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Integrated PhD

A new model of Doctoral training

Studentships.

Funding for our CDTs and DTPs is provided by Research Councils so eligibility criteria apply for the studentships that they offer. This is outlined on the UK Research and Innovation website . They may also consider self-funding applicants for non-funded projects.

Integrated PhDs provide a new model of postgraduate training. They retain the depth, rigour and focus of a conventional PhD while also providing a broader training experience.

While the specific training routes may vary, they typically consist of a one-year Master's course (MSc or MRes) which leads straight into a three-year PhD.

This new style of doctoral training is available within our Research Council-funded Centres for Doctoral Training (CDTs) and Doctoral Training Partnerships (DTPs).

CDTs and DTPs

Our CDTs and DTPs recruit cohorts of students from a broad spectrum of disciplines, creating vibrant multi-disciplinary communities.

The diversity of students recruited to these centres reflects the breadth of research which they cover.

As well as benefitting from a variety of training opportunities and cohort-building activities, students studying within these centres may also have access to a supervisor and facilities at a partner institution.

Doctoral Training Partnerships (DTPs)

We offer the following DTPs:

• Science and Solutions for a Changing Planet , funded by the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) and hosted by the Grantham Institute – Climate Change and the Environment.
• Medical Research Council Studentships – Imperial College Medical Research Council Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP) , funded by the Medical Research Council (MRC)
• Photonics , available through several EPSRC-funded Doctoral Training Partnerships (DTPs) in which Photonics research group members are involved.

Imperial is also a partner in London Interdisciplinary Social Science Doctoral Training Partnership (LISS) , funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC).

Centres for Doctoral Training (CDTs)

Imperial currently hosts the following Centres for Doctoral Training. Explore the centres that interest you to find out more about their training programme and available studentships.

• Advanced Characterisation of Materials
• Artificial Intelligence for Healthcare – UKRI Centre for Doctoral Training
• BioDesign Engineering
• Chemical Biology - Innovation for the Life Sciences
• Modern Statistics and Statistical Machine Learning
• Next Generation Synthesis and Reaction Technology
• Nuclear Energy Futures

Professional Doctorate

Advanced standing

What do you want to do?

Research degrees, doctoral research programmes (phds) take a proud place in the world-class research environment and community at brunel. phd students are recognised and valued by their supervisors as an essential part of their departments and a key component of the university's overall strategy to develop and deliver world-class research. , join our community of doctoral researchers, research programmes.

PhD programmes

• A PhD involves demonstrating through original research the creation and interpretation of new knowledge at the forefront of an academic discipline or professional practice.

Funded PhD with Industry

• An opportunity for students to undertake in-depth research in combination with the industrial experience of TWI across the varied disciplines essential to structural integrity.

PhD in Bahrain

• A close partnership with Ahlia University, which allows students in the Gulf region to undertake a Brunel PhD with supervision and training given by Brunel academics.

Follow our application guide

5 steps to a successful application outcome

Funding your research

Studentships, loans, scholarships, prizes and further fee reductions.

Doctoral Training Partnerships

You can benefit from funding for innovative training opportunities as part of the Doctoral Training Partnerships (DTP) and Doctoral Training Centres (DTC) that Brunel is a part of. This includes opportunities for you to undertake broader training or development, such as overseas research visits, internships with non-academic partners or language learning .

Research environment and experience

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Watch our phd students talk about the benefits of doing a phd at brunel, browse our research institutes, centres and groups.

Working with your Supervisory Team

Planning each step of your research journey.

Research degrees evolve in different ways according to discipline. Here's what progress might look like at each stage.

Study environment for research students

As a PhD student you will benefit from dedicated space, equipment and resources

Library services and facilities for PhD students

Training and careers.

Graduate School

The Graduate School coordinates a range of personal, professional and career development opportunities. This includes workshops, online training, coaching and events, to enable you to enhance your professional profile, refine your skills, and plan next career steps.

Professional Development Centre

Career support and work opportunities

Wellbeing and support.

Watch a video testimonial of doctoral researcher's experience at Brunel

Looking after your wellbeing

Student Services at Brunel are here to ensure you have a supportive and productive experience whilst studying.

Coming to Brunel with your family

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Integrated PhDs

Doing research differently.

An integrated PhD will take at least 4 years, and the first year will be mostly taught study where you focus on honing your research skills.  Thereon, you will step into the PhD element of the course where you will focus on your chosen are in depth.  Frequently asked questions about standard integrated PhDs (including funding questions) can be found  here .

In the School of Health and Social Care, we have a several integrated PhDs on offer, with varying pathways so we can tailor your course to your needs:

• PhD Nursing - standard integrated pathway or  integrated pathway with Research and Communications Skills
• PhD Health Studies - standard integrated pathway or integrated pathway with Research and Communications Skills

 We also offer PhDs without the integration.  You can find more about these on our Research Degrees page .

Integrated PhD - standard pathways

What is it and how long would it take.

The Integrated PhD (standard) pathway is made up of 1 year of Masters study followed by 12 active terms of PhD study.  The PhD study can be completed in 3-4 years full time, or 6 -7 years part time.

What final award would I receive?

On successful completion of the course, you would receive a PhD.  If you were to leave the course after the first year, you may be eligible for a Masters (subject to successful completion of enough credits).

Who can choose this pathway?

This pathway is open to any student, subject to meeting the entry requirements.  The entry requirement for this pathway is less rigorous than for a PhD, so this may be suitable for you if you are not eligible for a PhD.  Please check the course pages for further information.

When is the deadline to apply?

This programme has an October and a January intake.  The applications for both follow the normal University of Essex cycle.  Further information about application deadlines are available here.

What is the admissions process?  Do I need a research proposal?

You are welcome to submit a research proposal as part of your application.   Full information about the application process including research proposal guidance, and what to expect at each stage is available here.

In addition to a research proposal, we may ask you to meet with us to interview for your place.

