PhD in Accounting

University of Reading - Finance and & Accounting, Henley Business School

Qualification Type:PhDLocation:ReadingFunding for:UK Students, EU Students, International StudentsFunding amount:£20,780 per annum, 2025/26 figureHours:Full TimePlaced On:5th December 2025Closes:13th February 2026

Shape the Future of Accounting Research

Join a globally recognised programme that provides the expertise, skills, and confidence to excel in pioneering accounting research. As part of Henley Business School, you will collaborate with world-class faculty and benefit from outstanding resources, equipping you for impactful careers in academia or industry. We seek applications in the following areas (but not limited to):

• Accounting for sustainability and climate change
• Auditing and accountability
• Financial management and corporate governance
• International financial reporting and accounting regulation
• Discourse and communication in accounting
• Disclosures and taxation

Why Choose Us?

• World-class Faculty:Learn from leading experts with publications in top-tier journals
• State-of-art facilities: Benefit from access to our bespoke dealing rooms and key databases, including WRDS, LSEG Workspace, Bloomberg, and Datastream
• Research Excellence: 100% of the research environment is considered as ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’ for research vitality and sustainability (Research Excellence Framework 2021)
• PhD Community: Be part of a vibrant PhD community at Henley Business School and the University of Reading

Programme Structure

The PhD programme lasts three to four years on a full-time basis. In the first year, students undertake taught modules covering key research methods and subject-specific topics. Years 2 and 3 focus on developing the PhD thesis, supported by additional training in academic writing and presentation skills. Throughout the programme, dedicated supervisors provide expert guidance to help you achieve academic and professional success.

Requirements

We seek applications from exceptional UK, EU and overseas graduates. Studentships will be awarded to students based on outstanding academic achievement and research potential. The key requirements for consideration are:

• Masters degree with top marks (Distinction or equivalent)
• Strong background in either quantitative/ computational skills or qualitative methodological approaches
• Relevant research proposal in accounting
• Strong passion for conducting independent research.

Scholarships

We offer several PhD scholarships that cover tuition fees (for both UK and non-UK applicants) and provide a three-year stipend of £20,780 per annum (2025/26 figure, it will rise in 2026/27 in line with UKRI). Additionally, recipients may receive £3,500 per annum for teaching activities. Scholarships also offer additional funding for conference attendance over the three years.

Further details are available via the above 'Apply' button.

Career Opportunities

Our graduates secure roles in academia, large multinationals, leading consulting firms, and governmental and non-governmental organisations worldwide. Recent PhD alumni have joined leading universities (e.g., Sussex, Portsmouth, Reading, Leeds Trinity, Liverpool Hope, London South Bank and Belfast University).

Our award-winning careers team supports students throughout their PhD and for four years post-graduation.

Start Your Research Journey Today!

Funding Details

We offer several PhD scholarships that cover tuition fees (for both UK and non-UK applicants) and provide a three-year stipend of £20,780 per annum (2025/26 figure, it will rise in 2026/27 in line with UKRI). Additionally, recipients may receive £3,500 per annum for teaching activities. Scholarships also offer additional funding for conference attendance over the three years.