Business and Enterprise PhD

Develop original research designed to shape theory, policy and practice across business and enterprise.

Work closely with two supervisors, including an academic expert in your chosen field, throughout your PhD research.

Benefit from academics who work with private, public and third-sector organisations through consultancy, contract research and expert advisory roles.

Overview
Teaching and Assessment
Careers
Entry Requirements
Apply
Fees

Overview

Enterprise through research

LSBU Business School offers full-time, part-time, and distance-learning research degree programmes. During this PhD course, students work with research supervisors to develop research projects to shape theory, policy and practice in the fields of business and enterprise studies. Under the direction of two research supervisors, students conduct empirical or theoretical research that will lead to new knowledge in a chosen field and are required to write a series of journal articles or thesis of 80,000 words. Previous PhD research topics have included:

Internationalisation of SMEs

Marketing strategies of multinational companies

Sustainability and project management

Managing risk in multinational corporations

Social media as innovation laboratory

Work-life balance and work-family conflict

Industry, public and 3rd Sector Collaborations

Our academics have made an impact and collaborate with a range of private, public and 3rd sector organisations as expert advisors, in contract research and consulting. Such collaborations include the European Commission's Asylum Support Office (EASO), the Ehrenberg-Bass Institute for Marketing Science in Australia, the Swiss Olympics - Federal Ministry of the Interior in Switzerland, the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) in the UK, the British Council in the UK, the society for Intercultural Education, Training and Research (SIETAR, UK) and Erasmus+, the European Commission's Programme.

Enterprise through research

Enterprise as a core research narrative invites researchers to contribute work notable for academic quality and impact and all sorts of areas could fall within this theme including, but not limited to, SMEs, local economy, organisational analysis, social enterprise and society. It offers opportunities to work collaboratively on research and publications, share data, complementary methodologies and connect with enterprise activities.

Engaging with business and society

The School is also committed to ‘civic engagement’ with a mission to share practical research outcomes to improve the society around us and this is reflected in many of the impact case studies which are being generated. Our local business community is essential to the success of London and we are keen to engage in research which supports that community through systematic capture of the structure, economic impact or business lifecycle.

We therefore would like our research to be academically strong and capable of generating impact locally, nationally or internationally. We are happy to consider a broad range of research proposals within the business domain so long as they can be seen to offer the potential for rigour, originality, reach and impact.

A PhD, by definition, is an original contribution to knowledge. A research degree is different from a taught course. Research students are expected to self-direct their learning with support from a supervisory team.

Teaching and Assessment

PhD students at LSBU Business School attend weekly research seminars and Key Skills Development Programme organised by the university, but they are not required to attend any taught modules or to complete coursework. Students are encouraged to present their work at research seminars to gain feedback from doctoral students and researchers in the business and enterprise disciplines. The library offers a range of research-related courses such as how to use SPSS or NVIVO, or how to use a reference management software. In addition, doctoral students may audit selected Masters- level modules relevant to their research project.

All research students are supported in their work by a staff supervisory team. In the first instance students are supervised by their Director of Studies, with whom they are expected to maintain close contact, whilst further guidance may also be given by co-supervisors.

The first efforts of the supervisory team will be to enable research students to prepare their registration. This normally takes place after an initial probationary period of six months (full-time) or nine months (part-time). The School offers opportunities for students to present their work in progress to a School audience that is both supportive and critical, through open staff/student seminars.

Where relevant to their research field, students are able and encouraged to take units from the wide range of taught masters programmes within the School.

Careers

Employability Service

At LSBU, we want to set you up for a successful career. During your studies – and for two years after you graduate – you’ll have access to our Employability Service, which includes:

An online board where you can see a wide range of placements: part-time, full-time or voluntary. You can also drop in to see our Job Shop advisers, who are always available to help you take the next step in your search.
Our Careers Gym offering group workshops on CVs, interview techniques and finding work experience, as well as regular presentations from employers across a range of sectors.

Our Student Enterprise team can also help you start your own business and develop valuable entrepreneurial skills.

Research skills development

All research students are required to participate in a Key Skills Development programme aimed at developing transferable skills in addition to those employed in carrying out research. Training in research methods is available through frequent research seminars.

When necessary the research student can follow, in part, relevant Masters courses available within the School and in particular units on research methodology. In some cases, research students are encouraged to follow other courses available within the University or externally aimed at improving their general expertise in their chosen areas.

In addition, they may be encouraged to follow language courses aimed at improving their oral and written skills - both essential in their future careers.

Transferable skills

A research degree will equip you with many transferable skills. The self-discipline, the demand for clear analytical thinking, and the ability to turn criticism of others work into something constructive of your own, all constitute a unique training for almost any kind of career. The excitement and satisfaction of finding new facts, a new idea, or a new way of looking at something can be highly rewarding.

