PhD Business and Enterprise

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.

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.

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.

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.

The individual fee for this course is shown above. For more information, including how and when to pay, see our fees and funding section for postgraduate students.

At the London Doctoral Academy we are committed to supporting and developing professional researchers who are driven to make a difference. We have a range of PhD Scholarships available in partnership with businesses and organisations - and when they're available we'll publish notices on the London Doctoral Academy site.