PhD - Bournemouth University Business School

The research strategy in the faculty is aligned with Bournemouth University’s 2025 vision and strategic plan; a plan that stresses real-world impact, the enrichment of society and the economy, and advancing knowledge to significantly influence challenges world-wide. The Faculty is also increasing its alignment to the institution's strategic investment areas (Sustainability; Animation, Simulation and Visualisation; Medical Science; and, Assistive Technology).

Furthermore, given the recent AACSB accreditation awarded to the Business School, our strategy has developed and became fully aligned to a future vision of business schools, one that challenges business schools to examine their relationship to society, to the business community, and to the higher education landscape and be seen as drivers of change. As a result, our strategy is fully aligned to the UN Sustainable Development Goals and all research activity and knowledge advancements are punctiliously quantified against these goals.

The faculty offers a bespoke, contemporary and dedicated space for all our doctoral researchers to undertake their studies; our brand new and dedicated Postgraduate Research (PGR) space provides opportunity for our Postgraduate Taught (PGT) community to socialise, study and engage in interdisciplinary collaboration. All our doctoral researchers are integrated into a range of activities and seminars run through our various research centres and clusters and the wider research community.

We are home to editorial teams who edit a number of leading scholarly journals (including the International Journal of Tourism Research, Tourism Review and Tourism Economics). The Doctoral College provide an excellent range of training and development opportunities for all our doctoral students.

Course details

To be awarded a PhD, you will need to complete a complex and advanced project. You will be expected to critically investigate and evaluate an approved topic, which results in an original and independent contribution to knowledge, as well as to demonstrate an understanding of research methods appropriate to your chosen field.

You will have to present and defend your thesis and/or practical element by viva voce (oral examination), to the satisfaction of the examiners.

Careers

A research degree can open new career opportunities in commercial research and development, consultancy, or could lead you to starting your own business. You may alternatively consider a career in academia.

You may wish to undertake research to contribute to your knowledge of a specialist subject, or develop your employability by enhancing your skills in project management and analysis.