Attending conferences

Research students are often sponsored to attend national and international conferences and to meet leading scientists in their fields and to present their research findings. The progress of all research students is formally monitored by the University's Research Degree Committee.

Links with external funding bodies for research have been developed and particular attention has been given to increasing the quantum of external funding for research activity.

External funding has been obtained from sources that include the European Union, UK Research Councils, major charitable research foundations and the U.K. Government’s Department of Trade and Industry.

Particular attention has been given towards the development of postgraduate research degrees and increasing the levels of external funding for research activity.

: In further recognition of the School’s entrepreneurial culture and leading-edge practice it has been awarded the Institute of Enterprise and Entrepreneurs (IoEE) Centre of Excellence status. This is the IoEE’s flagship organisational accreditation for organisations that promote and deliver enterprise skills development.

Memberships

LSBU Business School is an esteemed member institution of the Business Graduates Association (BGA), an international membership and quality assurance body of world-leading and high-potential Business Schools who share a commitment for responsible management practices and lifelong learning, and are looking to provide positive impact on their students, communities, and the economy as a whole. BGA is the sister brand to the Association of MBAs (AMBA), the world's impartial authority on postgraduate management education.

As a BGA member institution, students of LSBU Business School are able to access BGA's individual membership, which offers a range of tools and resources designed to support the professional and personal development of business students and graduates, free of charge. This includes CV building services, a job search function, skill assessments, thought-leadership, partner discounts and much more.

LSBU CareerSmart is your ultimate gateway to career success. Our innovative programme is designed to ensure you graduate with more than just a degree, providing the support you need to stand out in a competitive job market. We've got all the tools you need, including:

AI Powered Career Sets - Get instant personalised feedback on your CV and cover letter by submitting it via our AI powered career tool.
Gamification Interviews - Get ready to pass those interviews with unlimited training access to our gamification interviews and psychometric tests!
Personalised Career Development Dashboard - Keep up with your skills progression with free access to practical assessments, LinkedIn learning, mentoring, and industry-standard facilities.

We understand that you’re in the driver’s seat of your career, which is why we’re committed to matching your passion and energy every step of the way.

Find out more

Entry Level Requirements

The entry requirements below are for 2027 entry. Want to start your course this September? Call 0800 923 8888 for entry requirements.

Applicants for a Research Degree programme at LSBU are usually expected to have a good honours degree (2:2 and above) and a relevant postgraduate qualification, preferably a merit at Master's level. Please also supply two academic references as part of your application. You will also be required to show proof of all of your qualifications. If English is not your first language you will be required to prove your competency in English, showing an IELTS score of at least 7.0 at postgraduate level. You will be invited to an interview with your potential supervisor, in person or by telephone, prior to an offer being made.

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Apply

Course delivery modes and application methods

Mode	Duration	Start date	Application code	Application method
Full-time	3 years	January; April; September	9005	Direct to LSBU
Part-time	5 years	January; April; September	9025	Direct to LSBU
Distance learning	6 years	January; April; September	9057	Direct to LSBU

Home/EU postgraduate students and research students should apply through our dedicated application system.

Full details of how to do this are supplied on our How to apply section for postgraduate students and our How to apply section for research students.

International applicants should use our international application system. Full details can be found on our How to apply section for international students.

See our admissions policy (PDF File 1,043 KB) and complaints policy (PDF File 516 KB).

Considering your application

Your application will be circulated to a number of potential supervisors who will look at your academic qualifications, experience and the research proposal to decide whether your research interest is something that could be supervised at LSBU.

There will also be an interview either by telephone or at the University. If you are successful you will be offered a place on a course and informed of the next enrolment date. The whole process normally takes between six to eight weeks, from receipt of your application to a decision being made about your application at the School.

Research proposal

When applying, please attach an outline of your research proposal (approximately 1,500 words).

Prepare to start

We help our students prepare for university even before the semester starts. To find out when you should apply for your LSBU accommodation or student finance read the How to apply tab for this course.

Enrolment

Before you start your course we’ll send you information on what you’ll need to do before you arrive and during your first few days on campus. You can read about the process on our Enrolment pages.

How to apply

Read more about how to apply for undergraduate courses.

International students

International applicants can apply directly to LSBU and should consult our international how to apply guide for further information on the application process and key dates.

Accommodation

Read more about applying for accommodation at LSBU.

Prepare to start

Applicant events

After you’ve received your offer we’ll send you emails about events we run to help you prepare for your course. You’ll also be invited to our Applicant Taster Day so keep your eyes peeled!

Enrolment

Before you start your course, we’ll send you information on what you’ll need to do before you arrive and during your first few days on campus. You can read about the process on our enrolment pages.