Overview
Join an international group of researchers whose work is making a positive difference in the world of business, economics, finance and law. Our doctoral programme draws on the expertise of our staff and research centres. As a PhD research student here, you'll be supported to contribute to current knowledge practice and progress into your future career.
Supervision and support
We know how important it is that all our PhD students feel confident throughout their time with us.
At an early stage in your studies, you’ll be allocated a supervisory team with specific expertise aligned to your research proposal. You'll have two formal supervisors who you’ll meet regularly. Meetings will usually include setting and reviewing objectives to enhance your academic progress. Whenever you need support to discuss academic and administrative matters, or even more general help and advice during your studies, our team of supervisors offer continual and friendly guidance.
Find a supervisor by taking a look at our people’s expertise from the School of Finance, Economics and Law.
Whether you’re undertaking research, teaching students or writing up your thesis, you’ll be fully supported with ongoing training and development, covering the following areas:
- Developing your research proposal
- Intellectual Property (IP) in the research context
- Research Ethics and Integrity
- Presenting your research and argument
- Intensive methodology training week (compulsory)
- Learning and teaching in practice and the fundamentals of teaching business, to support you if you undertake any teaching duties
Where you'll research
Your faculty
You have a highly active mind and see opportunity everywhere. Now you need theory and life-changing skills to sharpen your approach to management. At the Faculty of Business & Law, you will immerse yourself in a multicultural environment where technology blends with teaching to create a dynamic and innovative learning environment. An environment to help you gain those skills.
Where can I study?
Chelmsford
Our striking, modern campus sits by the riverside in Chelmsford's University and Innovation Quarter.
Cambridge
Our campus is close to the centre of Cambridge, often described as the perfect student city.
Fees & funding
Course fees
UK students, 2024/25 (per year)
£4,786
UK students, 2024/25 (part-time, per year)
£2,392
International students, 2024/25 (per year)
£15,900
International students, 2024/25 (part-time, per year)
£7,950
Bench fees
In some cases extra costs known as bench fees will be charged for a postgraduate research degree. These are to cover additional/exceptional costs directly related to a specific research project.
Some examples of these costs are (the list is not exhaustive): equipment hire, access costs to specialist equipment/workshops, volunteer expenses, specialist tissue/cell culture, specialist reagents or materials, specialist software, access to specialist databases, data collection costs, specialist media, recording or digital storage needs.
We charge bench fees in bands. They may apply for every year of your course. These bands are the same for full- and part-time students.
If you have to pay bench fees this will be made clear at your interview, and stated in your offer letter.
For 2024/25 the bench fee bands are:
- £500
- £1,200
- £2,200
- £4,500
- £8,900
PhD by Published Work
Initial registration: £1,500
Full registration: £4,500
Writing up fees 2024/25
£1,200
How do I pay my fees?
You can pay your fees upfront, in full or in instalments – though you won't need to pay until you've accepted an offer to study with us. Find out more about paying your fees.
Funding
For advice on the Doctoral Loan and other sources of funding, including ARU scholarships, visit our finance guide for postgraduate researchers.
You might also find The Alternative Guide to Postgraduate Funding helpful.
ARU research
Join us as a PhD researcher and you’ll be joining a group of passionate leading researchers who are experts in their fields. Our research-active staff are dedicated to producing relevant and significant outcomes and solutions that can be applied in the real-world.
Our research centres are at the heart of knowledge generation in our business school. All centres welcome PhD researchers to join their community and work alongside academics on the latest research developments. Visit our research centre pages to learn more about the PhD opportunities available.
ARU's academic excellence was recognised in 2021, as part of the Research Excellence Framework (REF), an exercise which assesses the quality of academic research. Sixteen areas of our work were classed as generating world-leading research. The results showed that we're making a significant impact on the societies we live in.
Careers
A PhD research degree an excellent way to progress your business or management career, or pursue a career in academia. With a study solution to fit your needs, you can opt to study part-time or full-time and can focus your thesis on an issue close to you, your employer or industry.
Thanks to our international reputation and the comprehensive research training and development we provide, we’re an equally compelling option if you want to pursue an academic career. This includes modules in academic writing and publishing, compiling research bids, conference presentation, research methods and management, networking and team working.
Contact details
If you're interested in finding out more about postgraduate research study opportunities, please contact [email protected]
Entry requirements
MPhil or PhD with progression from MPhil: You’ll need a Bachelors degree or equivalent with first or upper second class honours, in a related subject area.
PhD: You’ll need a Masters degree or equivalent in a related subject area.
Please note we consider candidates for PhD with progression from MPhil in the first instance. If you want to be considered for direct entry to the PhD route then this can be discussed at interview if you are shortlisted. Please note you’ll also need to provide academic justification for this request.
If English is not your first language, you'll require a minimum IELTS score of 6.5, with a minimum of 5.5 in each component (or equivalent test). If you don't meet our English language requirements, we offer a range of courses which could help you achieve the level required for entry.
Important additional notes
Our published entry requirements are a guide only and our decision will be based on your overall suitability for the programme as well as whether you meet the minimum entry requirements. Contact our postgraduate research degree team for more information about studying a PhD, MPhil or Professional Doctorate at ARU.
You'll need a computer and reliable internet access to successfully engage with your research programme.
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