PhD Opportunities at Loughborough Business School

Make a novel contribution to knowledge, position yourself as an expert in your field, and open a range of doors with future employers – by embarking on a PhD at Loughborough Business School.

Why Loughborough Business School?

• 86% of our business and management research is rated 'world-leading' or 'internationally excellent' (Research Excellence Framework 2021)
• Triple-accreditation (AACSB, EQUIS and AMBA) ensuring the highest quality of education
• Top 150 in the world for Business and Management Studies (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024)

Find out more about studying your PhD with Loughborough Business School

Funded PhD opportunities

We’re excited to announce that we have a range of funded opportunities available across our seven academic groups.

The application deadline for funded opportunities is 27 February 2025.

Studentships will be awarded competitively and cover a tax-free stipend of £19,237 per annum for three years (2024/25 rate), along with university tuition fees (for both UK and international students). Final decisions on funded studentships will be announced by March 2025. Students are expected to start their studies in October 2025 or January 2026.

There are alternative funding sources available including fee-waiver studentships for UK fee-payers, and other scholarship schemes available for PhD applicants.

Self-funded PhD opportunities

We are accepting applications in the following academic groups:

• Accounting and Finance
• Economics
• Information Management
• International Business, Strategy and Innovation
• Management Science and Operations
• Marketing
• Work and Organisation

Full details of the research areas that we are looking to recruit PhD researchers to, along with potential supervisors and contact details, can be found on each academic group’s linked webpage.

We also have some pre-defined PhD projects that are looking for researchers and require funding. These projects are available on our website.

Self-funded applicants may also explore alternative funding sources.

Whether you choose a research area or a specified research project, your research proposal needs to be aligned with Loughborough Business School’s Progress with Purpose vision and strategy that focuses on broader societal issues and enables inclusive, interdisciplinary, and purpose-led research and innovation.

Entry requirements

At least a 2:1 honours degree (or equivalent) with a UK master's degree (with an average programme mark of no less than 65%) or international equivalent.

English language requirements

IELTS band 7.0 or above with not less than 7.0 in each component.

How to apply

1. Identify a research area or a research project and potential supervisor(s) using the relevant weblinks.
2. Develop your research proposal (2,500 to 3,000 words including references).
3. Share your research proposal with the identified supervisor(s) and confirm they are willing to be named in support of your application. You are also encouraged to ask for feedback to further develop your research proposal.
4. Submit your formal application online via the above ‘Apply’ button. Under programme name, select ‘Business School'. Please upload with your application a research proposal, copies of your transcripts/certificates, English language certificate and contact details of two academic references, one of which must be from your most recent degree. If you are applying for a funded opportunity or pre-defined project requiring funding, please quote the project reference number advertised on the corresponding advert.

See studentship assessment criteria for details on how your application will be assessed.

Your development

Pursuing a research degree is a significant and exciting milestone, marking the shift to independent scholarship and original research. Our mission is to support your journey to becoming a skilled PhD graduate, prepared for diverse careers.

You’ll join our vibrant research community and become an integral part of our research culture. You’ll be encouraged to attend conferences and symposia, and work on joint publications with your supervisor to hone and develop your research.

You’ll also interact and work closely with our academic staff – pre-eminent researchers who are highly regarded in their fields and are active in research, publishing and professional organisations.

Our doctoral research training programme will equip you with sought-after skills you can take into various careers. You could also develop your teaching skills by supporting undergraduate programmes or working as a tutorial assistant.

All PhD scholars joining the School are offered a laptop and internal funding support.

Can’t find what you’re looking for?

Register for email alerts and we’ll notify you when opportunities become available in your chosen research area.

Contact us

Telephone: +44 (0)1509 228072

Email: lb-research@mailbox.lboro.ac.uk