PhD Business at Imperial College London

Programme overview

The Business School's fully funded PhD begins with a two-year Master's in Research (MRes) providing theoretical grounding and research training, followed by doctoral research. It offers five research areas: Analytics and Operations, Economics and Public Policy, Finance, Management and Entrepreneurship, and Marketing.

Department: Imperial College Business School | Duration: 5-6 years (two-year MRes followed by the PhD) | Intake: September 2027 start; application deadline 2 December 2026 | Study mode: full-time, part-time | Location: London, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

Year one MRes covers introductory modules (Systematic Reviews, Maths Camp, Research Experience) and compulsory or elective modules by pathway; year two covers field modules and a research project. Progression to the PhD depends on successful completion of the MRes. The thesis must be submitted within four years of starting the PhD.

Career pathways

Graduates have joined Tsinghua University, University College London, Copenhagen Business School, the Bank of England, the University of Bath, King's College London and other universities and institutions; others hold industry roles or founded start-ups.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

UK graduates normally need at least an Upper Second Class Honours degree plus a Master's with Merit or Distinction; a strong First Class degree without a Master's may be considered in exceptional circumstances with very strong references, CV and personal statement. A GMAT or GRE score is compulsory before an application is considered. Applicants are expected to know calculus, linear algebra, statistics and data analysis/programming, and must submit a statement of purpose. Shortlisted candidates are interviewed. The Business School may require higher grades than the University minimum.

Intake: September 2027 start; application deadline 2 December 2026

Duration: 3-4 years full-time; 5-6 years part-time

Apply through the official page: https://myimperial.powerappsportals.com/

Explore more study programmes

Business