitious graduates for up to three Graduate Academic Assistant/PhD studentships from strong candidates in any of the research areas covered by the disciplines within the Business School.

Our GAA/PhD students will be supported through training within the school on the range of skills required for successful progress in a doctoral degree, and the development of effective teaching practice, through regular meetings with the supervisory team, taught courses, and other resources. Successful candidates will actively participate in our vibrant research and teaching community and will develop the core skills required for a future academic career.

The GAA/PhD studentships are for full-time study over three years, commencing 1^st September 2025 with a completion date of 31^st August 2028. The studentship includes a full fee waiver and an annual living allowance of £6600. Successful applicants will also be given the opportunity to undertake paid work (an average minimum of 10 hours per week, a maximum of 20 hours per week) that contribute towards academic activities including projects, research, teaching, marking, and administration of the undergraduate programmes in the school and provides PhD students with academic skills training.

We welcome applications from candidates who can demonstrate academic excellence. Candidates will normally have at least the equivalent of a Merit (2:1 minimum 65% average) or equivalent (e.g., GPA 3.5 – 4) in a relevant discipline area taught MSc course and a top grade in their MSc dissertation. For non-native English speakers an IELTS score of 6.5 standard is required.

This opportunity is also open to current offer holders who have a start date of September 2025 and have accepted their offer. Please submit a personal statement of 1 A4 page to prgbus@abdn.ac.uk, including your application number, if you would like to be considered for this. Please note this is a highly competitive scholarship and all applications will go through the same selection process, with the award going to the highest calibre candidates, regardless of route.

Each candidate is expected to submit a carefully thought-out research proposal with a clear research question that fits within one of the discipline areas of the Business School. Candidates should align their research proposal with two potential supervisors within their chosen discipline.

Staff research interests are useful direction toward potential supervision topics and can be found on the school web pages. All candidates will undergo the usual selection and interview process. All students undergo an annual progression review. The continuation of the GAA stipend is dependent on satisfactory progress made with the research project.

All applications should be made using our online application form, the deadline for submissions is 4^th February 2025.

The Business School embraces a diverse working environment and recognises the many benefits this can bring. Applications from individuals from across all of the equality-protected characteristics are encouraged.

You can find more details on how to apply for a PhD opportunity at the University of Aberdeen here.

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