Integrated PhD with Research and Communications Skills

The Integrated PhD (with Research and Communications Skills) pathway is made up of 1 year of preparatory modules, followed by 12 active terms of PhD.  The PhD study can be completed in 3-4 years full time, or 6 -7 years part time.

On successful completion of the course, you would receive a PhD.  If you were to leave the course after the first year, you may be eligible for a PG diploma or PG certificate (subject to successful completion of enough credits).

Who can choose this pathway?  What are the entry criteria?

This pathway has been designed for international students, students from the EU, or any student where English is not their first language.

Applicants who apply for the Integrated PhD (standard) pathway, but do not meet the English Language level entry requirements will be considered for this pathway instead.

Applicants for this programme should meet the PhD academic criteria.  Please see the course pages for further information.

Applications for this programme will not follow the standard University of Essex application deadlines.  Due to sponsorship requirements, you will need to apply in the autumn or spring in the year prior to starting with us - further information about deadlines will be available soon.  You will need to have received your offer by the first week of May for both the following October and January starts.

You are welcome to submit a research proposal as part of your application, but this is not a requirement.  Within your first year, you will spend time developing a full research proposal and will receive departmental support.  Full information about the application process including research proposal guidance, and what to expect at each stage is available here.

In addition to your application, we may ask you to meet with us to interview for your place.

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Management Science

PhD (Integrated)

• Entry year 2025
• Duration Full time 4 - 5 years

Top reasons to study with us

9th for Business and Management in the UK

QS World University Rankings (2024)

72nd for Business and Management in the world

Lancaster University is top 10 in The Complete University Guide 2025

The Management Science Integrated PhD is a doctoral program which includes at least one year of structured research and subject training. Training is concentrated in year one but continues into years two and three. We know that many sponsors prefer students to have a thorough grounding in research methods and to improve their subject knowledge before concentrating on their research thesis - the Integrated PhD offers exactly that.

The Integrated PhD lays more emphasis than is usually the case in the UK on structured research and subject training (which are formally assessed).

Interim qualifications are offered to students who decide to leave before completing the full PhD or are not considered suitable for doctoral study. These interim qualifications are the MRes degree and the MPhil.

Normally we expect students to take at least four to five years to complete all phases of the PhD. This makes it especially suitable for new graduates and for those who are not yet sure of their exact research topic.

Year 1 - The MRes degree

The MRes is a 'Master's in Research' degree, a taught Master's course typically lasting one year. This course is divided into three parts; Part A consists of taught modules taken primarily from the master's programmes within Management Science or other suitable master's degree modules. Your selection of modules will be agreed with the programme director. Part B consists of the development of research methods skills. The addition of assessed modules enhances the subject-based Master's degree:

• Management research methods and issues
• Research skills
• Quantitative or qualitative methods (depending on the student's background)

and unassessed modules in

• Searching for information
• Intellectual property and copyright regulations

Followed by Part C, which is the dissertation.

Years 2, 3 and 4

Successful completion of the MRes is required to progress into years two and beyond.

You will receive specialised support from two supervisors as you research and write your thesis. In addition to your thesis, an oral examination will form an integral part of the assessment of your doctoral research.

Part-time PhD study over five years is available through the Theory and Practice of Management PhD .

Your department

• Management Science Lancaster University Management School
• Make an enquiry form
• Telephone +44 (0)1524 592938

Entry requirements

Academic requirements.

2:1 Hons degree (UK or equivalent) in a relevant subject.

We may also consider non-standard applicants; please contact us for information.

If you have studied outside of the UK, we would advise you to check our list of international qualifications before submitting your application.

English language requirements

We may ask you to provide a recognised English language qualification, dependent upon your nationality and where you have studied previously.

We normally require an IELTS (Academic) Test with an overall score of at least 7.0, and a minimum of 6.0 in each element of the test. We also consider other English language qualifications .

If your score is below our requirements, you may be eligible for one of our pre-sessional English language programmes .

Contact: Admissions Team +44 (0) 1524 592032 or email [email protected]

Pre-master’s programmes

Delivered in partnership with INTO Lancaster University, our one-year tailored pre-master’s pathways are designed to improve your subject knowledge and English language skills to the level required by a range of Lancaster University master’s degrees. Visit the INTO Lancaster University website for more details and a list of eligible degrees you can progress onto.

Fees and funding

The tuition fee for students with home fee status is set in line with the standard fee stipend provided by the UK Research Councils. The fee stipend for 2025/26 has not yet been set. For reference, the fee stipend for 2024/25 was full-time £4,786.

The international fee for new entrants in 2025/26 is full-time £21,620.

General fees and funding information

Additional fees and funding information accordion

Additional costs.

There may be extra costs related to your course for items such as books, stationery, printing, photocopying, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits. Following graduation, you may need to pay a subscription to a professional body for some chosen careers.

Specific additional costs for studying at Lancaster are listed below.

College fees

Lancaster is proud to be one of only a handful of UK universities to have a collegiate system. Every student belongs to a college, and all students pay a small College Membership Fee which supports the running of college events and activities. Students on some distance-learning courses are not liable to pay a college fee.

For students starting in 2025, the fee is £40 for undergraduates and research students and £15 for students on one-year courses.

Computer equipment and internet access

To support your studies, you will also require access to a computer, along with reliable internet access. You will be able to access a range of software and services from a Windows, Mac, Chromebook or Linux device. For certain degree programmes, you may need a specific device, or we may provide you with a laptop and appropriate software - details of which will be available on relevant programme pages. A dedicated IT support helpdesk is available in the event of any problems.

The University provides limited financial support to assist students who do not have the required IT equipment or broadband support in place.

Application fees and tuition fee deposits

For most taught postgraduate applications there is a non-refundable application fee of £40. We cannot consider applications until this fee has been paid, as advised on our online secure payment system. There is no application fee for postgraduate research applications.

For some of our courses you will need to pay a deposit to accept your offer and secure your place. We will let you know in your offer letter if a deposit is required and you will be given a deadline date when this is due to be paid.

What is my fee status?

