Warwick’s MRes/PhD Business and Management programme encompasses independent thinking in a world class interdisciplinary environment. You will have the opportunity to make new discoveries whilst undertaking research in a broad range of business areas whilst becoming immersed in an internationally recognised research community at Warwick Business School.
*Please note that, for Visa purposes, the MRes is considered a Taught course which means that students requiring Student Visa sponsorship will not be able to bring dependants to the UK unless they are government sponsored. Once admitted to the PhD in Year 3, students requiring Student Visa sponsorship will be able to bring dependants.
The PhD experience at WBS taught me how to approach complex research questions with both rigour and creativity - skills that are essential in my current academic role.
Dr Zizhou Peng
Assistant Professor in Marketing at University of Birmingham, PhD Business & Management (2019 - 2024)
WBS is for the people with a never-ending thirst for new knowledge and experience. You’ll have the passion to make new discoveries, the drive to test new theories and the willingness to go above and beyond. Our fully-funded MRes/PhD in Business and Management, launched in October 2022, will give you the opportunity to make your mark on the business landscape, by having the freedom to research a host of disciplines that shape the business world.
Our MRes/PhD Business and Management programme combines highly relevant and structured training with close mentorship from a team of supervisors to embed you in our culture of curiosity and help you in developing and deepening your chosen area of research. We value our doctoral researchers and aim to attract students from across the globe who are independent thinkers, restless to learn more and challenge themselves. We particularly welcome applicants whose ambition is a career in academia.
By studying our MRes/PhD Business and Management programme you will have the opportunity to make your mark on the business landscape, by having the freedom to research a host of disciplines that shape the business world.
Teaching and learning
As part of the MRes/PhD programme, you will study thirteen modules over your first two years. This comprises three core modules, four methods modules, and six elective modules. At the end of your second year of study, you will be awarded an MRes Business and Management and, subject to satisfactory progression and research ability, be permitted to proceed to PhD study. The overall course structure is 2+3 years (MRes/PhD).
Our excellent library and superb teaching and learning facilities provide the perfect place for you to commit to your studies, and enable you to expand and deepen your knowledge in your chosen area of research.
Entry requirements
Competition to join our Doctoral programme is very strong; you will need to demonstrate you have the intellectual capabilities, stamina, drive and commitment to complete a ground-breaking piece of work through independent study.
Academic requirements for the MRes/PhD Business and Management programme include:
Bachelors degree: First Class (recommended)
Masters degree: Distinction (recommended) in social sciences, behavioural sciences or engineering.
A GMAT or GRE test score is not formally required for this programme.
If English is not your first language, you must meet a minimum overall standard in a recognised test of English. You must show a good balance across all sections of the test and it must have been taken within two years of starting the course. We will require your certificates as evidence.
IELTS overall score of 7.0, minimum component scores of two at 6.0/6.5 and the rest at 7.0 or above.
PTE academic - 70 with 51+ in every section
CPE – grade C (CEFR level C2) or above
CAE - Grade C scoring 60+, no worse than 3 component results at borderline and 1 at weak.
Please adjust your country as required:
We welcome applications from students with other internationally recognised qualifications. For more information, please visit the international entry requirements page.
We typically ask for two academic references for research courses.
You will be asked to include an email address for your referee(s) when submitting your application and we will contact them for you.
There are no additional entry requirements for this course.
Research themes
Our research strengths include:
Accounting
Behavioural Science
Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Finance
Information Systems and Management
Marketing
Operations
Organisation and Work
Strategy and International Business
Supervisors and proposals
There are several routes to finding a PhD supervisor at University of Warwick. Searching for a supervisor and submitting a research proposal will look different depending on the opportunity you are applying for. Below you’ll find guidance from the department about what is required for this course.
For more general advice, including top tips for finding and contacting a potential supervisor, and what to include in your research proposal visit the university’s guidance webpages.
Throughout the PhD element of your programme you will be advised by one or two supervisors with appropriate research expertise and interests. Your supervisors will be nominated when you reach the end of the MRes element of your programme. Please do not contact potential supervisors when completing your application, as we do not recruit PhD students in this way.
