Discover how to apply to the King\u2019s Business School PhD programmes in Management and Economics for October 2026. Entry requirements, supervisors, deadlines, funding and how to submit your application.<\/p>\n
The King\u2019s Business School PhD<\/strong> programmes in Management Research<\/strong> and Economics Research<\/strong> open their applications for the academic year October 2026<\/strong>. Designed for highly motivated scholars, these programmes prepare the next generation of researchers across areas such as Human Resource Management, Marketing, Strategy, Economics, Banking, Finance and Accounting.<\/p>\n Both PhD tracks begin with an MPhil registration and provide rigorous training, international research exposure and personalised supervision from leading academics within King\u2019s Business School<\/strong>. All students admitted to a King\u2019s Business School PhD<\/strong> begin with an MPhil phase. During the first year, candidates follow a tailored training pathway that includes:<\/p>\n Specialist short courses directly related to the proposed research project<\/p>\n<\/li>\n The option to attend MSc-level modules<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Access to interdisciplinary doctoral training through the London Interdisciplinary Social Science Doctoral Training Partnership (LISS-DTP)<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n University-wide research development workshops via the King\u2019s Centre for Doctoral Studies<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Full-time PhD students must submit their thesis (up to 100,000 words) within four years, while part-time students may take up to seven years.<\/strong> This timeline includes all stages of the doctoral journey, from initial research design and literature review to data collection, analysis and final writing. Students are expected to engage actively with seminars, supervisory meetings and training courses throughout the programme. Regular progress reviews ensure that each candidate remains on track and receives continuous academic support.<\/p>\n Applicants may specialise in any area where King\u2019s Business School has research expertise. Main fields include:<\/p>\n Human Resource Management & Employment Relations<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Marketing<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Public Services Management & Organisation<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Strategy, International Management & Entrepreneurship<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n More about Management Research: Economics<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Banking & Finance<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Accounting & Financial Management<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Official Economics Research page: To apply for a King\u2019s Business School PhD<\/strong>, candidates must meet the following academic standards:<\/p>\n A Master\u2019s degree with Merit or higher (or international equivalent)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n A Bachelor\u2019s degree with a 2:1 (or international equivalent)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Strong academic preparation in a relevant discipline<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n English language requirements follow the Band B<\/strong> standard.<\/p>\n Before submitting the application, candidates must identify and contact a potential supervisor<\/strong> whose research aligns with their project. Applications without confirmed supervisor interest will not be processed.<\/p>\n When contacting supervisors, candidates must include:<\/p>\n A brief introduction and motivation<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Explanation of alignment with the supervisor\u2019s research<\/p>\n<\/li>\n CV<\/p>\n<\/li>\n A draft research proposal<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Browse academic staff profiles here: To apply, candidates must submit via King\u2019s Apply: A complete application includes:<\/p>\n 1,500-word research proposal<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Preferred supervisor\u2019s name<\/p>\n<\/li>\n 500-word personal statement<\/p>\n<\/li>\n One academic reference<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Sample of academic writing (e.g., Master\u2019s dissertation)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Degree transcripts<\/p>\n<\/li>\n English language certificate (if required)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Funding details or scholarship code<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Applicants to the King\u2019s Business School PhD<\/strong> programme may apply for several competitive studentships, including:<\/p>\n King\u2019s Business School Studentships<\/strong> (full fees + stipend)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n LISS-DTP Studentships<\/strong> (for social science-based research)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n King\u2019s Postgraduate Research International Scholarships<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n King\u2019s China Council Scholarships<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n Harold Moody PGR Studentship<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n <\/p>\n There are two application rounds<\/strong>:<\/p>\n 1 December 2025<\/strong> (23:59 UK time) 1 June 2026<\/strong> (23:59 UK time)<\/p>\n Late applications received after 1 December 2025 are automatically moved to Round 2.<\/p>\n Apply for the Management Research MPhil\/PhD:<\/strong> Apply for the Economics Research MPhil\/PhD:<\/strong> Submit your application on King\u2019s Apply:<\/strong>
Learn more about the School\u2019s research ecosystem on the official page:
https:\/\/www.kcl.ac.uk\/business<\/a><\/p>\n
\nProgramme Structure and Research Training<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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\nResearch Areas<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Management Research MPhil\/PhD<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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https:\/\/www.kcl.ac.uk\/study\/postgraduate\/research-courses\/management-research-mphilphd<\/a><\/p>\nEconomics Research MPhil\/PhD<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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https:\/\/www.kcl.ac.uk\/study\/postgraduate\/research-courses\/economics-research-mphilphd<\/a><\/p>\n
\nEntry Requirements<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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\nHow to Find a Supervisor<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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https:\/\/www.kcl.ac.uk\/business\/people<\/a><\/p>\n
\nApplication Requirements<\/strong><\/h2>\n
https:\/\/apply.kcl.ac.uk\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n
\nFunding Opportunities<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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\nApplication Deadlines for October 2026 Entry<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Round 1 Deadline<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Applications submitted for Round 1 must be fully completed, including references, within 7 days.<\/p>\nRound 2 Deadline<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\nApply Now<\/strong><\/h2>\n
https:\/\/www.kcl.ac.uk\/study\/postgraduate\/research-courses\/management-research-mphilphd<\/a><\/p>\n
https:\/\/www.kcl.ac.uk\/study\/postgraduate\/research-courses\/economics-research-mphilphd<\/a><\/p>\n
https:\/\/apply.kcl.ac.uk\/<\/a><\/p>\n
\nFinal Note<\/strong><\/h2>\n