The fee that you pay will depend on whether you are considered to be a home or international student. Read more about how we assign your fee status .

Fees in subsequent years

If you are studying on a programme of more than one year’s duration, tuition fees are reviewed annually and are not fixed for the duration of your studies. Read more about fees in subsequent years .

Scholarships and bursaries

You may be eligible for the following funding opportunities, depending on your fee status and course. You will be automatically considered for our main scholarships and bursaries when you apply, so there's nothing extra that you need to do.

Unfortunately no scholarships and bursaries match your selection, but there are more listed on scholarships and bursaries page.

If you're considering postgraduate research you should look at our funded PhD opportunities .

We also have other, more specialised scholarships and bursaries - such as those for students from specific countries.

Browse Lancaster University's scholarships and bursaries .

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Studentships and funding

Our studentships and funding opportunities for PhD study are available through the UK's research councils, Lancaster University, and various other organisations. For details of some different types of studentships, which include fees and a living allowance, and further links for other funding opportunities, please see our PhD scholarship and funding information.

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The information on this site relates primarily to 2025/2026 entry to the University and every effort has been taken to ensure the information is correct at the time of publication.

The University will use all reasonable effort to deliver the courses as described, but the University reserves the right to make changes to advertised courses. In exceptional circumstances that are beyond the University’s reasonable control (Force Majeure Events), we may need to amend the programmes and provision advertised. In this event, the University will take reasonable steps to minimise the disruption to your studies. If a course is withdrawn or if there are any fundamental changes to your course, we will give you reasonable notice and you will be entitled to request that you are considered for an alternative course or withdraw your application. You are advised to revisit our website for up-to-date course information before you submit your application.

More information on limits to the University’s liability can be found in our legal information .

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We believe in the importance of a strong and productive partnership between our students and staff. In order to ensure your time at Lancaster is a positive experience we have worked with the Students’ Union to articulate this relationship and the standards to which the University and its students aspire. View our Charter and other policies .

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Management Integrated PhD

Key information.

• 1st  in the UK for annual research income in  2019-2022   (Chartered Association of Business Schools)
• 8th  in the UK for citations in Business and Economics   (The Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023)
• 16th  in the UK for Economics &   Business   (NTU Ranking 2022)

You’ll work with world-leading faculty whose findings go beyond academia – to practitioners and professionals in industry, associations, chartered institutes, decision-making bodies and public-policy organisations.

You’ll become a skilled research practitioner with   a broad set of advanced skills   to help you address global challenges.  Your training on this integrated PhD will enable you to effectively engage with – and shape – socioeconomic policies. This includes areas such as innovation, entrepreneurship, inclusive trade, minimum wage, education and development.

What is an integrated PhD?

An integrated PhD includes taking Masters-level modules in your first year as preparation for PhD-level research.

The taught year will help develop your research skills, ready for your PhD. It covers:

• quantitative, qualitative and analytical methods
• empirical design
• programming. 

Through the taught modules, you’ll gain a meaningful progression point and all the support you need for your PhD. Once you’ve successfully completed the taught element of the degree, you’re ready to progress to the research phase of your PhD including your research thesis.

During your PhD, you’ll continue to receive training. You’ll develop   more advanced research and publishing skills including:

• winning grants
• stakeholder engagement . 

The integrated PhD offers the depth rigour and focus of a PhD, while developing your research and employability skills. 

Accreditation

You’ll join the EQUIS and AMBA-accredited University of Sussex Business School. Learn more about all of our course accreditations here. Find out more

Areas of study

Our research focuses on questions such as:

• what factors influence new product/service development?
• how do institutional and geographical factors influence enterprise development?
• how do we tackle gender and race discrimination?
• how can we motivate individuals and nurture leaders?
• what could be done to promote environmental sustainability across supply-chain networks?

Find out more about research at the University of Sussex Business School

We understand that deciding where and what to study is a very important decision. We’ll make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the courses, services and facilities described in this prospectus. However, if we need to make material changes, for example due to government or regulatory requirements, or unanticipated staff changes, we’ll let you know as soon as possible.

PhD open evening on campus

Monday 21 October, 5pm - 8.30pm

Entry requirements

• UK requirements
• International requirements

Please select your country from the list.

Philippines

Saudi arabia, south africa, south korea, switzerland, united arab emirates, my country is not listed.

If your country is not listed, you need to contact us and find out the qualification level you should have for this course. Contact us

English language requirements

Ielts (academic).

High level (6.5 overall, including at least 6.0 in each component).

IELTS scores are valid for two years from the test date. You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test. Your score must be valid when you begin your Sussex course.  Find out more about IELTS

We accept IELTS One Skills Retake.

We do not accept IELTS Online.

Check full details of our English Language requirements and find out more about some of the alternative English language qualifications listed below

Alternative English language qualifications

Proficiency tests, cambridge advanced certificate in english (cae).

169 overall, including at least 162 in each skill.

We would normally expect the CAE test to have been taken within two years before the start of your course.

You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test. Find out more about Cambridge English: Advanced

Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE)

We would normally expect the CPE test to have been taken within two years before the start of your course.

You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test. Find out more about Cambridge English: Proficiency

LanguageCert Academic SELT

High level (70 overall, including at least 65 in each component).

LanguageCert Academic SELT scores are valid for two years from the test date. Your score must be valid when you begin your Sussex course.  Find out more about LanguageCert Academic SELT

We only accept LanguageCert when taken at SELT Test Centres.

We do not accept the online version.  We also do not accept the non-SELT version.

LanguageCert International ESOL SELT

High level (International ESOL SELT B2 with a minimum of 39 in each component)

LanguageCert International ESOL scores are valid for two years from the test date. Your score must be valid when you begin your Sussex course. Find out more about LanguageCert SELT

We only accept LanguageCert when taken at SELT Test Centres. We do not accept the online version.

Pearson PTE Academic

High level (62 overall, including at least 59 in all four skills)

PTE (Academic) scores are valid for two years from the test date. You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test. Your score must be valid when you begin your Sussex course. Find out more about Pearson (PTE Academic)

We do not accept the PTE Academic Online test.

