Management (Research)

The programme involves a period of sustained in-depth study of a specific topic and aims to:

provide the opportunity to enhance the student’s knowledge of the broad area and to study the theoretical foundations and specific techniques of the subject,
ensure the student uncovers and critically examines background literature on the topic,
provide the student with the stimulus required to develop originality and creativity in the research,
give the student the opportunity to develop skills in making and testing hypotheses or research questions, in developing new theory, and in planning and conducting investigations to discover new insights and
provide, through critical scrutiny of written work and oral presentations, an opportunity for the student to develop skills in writing and presenting the results of the research in learned journals and monographs.

All doctoral candidates are automatically registered as MPhil students during their first year: they are expected to produce a detailed literature review and formal research design to a good standard before they can upgrade to PhD status. Full-time students will be working on these aspects in Year 1 with a view to upgrading in Year 2. For full-time students, the second and third years are normally spent collecting data, conducting field research, analysing results and writing up. The PhD thesis is usually submitted at the end of the third year.

First year students complete assessments at the end of their compulsory research methods training.

As well as regular meetings with their Principal and Second Supervisors, all students attend semi-annual review meetings with PhD Directors, Principal and Second Supervisors throughout the three years of their registration. At these meetings, progress is discussed and advice for further work given.

At the beginning of the summer term, all students present their research at the School’s annual PhD days, attended by doctoral students, members of staff and external advisers. Students are given extensive feedback on their work to date.

The PhD thesis is judged by internal and external examiners appointed by the College. The candidate is then invited to defend his/her thesis before these examiners.