Key information
Duration: Full-time (36 months); Part-time (72 months / 6-8 years)
Start dates & application deadlines: Starting October 2026. Apply anytime. The university encourages you to apply as soon as possible. Applications will close when the course is full.
Language: English (IELTS 7)
Delivered: On Campus
Campus Location: London, United Kingdom
Disciplines: Business Administration, Philosophy
Overview
At the Business course at Kingston University you will collaborate with an expert academic supervisory team. Combine inspiring research with training and teaching opportunities to help you develop your thesis and achieve your goals.
While you study, you will have the support of the academic and postgraduate community. As well as excellent networking opportunities with the high calibre of Kingston University's students and alumni. Visit the programme website for more information
Your PhD supervision will be highly specialised, adapted to your needs and interests. What’s more, you can study for your PhD in a flexible format. Choose a full or part-time programme according to what suits your lifestyle and career goals best.
Career opportunities
A Business PhD from Kingston University opens the door and prepares you for a variety of exciting career opportunities, including:
- Academia: Become a lecturer, researcher, or professor.
- Industry Research: Drive innovation in corporations or consultancies.
- Leadership: Advance into senior management roles.
- Policy: Influence business and economic policies.
- Entrepreneurship: Launch and lead your own business venture.
Accreditation
Accreditation by the AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business).
Programme Structure
Curriculum:
- As a guide, for a full-time PhD you should commit to a similar number of hours to a full-time job – approximately 35 hours of PhD work a week. For a part-time PhD, this would be halved. We would also expect you to take a similar number of holiday days to full-time or part-time employment.
- Your PhD thesis should be around 80,000 words and will be the subject of an oral examination, the 'viva voce'. You will need to show how you have critically investigated your area of research and made an independent and original contribution to knowledge.
Admission requirements
Academic requirements
Lower Second Class
English requirements
IELTS: 7
Other requirements
General requirements
Candidates should normally possess:
- A first- or second-class honours undergraduate degree AND a masters degree in general management or a business-related subject
- Two personal references from academic referees confirming candidates' suitability for the programme
- A short research proposal of approximately 2,000 words which should include the proposed subject area, the aim of the study, a summary of the research to be undertaken, an indication of any previous work completed relevant to the area under investigation, and a bibliograph
Fees and funding
Tuition Fees
International: 34,285 AUD / year (≈ 18,000 GBP / year)
Living costs
London, United Kingdom: 2,166-4,109 AUD / month
Funding
Kingston University offers a range of postgraduate scholarships, including:
- Inspire the Future scholarship
- Postgraduate scholarships for international students