TOEFL (iBT)

High level 88 overall, including at least 20 Listening, 19 in Reading, 21 in Speaking, 23 in Writing.

TOEFL (iBT) scores are valid for two years from the test date. You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test. Your score must be valid when you begin your Sussex course. Find out more about TOEFL (iBT)

We do not accept TOEFL (iBT) Home Edition.

The TOEFL Institution Code for the University of Sussex is 9166.

English language qualifications

As/a-level (gce).

Grade C or above in English Language.

Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination (HKALE)/ AS or A Level: grade C or above in Use of English.

GCE O-level

Grade C or above in English.

Brunei/Cambridge GCE O-level in English: grades 1-6.

Singapore/Cambridge GCE O-level in English: grades 1-6.

GCSE or IGCSE

Grade C or above in English as a First Language (Grade 4 or above in GCSE from 2017).

Grade B or above in English as a Second Language.

Ghana Senior Secondary School Certificate

If awarded before 1993: grades 1-6 in English language.

If awarded between 1993 and 2005: grades A-D in English language.

Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE)

 Level 4, including at least 3 in each component in English Language.

Indian School Certificate (Standard XII)

The Indian School Certificate is accepted at the grades below when awarded by the following examination boards:

Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) – English Core only: 70%

Council for Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) - English: 70% 

International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB)

English A or English B at grade 5 or above.

Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education

Grades A - C in English language

Malaysian Certificate of Education (SPM) 1119/GCE O-level

If taken before the end of 2008: grades 1-6 in English Language.

If taken from 2009 onwards: grade C or above in English Language.

The qualification must be jointly awarded by the University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate (UCLES).

West African Senior School Certificate

Grades A1-C6 (1-6) in English language when awarded by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) or the National Examinations Council (NECO).

Country exceptions

Select to see the list of exempt english-speaking countries.

If you are a national of one of the countries below, or if you have recently completed a qualification equivalent to a UK Bachelors degree or higher in one of these countries, you will normally meet our English requirement. Note that qualifications obtained by distance learning or awarded by studying outside these countries cannot be accepted for English language purposes.

You will normally be expected to have completed the qualification within two years before starting your course at Sussex. If the qualification was obtained earlier than this, we would expect you to be able to demonstrate that you have maintained a good level of English, for example by living in an English-speaking country or working in an occupation that required you to use English regularly and to a high level.

Please note that this list is determined by the UK’s Home Office, not by the University of Sussex.

List of exempt countries: 

• Antigua and Barbuda
• New Zealand
• St Kitts and Nevis
• St Vincent and the Grenadines
• The British Overseas Territories
• Trinidad and Tobago
• United Kingdom

** Canada: you must be a national of Canada; other nationals not on this list who have a degree from a Canadian institution will not normally be exempt from needing to provide evidence of English.

English language support

If you don’t meet the English language requirements for your degree, you may be able to take a pre-sessional course

• Visas and immigration

Admissions information for applicants

If your qualifications aren’t listed or you have a question about entry requirements, contact us

Core modules

Core modules are taken by all students on the course. They give you a solid grounding in your chosen subject and prepare you to explore the topics that interest you most.

Autumn teaching

• Analytical Methods and Research Design
• Qualitative Methods and Empirical Design
• Quantitative Methods and Research Design

Spring and summer teaching

• Research Proposal

Alongside your core modules, you take the pathway modules below.

• Introduction to Theory (for Innovation, Management and Policy Pathway)

Spring teaching

• Advanced Qualitative Methods (for Innovation, Management and Policy Pathway)

We regularly review our modules to incorporate student feedback, staff expertise, as well as the latest research and teaching methodology. We’re planning to run these modules in the academic year 2024/25. However, there may be changes to these modules in response to feedback, staff availability, student demand or updates to our curriculum. We’ll make sure to let you know of any material changes to modules at the earliest opportunity.

We’ll do our best to provide as much optional choice as we can, but timetabling constraints mean it may not be possible to take some module combinations. The structure of a small number of courses means that the order of modules or the streams you choose may determine whether modules are core or optional. This means that your core modules or options may differ from what’s shown here.

Check back in January 2025 for the modules running in the academic year 2025/26.

• How to apply

If you’d like to join us as a research student, there are two main routes:

• browse funded projects in this subject area
• browse our potential supervisors and propose your own research project.

Find out how to apply for a PhD at Sussex

Full-time and part-time study

Choose to work on your research full time or part time, to fit around your work and personal life. For details about part-time study, contact us at  [email protected]

Our supervisors

Explore our research interests and find potential supervisors.

Prof Vasiliki Bamiatzi

Professor of Strategy and International Business

[email protected]

View profile of Vasiliki Bamiatzi

Prof Sambit Bhattacharyya

Professor of Economics

[email protected]

View profile of Sambit Bhattacharyya

Prof Chirantan Chatterjee

Professor of Development Economics, Innovation and Global Health

[email protected]

View profile of Chirantan Chatterjee

Prof Gonul Colak

Professor of Accounting and Finance

[email protected]

View profile of Gonul Colak

Dr Massimo Contrafatto

Reader in Accounting

[email protected]

View profile of Massimo Contrafatto

Prof Andrew Davies

RM Phillips Freeman Chair in InnovationManagement

[email protected]

View profile of Andrew Davies

Prof Richard Dickens

[email protected]

View profile of Richard Dickens

Dr Pawel Dziewulski

Senior Lecturer in Economics

[email protected]

View profile of Pawel Dziewulski

Prof Catherine Liston-Heyes

Professor of Business and Government

[email protected]

View profile of Catherine Liston-Heyes

Dr George Mackerron

Senior Lecturer in The Economics of Environment, Energy & Climate Change

[email protected]

View profile of George Mackerron

Prof Stephan Manning

Professor of Strategy and Innovation

[email protected]