Initial applications to the Business School PhD programmes do not require submission of a research proposal.
Fees and scholarships
The MRes/PhD programme fully funds all successful applicants and offers a generous support package including a stipend, and a research budget to attend conferences and workshops.
World leaders in business innovation for global change.
Why study with us?
Join a community of thinkers, innovators and Change Makers at a business school that’s part of one of the UK’s most respected universities. For nearly 60 years we've helped turn ambition into action, blending academic excellence with real-world so that what you learn connects directly to the challenges organisations face today.
Study alongside students and professionals from diverse backgrounds, building the knowledge, confidence and perspectives to make a real impact. With more than 63,000 graduates across 176 countries, our alumni network opens doors across industries, borders and career stages.
Learn in state-of-the-art lecture theatres, collaborative study spaces and digital resources tailored to business education and research. Alongside WBS-specific computing facilities, we also provide dedicated careers guidance, wellbeing support and student support networks - helping you build connections, confidence and practical experience throughout your studies.
Life at Warwick
This is where your journey begins. Our campus is the heart of it all. It’s more than just a campus - it's the places you visit, the people you meet, the fun that you have; the experiences you have here will be transformative.
Within a close-knit community of staff and students from all over the world, discover a campus alive with possibilities.
Our campus is where all the elements of your student experience come together in one place. You won't be short of ways to spend your time on campus - whether it's visiting Warwick Arts Centre, using our incredible sports facilities, socialising in our bars, nightclub and cafés, or enjoying an open-air event. Or if you need some peace and quiet, you can explore lakes, woodland and green spaces just a few minutes’ walk from central campus.
Follow our students around campus on our social channels to see their experiences first-hand.
Teaching facilities
Our campus is designed to cater for all of your learning needs. You will benefit from a variety of flexible, well-equipped study spaces and teaching facilities across the University.
Oculus, our outstanding learning hub, houses state-of-the-art lecture theatres and innovative social learning and network areas
Different study spaces offering you flexible individual and group study spaces, computers, printing and scanning facilities, multimedia resources and more
Supporting you
Our continuous support network is here to help you adjust to student life and to ensure you can easily access advice on many different issues. These may include managing your finances and workload, and settling into shared accommodation. We also have specialist disability and mental health support teams.
Whether you live on campus or off campus, in private accommodation in the well-serviced local area, you’ll be part of a community to get the most from your experience at Warwick.
Societies and sports play a huge part in community life at Warwick. With over 300 to choose from, getting involved is one of the easiest ways to make friends and share in experiences. Whether you’re into films, martial arts, astronomy, gaming or musical theatre, you can instantly connect with people with similar interests.
Your university experience is defined by far more than your course or the career path you follow. At Warwick, it’s where you discover who you could become.
68th
Warwick is ranked 68th in the world and top 10 in all major UK league tables
Our alumni community still call Warwick home. From a few hundred in 1965 to more than 310,000 alumni, and it's ever-growing.
As Warwick graduates, our students have access to employability support for two years after graduation, including access to careers appointments, job vacancies and professional networks.
Applications for courses starting in academic year 2027/28 will open on approximately 12th October 2026 and will close on 31st January 2027.
This should allow sufficient time to complete the admissions process and to obtain a visa to study in the UK if required. We will still accept late applications, however cannot guarantee that the application will be processed in time to complete the admissions process if received late or there are a number of conditions to meet.
If applying late please include your degree certificates and transcripts, English proficiency evidence (if needed) and ensure referees can submit references promptly to allow time for CAS and visa processing (if applicable).
This information is applicable for 2027 entry. Given the interval between the publication of courses and enrolment, some of the information may change. It is important to check our website before you apply. Please read our web page 'Important information to consider before making an application' in advance of applying to Warwick.
Next steps
Explore your future university further at an upcoming event, online or in-person. Can't join? Receive regular email updates or ask current students and staff questions about life at Warwick.
