Postgraduate Research/Doctorate PhD/MPhil/MSc by Research

Business, Management and Law

Attendance

Full-time

Part-time

Course

Three year

Five year

Next enrolment

January 2025

Introduction

In a nutshell

Salford Business School aims to be a first-choice international provider of next-generation business, management and law education and research: developing graduates, managers and leaders in the digitally-connected, complex global knowledge economy who are transformational in thinking, behaviour and practice.  

In research we foster a stimulating, aspirational and supportive research environment engaged across disciplines and in line with business, community and public policy needs. While we encourage students to join our research community in person and benefit from our on campus facilities, the majority of training is online so you will not be impacted if you choose to study remotely.

We are particularly interested to hear from interested applicants whose research fits with and supports the University’s research strategy (see below).

You will:

  • Undertake cutting-edge applied research
  • Work under the supervision of specialist academics
  • Earn a Doctorate
International

students accepted

Course details

All about the course

PhDs and research activity in Salford Business School supports and is broadly aligned to the university’s research strategy which focuses on industry collaboration and the challenges that face our society:

  • Industry 4.0 
  • Ageing and bio-health 
  • Energy, housing and infrastructure 
  • Sustainability and environmental quality 
  • Resilience and leadership 

Within this, there are six Business, Management and Law research clusters:

  1. Data Analytics
  2. Project Management
  3. Operations Management
  4. Process Optimisation
  5. Establishing disruptive business models
  6. Governance, Legal and Ethical issues

Find out more about the University of Salford's Doctoral School, our research community and the what you could be a part of.

Please note that it may not be possible to deliver the full list of options every year as this will depend on factors such as how many students choose a particular option. Exact modules may also vary in order to keep content current. When accepting your offer of a place to study on this programme, you should be aware that not all optional modules will be running each year. Your tutor will be able to advise you as to the available options on or before the start of the programme. Whilst the University tries to ensure that you are able to undertake your preferred options, it cannot guarantee this.

Getting Here

If you’re planning on commuting, both our MediaCityUK and Peel Park campuses are perfectly placed. Whether by bus, rail, bike or car, we’re easily accessed from all over Greater Manchester, Lancashire and beyond. 

Get more information about your options for commuting, or hear about the experience from current students

 

Requirements

What you need to know

You should have a first degree but this could be from a wide range of disciplines not only including the Humanities disciplines but also Science and Engineering. We would not be prescriptive about the methodology you would adopt for your research therefore we consider applicants from a wide range of backgrounds. We would expect you to have a foundation in research methodology, whether qualitative or quantitative. Evidence of ability to study and critically appraise literature independently is essential and candidates with a Masters qualification are preferred.  

As a student embarking on a postgraduate research degree you will be assigned a supervisory team, to help guide and mentor you throughout your time at the University. However, you are ultimately expected to take responsibility for managing your learning and will be expected to initiate discussions, ask for the help that you need and be proactive in your approach to study.  

Applicants will be encouraged to attend for an interview where practical.

English Language Requirements

Our PhD courses are supported and assessed in English, so as an applicant you must meet our minimum English language entry requirements. If you are an international student and not from a majority English speaking country, you will need IELTS 7 with no element below 6.5.

We also accept a range of other English language qualifications. If you do not have the English language requirements, you could take our Pre-Sessional English course.

International Students - Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS)

International Students are required by the Home Office and/or the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) to apply for an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) Certificate before they begin studying their course. You may need to obtain an ATAS Certificate before you come to the UK in order for you to comply with Home Office regulations. Please refer to your offer conditions.

You can find out if your programme requires an ATAS by checking the FCO website with your JACS code which will be on your offer letter should you choose to make an application. If you cannot find it please contact International Conversion team at application@salford.ac.uk. If you have any queries relating directly to ATAS please contact the ATAS team on Salford-ATAS@salford.ac.uk.



You can apply for your ATAS Certificate via this link: https://www.academic-technology-approval.service.gov.uk/

What qualifications do I need?

Entry requirements

A first degree from a wide range of disciplines.

We would expect you to have a foundation in research methodology, whether qualitative or quantitative. Evidence of ability to study and critically appraise literature independently is essential and candidates with a Masters qualification are preferred.  

Please contact us to discuss:

     pgr-supportsbs@salford.ac.uk

How much?

As a postgraduate research student, you will need to pay annual tuition fees. These vary according to the programme you are studying. Both we and other organisations offer a range of scholarships and discounts to postgraduate research students.

More information about fees and funding.

Apply now

All set? Let's apply

Enrolment dates

January 2025

May 2025

September 2025