View profile of Stephan Manning

Dr Marianna Marra

Reader in International Business and Inn

[email protected]

View profile of Marianna Marra

Prof Constantin Blome

Visiting Professor

[email protected]

View profile of Constantin Blome

Prof Odul Bozkurt

Professor of Work and Employment

[email protected]

View profile of Odul Bozkurt

Dr Petros Chamakiotis

Visiting Senior Lecturer

[email protected]

View profile of Petros Chamakiotis

Dr Benjamin Everly

Senior Lecturer in Organisational Behaviour

[email protected]

View profile of Benjamin Everly

Dr Michelle Luke

Reader in Organisational Behaviour

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Dr Monica Masucci

Senior Lecturer in Strategy and Entrepreneurship

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Prof Steven McGuire

Associate Professor

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Dr Piera Morlacchi

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Prof Dimitra Petrakaki

Professor of Technology and Organisation

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Dr Maria Restuccia

Senior Lecturer In Marketing

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Prof Martin Schleper

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Prof Natalia Slutskaya

Professor in Work and Organisation Studies

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Prof Chris Storey

Professor of Marketing

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Prof Roger Strange

Professor of International Business

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Dr Shova Thapa Karki

Senior Lecturer in Entrepreneurship and Sustainability

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Prof Dennis Tourish

Professor of Leadership and Organisation Studies

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Prof Mirela Xheneti

Professor of Entrepreneurship and Small Business

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Dr Biao Yang

Senior Lecturer in Operations Management

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Funding and fees

How can i fund my course, funded projects and scholarships.

Our aim is to ensure that every student who wants to study with us is able to despite financial barriers, so that we continue to attract talented and unique individuals. Don’t miss out on scholarships – check the specific application deadlines for funding opportunities. Note that funded projects aren’t available for all our PhDs.

Up to 10 scholarships for outstanding PhD students from China

Find out more

Applying for USA Federal Student Aid?

If any part of your funding, at any time, is through USA federal Direct Loan funds, you will be registered on a separate version of this degree which does not include the possibility of distance learning which is prohibited under USA federal regulations. Find out more about American Student Loans and Federal Student Aid .

Part-time work

We advertise around 2,500 part-time jobs a year so you can make money and gain work experience. We have a special scheme to employ students on campus, wherever possible.

Find out more about careers and employability

How much does it cost?

Fees for self-funding students.

Home students: Fees are not yet set for entry in the academic year 2025/26. Fees will become available once set by United Kingdom Research and Innovation.

Channel Islands and Isle of Man students: Fees are not yet set for entry in the academic year 2025/26. Fees will become available once set by United Kingdom Research and Innovation.

International students: £22,575 per year for full-time students

Home PhD student fees are set at the level recommended by United Kingdom Research and Innovation (UKRI) annually, rising in line with inflation. Overseas fees are subject to an annual increase - see details on our tuition fees page

Additional costs

Note about additional costs.

Please note that all costs are best estimates based on current market values. Activities may be subject to unavoidable change in response to Government advice. We’ll let you know at the earliest opportunity. We review estimates every year and they may vary with inflation. Find out how to budget for student life .

Empirical research costs

On top of your PhD fees and living costs, you may also need to cover some research and training costs, relevant to your research project. These costs will depend on your research topic and training needs, but may include: - travel (to archives, collections or scientific facilities) - a laptop - overseas fieldwork costs (travel and accommodation, and language training) - conference costs (travel, registration fees and accommodation) - laboratory consumables and workshop materials - participant costs - transcription or translation costs - open-access publication costs. If you have a scholarship from one of the UK Research Councils, your scholarship should cover these types of costs. You'll receive details of how to claim this additional funding. If you're self funded, or if your scholarship doesn’t cover these costs, check with the Research and Enterprise Co-ordinator in your School for details of School or Doctoral School funding that may be available.

• Living costs

Find out typical living costs for studying at Sussex

Find out about our terms and conditions

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International

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Course enquiries

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If you haven’t applied yet:

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Find out how to apply

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What do you want to do next?

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A combined postgraduate experience

Integrated PhD

A pathway into postgraduate research, about the programme.

Our Integrated PhD programme is designed to enable self-funded and government funded international students to combine a one-year master's course with a three-year PhD research programme.

There are  over 90 master's courses  across nine subject areas included within the programme, allowing you to prepare for postgraduate research before you progress onto a PhD and one of our self-funded projects.

On this page:

How it works

Making an application, other application information, benefits of our master's courses.

Our taught master's courses in biological, medical and health sciences are strengthened by our highly rated research and significant links with the NHS and industry.

Research project

Your master's includes a research project, and will enhance your knowledge and skills before beginning specialist research in your chosen field.

How long does it take?

You can study the Integrated PhD either full-time (4 years) or part-time (up to 8 years).

Our reputation

The University of Manchester is ranked 32nd worldwide (QS Global World Rankings 2024) and is #2 for social and environmental impact (Times Higher Education 2024). We have been the University of the Year for Graduate Employment (The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2020).

An international community

Join over 7,000 of our international postgraduate students for a unique and exceptional learning experience.

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Your training pathway

Our Integrated PhD gives you the opportunity to study for an MSc that will prepare you for a related PhD project.

You'll spend the first part of the programme studying on your chosen master's course in biology, medicine and health before moving into one of our PhD programmes, working on research in the same area as your MSc.

Your PhD will be undertaken at Manchester under the supervision of researchers working on a variety of exciting projects. You'll draw on the skills and knowledge you learned at MSc level to contribute to crucial research.

Examples of linked MSc courses and PhD projects

Join our Integrated PhD programme and you'll have the opportunity to study for an MSc that will prepare you for a related PhD project.

Below are some examples of how specific master's courses in biology, medicine and health could prepare you for particular PhD projects.

Precision medicine

Master's course: MSc Precision Medicine

This MSc provides training in the principles of precision, translational and stratified medicine, and the impact of individual molecular variability.

You could use your skills and knowledge from this course to undertake PhD projects such as the following.

