Discover how to apply to the King’s Business School PhD programmes in Management and Economics for October 2026. Entry requirements, supervisors, deadlines, funding and how to submit your application.

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King’s Business School PhD Programmes: Complete Guide for 2026 Entry

The King’s Business School PhD programmes in Management Research and Economics Research open their applications for the academic year October 2026. 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.

Both PhD tracks begin with an MPhil registration and provide rigorous training, international research exposure and personalised supervision from leading academics within King’s Business School.
Learn more about the School’s research ecosystem on the official page:
https://www.kcl.ac.uk/business

Programme Structure and Research Training

All students admitted to a King’s Business School PhD begin with an MPhil phase. During the first year, candidates follow a tailored training pathway that includes:

• Specialist short courses directly related to the proposed research project

• The option to attend MSc-level modules

• Access to interdisciplinary doctoral training through the London Interdisciplinary Social Science Doctoral Training Partnership (LISS-DTP)

• University-wide research development workshops via the King’s Centre for Doctoral Studies

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. 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.

Research Areas

Applicants may specialise in any area where King’s Business School has research expertise. Main fields include:

Management Research MPhil/PhD

• Human Resource Management & Employment Relations

• Marketing

• Public Services Management & Organisation

• Strategy, International Management & Entrepreneurship

More about Management Research:
https://www.kcl.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/research-courses/management-research-mphilphd

Economics Research MPhil/PhD

• Economics

• Banking & Finance

• Accounting & Financial Management

Official Economics Research page:
https://www.kcl.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/research-courses/economics-research-mphilphd

Entry Requirements

To apply for a King’s Business School PhD, candidates must meet the following academic standards:

• A Master’s degree with Merit or higher (or international equivalent)

• A Bachelor’s degree with a 2:1 (or international equivalent)

• Strong academic preparation in a relevant discipline

English language requirements follow the Band B standard.

How to Find a Supervisor

Before submitting the application, candidates must identify and contact a potential supervisor whose research aligns with their project. Applications without confirmed supervisor interest will not be processed.

When contacting supervisors, candidates must include:

• A brief introduction and motivation

• Explanation of alignment with the supervisor’s research

• CV

• A draft research proposal

Browse academic staff profiles here:
https://www.kcl.ac.uk/business/people

Application Requirements

To apply, candidates must submit via King’s Apply:
https://apply.kcl.ac.uk/

A complete application includes:

• 1,500-word research proposal

• Preferred supervisor’s name

• 500-word personal statement

• One academic reference

• Sample of academic writing (e.g., Master’s dissertation)

• Degree transcripts

• English language certificate (if required)

• Funding details or scholarship code

Funding Opportunities

Applicants to the King’s Business School PhD programme may apply for several competitive studentships, including:

• King’s Business School Studentships (full fees + stipend)

• LISS-DTP Studentships (for social science-based research)

• King’s Postgraduate Research International Scholarships

• King’s China Council Scholarships

• Harold Moody PGR Studentship

Application Deadlines for October 2026 Entry

There are two application rounds:

Round 1 Deadline

1 December 2025 (23:59 UK time)
Applications submitted for Round 1 must be fully completed, including references, within 7 days.

Round 2 Deadline

1 June 2026 (23:59 UK time)

Late applications received after 1 December 2025 are automatically moved to Round 2.

Apply Now

Apply for the Management Research MPhil/PhD:
https://www.kcl.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/research-courses/management-research-mphilphd

Apply for the Economics Research MPhil/PhD:
https://www.kcl.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/research-courses/economics-research-mphilphd

Submit your application on King’s Apply:
https://apply.kcl.ac.uk/

Final Note

For more international career opportunities, visit Opportunities For Youth!