PhD by Published Work

How to apply

We are delighted that you are interested in studying with us. We recommend you apply early as demand our MRes/PhD Business & Management programme is high with only a limited number of places available for our fully-funded programme.

Our application deadline for 2022 entry to this course was 31 January 2022. Applications for 2023 entry will open in September.

To apply for the MRes/PhD Business & Management programme please choose 'P-N1QY Business and Management (Masters by Research)'. Please upload all your supporting documentation with your application. Your application documents should include the following:

  • Two academic references
  • Personal statement (see guidance on what to include here)
  • Your degree transcripts/certificates
  • GMAT/GRE score
  • English language test certificate if applicable.

Our application process

1 Meet us

Meet us either online or in-person to find out whether our PhD programme is right for you.

2 Check your eligibility

Review the entry requirements to check your eligibility for the programme.

3 Research proposal

Draft your research proposal and contact the most appropriate prospective supervisor(s) to discuss with them.

4 Scholarships

Ensure that you indicate all the scholarships that you wish to be considered for in your application and submit all supporting documentation by the applicable deadline.

6 Application decision

Successful applicants will be made an offer subject to providing any outstanding documents or references.

7 Register & enrol

Once you have accepted your offer you will receive instructions on how to pay your programme deposit along with details on how to register and enrol, and when to expect your course materials.

Application deadline

  • Applications for 2022 entry closed on 31 January 2022. Applications for 2023 entry will open in September.

Studying for your doctorate elsewhere?

If you wish to come to WBS as a Visiting Student, you must follow the same online application procedure as for full-time applications, though the start date is more flexible. You will be charged 50% of the full-time fees if your attachment to WBS is longer than ten weeks.

Shortlisted candidates

Candidates who are shortlisted will be asked to write a short paper before the admission interview (max 3000 words). The paper should provide a critical review of the academic area or topic they are currently interested in and/or have researched in the past. This can be the subject of their Master’s or UG dissertation, a topic they are passionate about, or an area of academic research in business and management that they find particularly interesting. Candidates should consider thinking of this requirement well in advance as they will be given only a short time to prepare the paper if they are shortlisted.

Interview preparation

  • Make sure you clearly explain how your experience has prepared you for an MRes/PhD and why you applied to the programme.
  • Be prepared to talk about your research interests.
  • Think about your motivation for pursuing an MRes/PhD: show your commitment to the project and think about how a PhD will help you achieve your career goals.
  • Come to the interview prepared with some questions for the interviewer, the interview is as much as about you finding out more about the university, as it is about them finding out more about you.