PhD project: Predicting response to IL6 inhibition in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (Supervisors: Prof A Barton, Dr D Plant, Dr Nisha Nair)

The MSc would be an ideal platform to apply for this PhD project. Students completing the MSc would have already received training on the principles of stratified medicine, as well as training in omics technologies, such as genomics and transcriptomics, which would be applied in the proposed PhD.

The PhD would allow students to apply their learning to address an important clinical question about whether we can use omics to better target the right drugs to the right patients.

Cardiovascular health and disease

Master's course: MSc Cardiovascular Health and Disease (Research)

This MSc will enable you to develop the biomedical research skills you need for a potential career in cardiovascular science, and allied healthcare and bioscience fields, even if you have no previous research experience.

PhD project: Mechanisms of metabolic remodelling in obesogenic/diabetic cardiomyopathy (Supervisors: Prof A Kitmitto, Prof Elizabeth Cartwright)

This project will take a multidisciplinary approach for delineating the pathophysiological pathways underpinning mitochondrial dysfunction in the early stages of disease, to identify potential new therapeutic targets for intervention to prevent disease development.

The MSc provides preparatory training for PhD research by developing your knowledge of the cardiovascular system through specialist taught seminars coupled with tutorials.

Essential training in research skills, encompassing critical thinking, reasoning, communication and methods of quantitative analysis, provides a robust foundation for embarking upon academic research.

The 25-week practical research project will enhance the theoretical and experimental skillsets necessary for you to quickly transition into this PhD project.

Cognitive neuroscience and neuropsychology

Master's course: MRes Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuropsychology

This MSc offers a strong grounding in the theoretical understanding and practical experience of key research paradigms, research designs and statistical techniques used in experimental psychology, cognitive neuroscience, and neuropsychology.

PhD project: Optimising the measurement of working memory for assessment of speech-in-noise perception (Supervisors: Dr Antje Heinrich, Dr Samuel Couth, Dr Rebecca Millman)

By taking the MRes, you would receive training in many of the skills that are central to successfully completing this project, such as:

• an introduction to the theoretical foundations of memory research;
• a systematic introduction to various experimental designs;
• training on data analysis.

In addition, completing the MRes dissertation project would give you experience of obtaining ethics approval for experimental testing, and experience in recruiting different participant groups for testing.

Completing the MRes would prepare you to:

• choose the most appropriate experimental designs based on your research questions;
• collect and analyse data in an effective and efficient manner;
• report your results using an academic style of writing.

Experimental psychology with data science

Master's course: MRes Experimental Psychology with Data Science

This MSc will prepare you for a successful research career in experimental psychology, cognitive neuroscience and data science.

PhD project: Infants' early understanding of word meaning (Supervisors: Dr Alissa Ferry, Prof A Theakston)

In the MRes, students will gain the essential statistical analysis skills required to support the PhD project, and have the opportunity to conduct a pilot study to begin training in the methodological aspects of the PhD project.

The MRes offers training in a range of relevant methodologies such as eye-tracking and EEG that can be used in this PhD project.

Medical microbiology

Master's course: MSc Medical Microbiology

This MSc covers the medical and molecular aspects of bacteriology, virology, mycology, epidemiology and management of infectious diseases.

PhD project 1: Bacteriophage-based approaches for controlling infections associated with haemodialysis catheters (Supervisors: Prof Andrew McBain, Dr G Xia, Dr Anuradha Jayanti)

The MSc course will equip you with a broad and solid knowledge base and research skills in medical microbiology and infectious diseases, which will prepare you well to succeed in this PhD project with a focus on microbial pathogenesis and the development of novel antimicrobial therapies.

PhD project 2: Metals and host-pathogen interactions: the role of metal handling systems in the human gastrointestinal pathogen Campylobacter jejuni (Supervisors: Dr Jennifer Cavet, Dr D Linton)

The focus on clinical and molecular microbiology combined with development of a broad range of laboratory skills provided by the MSc Medical Microbiology is excellent preparation for this project.

During this PhD, the student will further develop their molecular microbiology research skills, studying two significant and related bacterial human pathogens that interact with the human host in fundamentally different ways. One, Campylobacter jejuni, causes an acute gastrointestinal infection, while the related Helicobacter pylori induces a chronic colonisation of the stomach.

We are particularly interested in how these bacteria obtain metals during infection and how they protect themselves from metal intoxication induced by the innate immune response.

Neuroimaging

Master's course: MSc Neuroimaging for Clinical and Cognitive Neuroscience

This MSc explores cutting-edge cognitive neuroscience techniques and their application to research in clinical and cognitive neuroscience. You'll cover the theory behind cognitive, social, behavioural, and clinical neuroscience while gaining practical data analysis and functional neuroanatomy skills.

PhD project: Understanding and optimising motor cortex plasticity (Supervisors: Dr Caroline Lea-Carnall, Dr L Parkes, Prof W El-Deredy)

By the end of the MSc, you will have gained practical experience and a theoretical understanding of data acquisition and analysis techniques required to measure structural and functional features of the brain.

In the PhD, you will use those skills to measure changes in network connectivity in the motor cortex in response to stimulation. Your theoretical knowledge will allow you to interpret the imaging data in terms of the underlying physiology.

Apply for the Integrated PhD

Before you apply.

Before applying you'll need to:

• Ensure you have funding to support your master's and PhD.
• Check you meet our Integrated PhD entry requirements.
• Browse our PhD projects listings and identify a self-funded project you’re passionate about or  browse our Research Explorer  to find a supevisor.
• Contact the named supervisor to discuss your interest in working with them or in their advertised project, stating you are a self-funded international applicant interested in the ‘Integrated PhD programme’.
• Review master’s courses related to your project, or any suggested by your supervisor, and ensure you meet the entry requirements.

Application process for the Integrated PhD

Once you've found your project, discussed your suitability with the supervisor, and checked you meet the eligibility criteria, you’re ready to complete an online application.

