Imperial College Business School is inviting applications for its fully funded PhD programme in Management & Organisational Research starting in September 2027. The programme is designed for graduates seeking advanced research training and academic careers in management, organisational behaviour, organisational theory, strategy, entrepreneurship and innovation.
The doctoral programme is based in London, United Kingdom, and offers full funding to admitted students, including a tuition fee waiver covering the overseas tuition rate and a living stipend for up to five years.
The application deadline for the 2027 intake is 2 December 2026.
The opportunity may be particularly suitable for master’s graduates who want to develop an academic career in management, organisational behaviour, human resources, strategy or related research fields.
About the PhD Programme
The Management & Entrepreneurship pathway at Imperial College Business School provides research training in areas including organisational behaviour, organisational theory, strategy and innovation.
The programme is structured to provide students with advanced methodological and theoretical preparation before they progress into doctoral research.
Students begin with a two-year Master of Research (MRes) before entering the PhD phase of the programme. This structure is designed to provide intensive research training and prepare candidates to conduct original doctoral-level research.
The programme is particularly relevant for candidates interested in pursuing academic careers in management and related disciplines.
Fully Funded PhD Opportunity
Imperial College Business School provides full funding to students who are admitted to the programme.
The funding package includes:
- A tuition fee waiver, including the overseas tuition fee rate.
- A living stipend to support students during their doctoral studies.
- Funding for up to five years.
This means successful international applicants can receive financial support covering their tuition fees as well as a stipend for living expenses during the funded period.
Applicants should nevertheless carefully review the official programme information for the latest details regarding the value, duration and conditions of the funding package.
Research Areas
The Management & Entrepreneurship pathway covers a range of research areas relevant to contemporary organisations and businesses.
Potential areas of research include:
- Organisational behaviour
- Organisational theory
- Strategy
- Innovation
- Entrepreneurship
- Management
- Human resources and related organisational research
Applicants should identify research areas that align with the expertise of Imperial faculty and develop their proposed research around an appropriate academic area.
A strong alignment between the applicant’s interests and the research expertise of potential supervisors or faculty members is an important part of preparing a competitive application.
Who Can Apply?
The programme is intended for applicants with strong academic backgrounds who want to undertake advanced research in management and organisational studies.
Applicants are expected to have a strong master’s degree in a relevant discipline.
Candidates should demonstrate their ability to undertake independent academic research and explain how their proposed research interests fit within the Management & Entrepreneurship pathway.
The programme may be particularly suitable for master’s graduates in management, business, organisational studies, psychology, economics, sociology, human resources, strategy or closely related disciplines, depending on the proposed research topic.
Applicants should always check the official Imperial College Business School requirements before applying because specific academic and admissions requirements may vary according to the programme and applicant circumstances.
Statement of Purpose and Research Fit
A key component of the application is the statement of purpose.
Applicants should clearly explain their academic background, research interests, motivation for pursuing doctoral study and longer-term academic or professional goals.
The proposed research interests should demonstrate a strong connection with an appropriate faculty research area at Imperial College Business School.
Candidates are therefore encouraged to research the department’s faculty and research activities before preparing their application.
A well-developed application should show not only an interest in management but also a clear understanding of the research questions the applicant hopes to investigate.
English Language Requirements
Applicants are required to provide evidence of meeting Imperial College London’s English language requirements, unless they qualify for an applicable exemption.
Candidates should check the current requirements and accepted qualifications on the official Imperial College Business School PhD programme page before submitting an application.
Where an English-language test is required, applicants should ensure that their results meet the required minimum scores and remain valid according to Imperial’s admissions rules.
Programme Structure
The programme begins with a two-year MRes designed to provide intensive research training.
Following successful completion of the research master’s component, students progress to the PhD stage, where they undertake original doctoral research.
The overall programme is described as a five-to-six-year pathway, depending on the structure and progression of the doctoral studies.
The programme is therefore intended as a long-term research training route rather than a conventional one-year or two-year postgraduate degree.
Application Requirements
Applicants should prepare their application carefully and ensure that all required materials are submitted before the deadline.
Key elements include:
- A strong relevant master’s degree.
- A statement of purpose.
- Clearly defined research interests.
- Evidence of alignment with relevant faculty research areas.
- English-language qualification evidence where required.
- Other supporting documents required by Imperial College London.
Applicants should consult the official programme page for the complete and current list of admission requirements and supporting documents.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit their application through the official Imperial College London application system.
Applicants should review the Management & Organisational Research PhD information carefully before beginning the application process and ensure that their proposed research interests are appropriately aligned with the relevant faculty research areas.
Candidates should also allow sufficient time to prepare their statement of purpose and supporting documents.
Application Deadline: 2 December 2026
Expected Start Date: September 2027
Location: London, United Kingdom
PhD Opportunity Summary
Programme: PhD in Management & Organisational Research
Institution: Imperial College Business School, Imperial College London
Pathway: Management & Entrepreneurship
Start Date: September 2027
Programme Structure: Two-year MRes followed by PhD
Duration: Approximately five to six years
Funding: Fully funded for admitted students
Tuition: Fee waiver, including overseas tuition rate
Living Support: Stipend for up to five years
Location: London, United Kingdom
Application Deadline: 2 December 2026
Why Consider This Opportunity?
The Imperial College Business School PhD provides an opportunity for ambitious researchers to undertake advanced training at a leading international business school while receiving substantial financial support.
The programme’s emphasis on organisational behaviour, organisational theory, strategy, innovation and entrepreneurship makes it particularly relevant to graduates interested in understanding how organisations operate, adapt and innovate.
For candidates planning an academic career, the combination of intensive research training, doctoral study and access to an international research environment can provide a strong foundation for future research and university positions.
