Everything you need to know...
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What is the fee?
Home: See fees section below
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How long will I study?
7 Years
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Where will I study?
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When do I start?
October 2025
February 2026
May 2026
Course summary
- Join an academic department which produces internationally excellent and world leading research
- Enhance your research skills with opportunities to engage in events, conferences and training
- Learn in a large and diverse business school with the specialist resources, facilities and data sets to help you succeed
You will be part of our vibrant doctoral community in one of 3 academic departments: Management, Finance, Accounting and Business Systems and Service Sector Management.
We have extensive expertise in creating new knowledge and applying business research to solve of real world problems in management, finance, operations, hospitality, tourism, events, food and nutrition and language.
Sheffield Business School accreditation
Sheffield Business School is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) and has been awarded the Business School Impact System label by the European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD).
Come to an open day
Find out more at our postgraduate open days. Book now for your place.
How you learn
Your supervisory team will include a Director of Studies and one or more second supervisors with expertise and interest in your research area. However, much of the work for your degree will be carried out independently, and you will need the initiative, motivation and commitment to succeed.
Your supervisors will help you to define your research programme, agree any associated training requirements, and provide direction while encouraging you to develop as an independent researcher.
You learn through
- Independent research
- Supervisory meetings
Course leaders and tutors
Ellen Bennett
Senior LecturerEllen is a Research Fellow at the Centre for Regional, Economic and Social Research at Sheffield Hallam, with research expertise in the voluntary sector, public serv … Read more
Applied learning
Networking opportunities
You will be invited to participate in a wide range of Sheffield Business School research events including the opportunity to showcase your own research and receive constructive feedback.
We also support research students to participate in external conferences hosted either here at the University or at other institutions thus enabling you to develop your network and be exposed to a wide range of different research disciplines and methodologies.
You will be part of the University's community of researchers, with the opportunity to attend and/or contribute to a range of discipline, college and University-wide presentations, training and conferences.
We recognise that MPhil researchers arrive with a diversity of skills and experience. Therefore, we provide flexible training and development opportunities covering a range of research-related skills. Indicative areas include transferable skills, research ethics and integrity (mandatory), data management, teaching skills and career planning. Your development needs are identified and agreed with your supervisory team at the start of your degree, and reviewed and updated as appropriate.
There is also a range of opportunities to engage in writing retreats, research training and other supportive interactions to enhance your research skills.
Future careers
Research degrees are essential qualifications for many academic careers. You will have the opportunity to develop a range of transferable skills which are applicable to many employment sectors. You will also develop your own academic network of fellow research students, supervisory team, conference organisers, external academics etc. This will help you to develop support and mentoring opportunities helping you plan the next stage of your career.
You may have the opportunity to develop teaching skills by undertaking associate lecturer teaching responsibilities. This is subject to decisions at Subject Group level and in accordance with limits prescribed by the university regulations.
Where will I study?
You study at City Campus through a structured mix of lectures, seminars and practical sessions as well as access to digital and online resources to support your learning.
City Campus
City Campus is located in the heart of Sheffield, within minutes of the train and bus stations.
City Campus map | City Campus tour
Adsetts library
Adsetts Library is located on our City Campus. It's open 24 hours a day, every day.
Learn moreEquipment and facilities
You will have access to a desk and computer, as well as the appropriate laboratories, workshops and equipment needed to carry out your project.
Entry requirements
All students
All applicants should hold a strong, relevant undergraduate degree (2.1 or above) and/or a relevant masters qualification (merit and above).
Application
To apply, candidates must submit a fully complete online application including:
- A research proposal. This should include an outline of the research questions/area, aim of the project, an understanding of the current knowledge/literature and context, the proposed methodology, the potential impact and contribution to knowledge of your project and referencing key background literature. The maximum word count is 1,500 words.
- A personal statement - In submitting your personal statement, you must answer these 4 questions. We recommend no more than 200 words for each question, and include specific examples from your previous experiences (academic and professional). We want to learn more about you.
- What relevant skills and experience do you have which you feel would help you undertake this research project? (200 words maximum).
- How did you come up with your project proposal? (200 words maximum).
- What opportunities do you think the doctorate will give you? (200 words maximum).
- Provide an example demonstrating your approach to engaging with new experiences or ideas. This can be an example from your studies, work, or personal experiences. (200 words maximum).
- Copies of qualifications, certificates, and results transcripts.
- Details of two referees who can comment on your academic ability and readiness for PhD study.
- Copies of your passport and any relevant visas, for international applicants.
All suitable candidates are invited to an interview which can take place in-person or online. You will be asked questions about the project proposal and your interest in PhD level study. You are encouraged to find out more about our staff and their current research to inform the development of your research proposal and to ensure it aligns with our research themes.
International Students (Additional Information)
Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to demonstrate their English language proficiency through one of the following:
1. Recent academic IELTS demonstrating an overall score of 7.0 or above with no score below 6.5 in the other components or equivalent. Recent means that your IELTS results must have been awarded two years preceding your doctoral programme's start date.
2. Educated with a UK Master's degree level (merit and above) within two years preceding your doctoral programme's start date.
Please note that UKVI provide a list of countries exempt from the language entry requirements. If you are a national of one of these countries you will not need to provide evidence as listed above.
Students who are based overseas may be able to study for a PhD by Distance Learning, subject to establishing a satisfactory distance learning agreement, as part of the application process.
Additional information for EU/International students
This course is not open to international students who require a Tier 4 (General) student visa to study in the UK. If you are an international applicant but do not require a Tier 4 (General) student visa, email our Admissions Team to find out whether you’re eligible to apply.
Fees and funding
Home students
Our tuition fee for UK postgraduate research students will be aligned to the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) fees which have not yet been confirmed for 2025/26. For an indication of the tuition fees, please view the 2024/25 course page. An additional bench fee may also be charged for this course, depending on the nature of your project and requirements for specialist facilities. Information on whether a bench fee is chargeable can be provided by the relevant Research Institute, and will be confirmed in your offer letter.
If you are studying an undergraduate course, postgraduate pre-registration course or postgraduate research course over more than one academic year then your tuition fees may increase in subsequent years in line with Government regulations or UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) published fees. More information can be found in our terms and conditions under student fees regulations.
Postgraduate student loans
Up to £12,471 is available in 2024/25 for home students on most masters courses.
Additional course costs
The links below allow you to view estimated general course additional costs, as well as costs associated with key activities on specific courses. These are estimates and are intended only as an indication of potential additional expenses. Actual costs can vary greatly depending on the choices you make during your course.
General course additional costs
Additional costs for Sheffield Business School (PDF, 142KB)Legal information
Any offer of a place to study is subject to your acceptance of the University’s Terms and Conditions and Student Regulations.