Full guidance on how to make an application can be found on our how to apply page but please ensure you follow the below tips:

• Only make one application for this programme.
• Ensure you select ‘FBMH Integrated 1+3 Programme’ on the online application form.
• If you select the incorrect programme, your application cannot be considered
• Include the name of your supervisor and provisional project title.
• Include a supporting statement of 1,000 words summarising your motivation for the Integrated PhD, outlining any research experience and your career ambitions.
• Indicate which of our master's courses you would like to be considered for.

Please refer to the individual MSc or MRes course page for details of application deadlines.

Eligibility

Applicants must have obtained, or be about to obtain, a First or Upper Second UK honours degree or the equivalent qualification gained outside the UK in a related subject area.

A Lower Second honours degree may be considered if applicants also hold a master's degree with a Merit classification, or the equivalent qualifications gained outside the UK.

Please refer to the individual  MSc or MRes course page  for detailed entry requirements.

As part of the selection process for the programme, you will be required to attend a short interview.

Have any questions? Get in touch.

Applications.

For queries regarding the application process, the projects on offer or your eligibility, please contact the Doctoral Academy.

Email:  [email protected] Tel: +44 (0)161 275 5608

You may wish to contact supervisors directly about projects. You can find the name of the supervisor on each project, and their contact details in the University's online directory

University of Manchester intercalation queries should be sent to Professor Sue Atley and the intercalation team.

In the Getting started section

This page is part of types of research degree, postgraduate research quick links.

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Computer Science Integrated PhD

Our Computer Science Integrated PhD combines taught Master's computer science modules with research.

You are currently viewing course information for entry year:

Start date(s):

• September 2025

This Integrated PhD in Computer Science provides an opportunity to make a unique contribution to computer science research. You'll work within a research group, guided by experts and supported by a team of advisers.

Our Computer Science Integrated PhD (IPhD) allows you to match your studies with your interests. You can choose from a wide range of modules and select your own focus for your final project.

Our computer science research

Based in the School of Computing , our research reflects our strengths, capabilities and critical mass. Research supervision is available under our seven research areas.

The  AMBER  group aims to equip systems and software engineering practitioners with effective methods and tools for developing the most demanding computer systems. We do this by means of models with well-founded semantics.

Open Lab  is the leading academic research centre for human-computer interaction (HCI) and ubiquitous computing (Ubicomp) research outside of the USA. It conducts research across a wide range of fundamental topics in HCI and Ubicomp, including:

• interaction design methods, techniques and technologies
• mobile, social and wearable computing
• computational behaviour analysis

ICOS  carries out research at the interface of computing science and complex biological systems. We seek to create the next generation of algorithms that provide innovative solutions to problems arising in natural or synthetic systems. We use our interdisciplinary expertise in machine intelligence, complex systems and computational biology.

The  Scalable Computing  group creates the enabling technology we need to deliver tomorrow's large-scale services. This includes work on:

• scalable cloud computing
• big data analytics
• distributed algorithms
• stochastic modelling
• performance analysis
• video game technologies
• green computing

The  Secure and Resilient Systems  group investigates fundamental concepts, development techniques, models, architectures and mechanisms that directly contribute to creating dependable and secure information systems, networks and infrastructures. We aim to target real-world challenges to the dependability and security of the next generation:

• information systems
• cyber-physical systems
• critical infrastructures

The  Educational Practice in Computing  group focusses on encouraging, fostering and pursuing innovation in teaching computing science. Through this group, your research will focus on pedagogy. You'll apply your research to maximise the impact of innovative teaching practices, programmes and curricula in the School. Examples of innovation work within the group include:

• teacher training and the national Computing at School initiative
• outreach activities including visits to schools and hosting visits by schools
• participation in national fora for teaching innovation

The NUSE  group provides quality-of-life improvements in the digital age. They address challenges in systems engineering for real-world applications. This includes autonomous transportation, green energy, online safety, big data analysis and digital health.

Their core research strengths include:

• cloud/edge computing and big data management
• Internet-of-things (IoT) and cyber resilience
• edge intelligence
• knowledge representation and reasoning
• health data management
• real-time simulations
• video game engineering

Research excellence

The excellence of our research has been recognised through awards of large research grants. Three recent examples are:

• Centre for Doctoral Training in Cloud Computing for Big Data . Funded by Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)
• Centre for Doctoral Training in Digital Civics. Funded by Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)
• A £10m project to look at novel treatment for epilepsy. Funded by the Wellcome Trust and Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) Research Grant

Important information

We've highlighted important information about your course. Please take note of any deadlines.

Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to Covid-19.

View our  Academic experience page , which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2024-25.

See our  terms and conditions and student complaints information , which gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.

Related courses

Qualifications explained.

Find out about the different qualification options for this course.

Each IPhD contains a significant and tailored taught component, assessed annually, and culminates with a research project written up as a thesis.

The taught component is the main difference between the IPhD and a standard PhD programme.

Find out about different types of postgraduate qualifications

What you'll learn

The IPhD combines taught Master's level modules with research. As an IPhD student, you'll initially study alongside students on one of our computer science Master's.

You can choose from one of the following:

• Advanced Computer Science MSc
• Bioinformatics MSc
• Cloud Computing MSc
• Computer Game Engineering MSc
• Cyber Security MSc
• Data Science MSc
• Data Science and AI MSc
• Data Science with Visualisation MSc
• Human-Computer Interaction MSc

Additionally, you'll take the 30-credit short project module Project and Dissertation for MCOMP . The project topic should match the specialisation.

You will study modules on this course. A module is a unit of a course with its own approved aims and outcomes and assessment methods.

Module information is intended to provide an example of what you will study.

Our teaching is informed by research. Course content changes periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.

Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May.

To find out more please see our terms and conditions .

Optional modules availability

Some courses have optional modules. Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.

How you'll learn

As this is an integrated PhD you'll complete taught modules and receive support from our doctoral training centres, Faculty Training Programme and Research Student Support Team.

Your first research year will be spent identifying a hypothesis and developing an approach to answer it.

