Cranfield School of Management

Programme content and structure

Students on the PhD programme are registered for either 4 years (full-time) or 6 years (part-time).

Year 1

For all students the PhD programme begins with an induction week, normally held in the first week of October. This sets the scene for the start of your PhD and provides an introduction to some of the sessions taught on the first year’s research training programme.

Research training is compulsory for all students and will be either the MRes degree (Master’s of Research in Management Research) or the Research Methodology Course, depending on whether you follow the full-time or part-time programme. Both programmes require attendance for this training during the first year of study.

Years 2 onwards

At the end of year 1, students who have successfully completed the MRes degree course normally transfer to PhD status. Full-time and part-time students now progress with their studies at a different rate, students meet more frequently with their supervisors, and formal assessment continues with progress reviews.

Personal development

Throughout the course of your studies you will be given every opportunity for personal academic development through publishing and attendance at conferences and will be encouraged to fully participate in the wider research activities of the School.

You will also receive personal development training in the form of scheduled, practical sessions, including writing retreats, as well as supervisor-supported activities such as writing book reviews.

Seminars and events

Starting in your first year, you will be encouraged to attend a wide-range of School-wide seminars and events, including:

• Lunchtime research seminars – a successful series of presentations by faculty and visiting academics
• Research Centre meetings and activities
• The Doctoral Colloquia – a forum for students to present their research in a friendly, supportive environment, whilst also contributing to the School’s publishing activities. Students present after each review and prepare a paper for our Research Paper Series

Publishing papers

Right from year 1, the School will support you in developing your publishing potential. By the time you reach the viva voce, you can expect to have produced at least two publications. We promote a list of recommended academic journals and regularly organise writing workshops to support students in this activity.

Examination

All PhD students are required to complete a thesis that demonstrates an original contribution to knowledge. Examination is based on the written work and its defence at a viva voce.