You'll also take short courses on research skills, innovation, and personal and career development. The study skills you gain will help you manage your research project. You'll receive training in:

• presentations
• interviewing
• technical skills
• teaching skills

Once your supervisor has approved your research topic you can conduct your research.

Depending on your modules, you'll be assessed through a combination of:

• Computer assessment
• Design or creative project
• Dissertation
• Professional skills assessments
• Oral examination
• Oral presentation
• Practical lab report
• Problem-solving exercises
• Reflective log
• Written exercise

Your assessment includes:

• a written thesis
• an oral examination called a viva

At your viva you'll discuss your research with two examiners. This includes a leading researcher from outside Newcastle University.

All our staff will work to support you in your studies, from admissions to graduation and your career beyond.

To get the most out of your study experience, we'll encourage you to take part in a variety of activities. This includes taking part in seminars delivered by distinguished external speakers.

Our mission is to help you:

• stay healthy, positive and feeling well
• overcome any challenges you may face during your degree – academic or personal
• get the most out of your postgraduate research experience
• carry out admin and activities essential to progressing through your degree
• understand postgraduate research processes, standards and rules

We can offer you tailored wellbeing support, courses and activities.

You can also access a broad range of workshops covering:

• research and professional skills
• careers support
• health and safety
• public engagement
• academic development

Our teaching staff have international reputations, including some with extensive experience as practitioners.

Your development

Faculty of science, agriculture and engineering (sage) researcher development programme.

Each faculty offers a researcher development programme for its postgraduate research students. We have designed your programme to help you:

• perform better as a researcher
• boost your career prospects
• broaden your impact

Through workshops and activities, it will build your transferable skills and increase your confidence.

You’ll cover:

• techniques for effective research
• methods for better collaborative working
• essential professional standards and requirements

Your programme is flexible. You can adapt it to meet your changing needs as you progress through your doctorate.

Your future

Members of our industry advisory group help to ensure that the programme is relevant to the needs of business and industry today. There are opportunities to choose a project for your final dissertation that has some industry involvement associated with it.

Our Careers Service

Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ initiative.

Visit our Careers Service website

Quality and ranking

All professional accreditations are reviewed regularly by their professional body

From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK

Check the government’s website for more information .

Urban Sciences Building

The School of Computing is based in the £58 million Urban Sciences Building (USB), a flagship development located on the £350 million Newcastle Helix regeneration site in the heart of Newcastle. It brings together:

• the public sector
• communities
• business and industry

Postgraduate student facilities

As a Master's student, you'll have access to specialist teaching spaces and facilities in the USB. These are only available to postgraduate students.

Wellbeing and inclusivity are at the heart of our School. The USB has several wellbeing spaces for students, including:

• The Retreat: A sensory space with relaxing stimuli to distract from busy student life.
• Wellbeing room: Designed for relaxation and quiet time. Here you can take a moment to breathe and unwind. It can also be used by students with special medical requirements.
• Prayer room: For all faiths and none, this space can be used for prayer or quiet reflection.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees for 2025 entry (per year), home fees for research degree students.

For 2024-25 entry, we have aligned our standard Home research fees with those set by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) . The standard fee was confirmed in Spring 2024 by UKRI.

For 2025-26 entry, we will be aligning our standard  Home research fees  with those set by  UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) . The standard fee will be confirmed in Spring 2025 by UKRI.

As a general principle, you should expect the tuition fee to increase in each subsequent academic year of your course, subject to government regulations on fee increases and in line with inflation.

Depending on your residency history, if you’re a student from the EU, other EEA or a Swiss national, with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you’ll normally pay the ‘Home’ tuition fee rate and may be eligible for Student Finance England support.

EU students without settled or pre-settled status will normally be charged fees at the ‘International’ rate and will not be eligible for Student Finance England support.

If you are unsure of your fee status, check out the latest guidance here .

Scholarships

We support our EU and international students by providing a generous range of Vice-Chancellor's automatic and merit-based scholarships. See  our   searchable postgraduate funding page  for more information.  

What you're paying for

Tuition fees include the costs of:

• matriculation
• registration
• tuition (or supervision)
• library access
• examination
• re-examination

Find out more about:

• living costs
• tuition fees

If you are an international student or a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland and you need a visa to study in the UK, you may have to pay a deposit.

You can check this in the How to apply section .

If you're applying for funding, always check the funding application deadline. This deadline may be earlier than the application deadline for your course.

For some funding schemes, you need to have received an offer of a place on a course before you can apply for the funding.

Search for funding

Find funding available for your course

Entry requirements

The entrance requirements below apply to 2025 entry.

Qualifications from outside the UK

English language requirements, admissions policy.

This policy applies to all undergraduate and postgraduate admissions at Newcastle University. It is intended to provide information about our admissions policies and procedures to applicants and potential applicants, to their advisors and family members, and to staff of the University.

University Admissions Policy and related policies and procedures

Credit transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) can allow you to convert existing relevant university-level knowledge, skills and experience into credits towards a qualification. Find out more about the RPL policy which may apply to this course

• How to apply

Using the application portal

The application portal has instructions to guide you through your application. It will tell you what documents you need and how to upload them.

You can choose to start your application, save your details and come back to complete it later.

If you’re ready, you can select Apply Online and you’ll be taken directly to the application portal.

Alternatively you can find out more about applying on our applications and offers pages .

Open days and events

Find out about how you can visit Newcastle in person and virtually

Overseas events

We regularly travel overseas to meet with students interested in studying at Newcastle University.

Visit our events calendar for the latest events

• Get in touch

Questions about this course?

If you have specific questions about this course you can contact:

Admissions Secretary School of Computing Telephone: +44 (0) 191 208 2736 Email: [email protected]

For more general enquiries you could also complete our online enquiry form.

Fill in our enquiry form

Our Ncl chatbot might be able to give you an answer straight away. If not, it’ll direct you to someone who can help.

You'll find our Ncl chatbot in the bottom right of this page.

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