Discover the range of doctoral programmes, scholarships and funding at Lancaster University Management School.
Our PhD programmes
As the Doctoral Director for Lancaster University Management School (LUMS), I am delighted that you are considering undertaking doctoral studies with us. Studying for a PhD is a challenging and rewarding journey, and one that has the potential to change your life. As you consider taking on this journey, I would encourage you to browse our web pages to get a sense of the breadth and depth of academics and other doctoral researchers within the School; they come from all over the world and from a wide range of different backgrounds. Our researchers are all here with the aim of making a contribution to the body of knowledge of their discipline. That’s what a PhD is and this is what we will help you to achieve if you decide to join us.
LUMS is ranked top business school in the UK for 'research power' for the second time (REF 2021, Business and Management Studies), and 90% of our research activity is judged to be world-leading or internationally excellent.
We were rated joint 1st for research environment, with 100% of LUMS’ research environment rated world-leading (REF 2021, Business and Management Studies).
Our quadruple accreditation is in recognition of the quality of everything we do from the most influential business school accreditation bodies. For our students and business connections, quadruple accreditation provides assurance that LUMS is a globally leading business school.
LUMS is an active member of many leading professional organisations in management education and beyond, including the Chartered Association of Business Schools (CABS), EFMD and Business in the Community (BiTC).
Our connectivity enables us to be sector-leading, benefitting our students, staff and stakeholders.
Lancaster University is ranked in the top 10 in the Complete University Guide 2025 and consistently in the top 15 in major UK league tables. We are also highly ranked in international league tables.
We believe in:
Undertaking your PhD at the Management School.
For nearly 50 years, we have helped our students test new tools and techniques in the real world. Experience a mix of teaching styles to help you grow and develop, from interactive lectures to focused group work, placements and company-based projects. The modern world needs leaders with minds of their own and we believe strongly in the value of critical thinking, so you will be encouraged to question, reflect on and challenge current practice throughout your studies.
We have strong relationships with the wider business community, across organisations large and small, in a range of industries and throughout the world. With LUMS, you will have the chance to work with, and for, organisations that can help you make your mark. An extensive programme of guest speakers, specialist business workshops, guest lectures and work placements keeps you tightly networked with the business world
Lancaster's tranquil 578-acre campus is made for learning, with the nearby city on your doorstep.
Our postgraduate accommodation in Graduate College includes standard and ensuite rooms, studios and flats suitable for couples or families.
Profiles of some of our PhD supervisors.
Department of Entrepreneurship and Strategy
Director of the Pentland Centre
Department of Economics
Department of Marketing
Department of Accounting and Finance
The opportunities and advantages of being part of the dynamic, international, and cutting-edge research environment that is LUMS are manifold and diverse. From the doctoral community itself—spanning across the University and our international campuses—to participation in Methods North West, you will be able to carve out a path and experiences tailored to your specific interests. You will not only become a part of LUMS but also a global doctoral community, with opportunities to engage in international doctoral symposiums and workshops, and to participate in various seminar series hosted by your Department, the School, and the University.
Furthermore, you will reap the benefits of our International Visiting Scholars’ program, where we have welcomed numerous world-leading scholars from around the globe, including Nobel Prize winners. All of this, we hope, will nurture and cultivate your intellectual curiosity and academic commitment, aiding you in establishing the academic, business, and policymaker networks you seek. These connections will enable your research to genuinely impact our society and environment. We encourage you to embrace the opportunity to thrive in our exciting and progressive setting. We look forward to welcoming you as a new member of Lancaster University Management School’s research community.
Professor Maria Piacentini
Associate Dean for Research, LUMS
Shayan Rashidi, Department of Entrepreneurship (ENST) and Strategy, won a prestigious award at the British Academy of Management annual conference. Professor Katy Mason, President of BAM and a Professor of Markets and Management Practice in ENST, said: “It is wonderful to see one of our up-and-coming researchers at Lancaster recognised at the BAM conference. For Shayan, along with his co-authors, to be recognised in this way is really wonderful."
We welcomed back three of our PhD graduates who have achieved remarkable success in securing academic positions at prestigious universities: Zhifang Zhang (Associate Professor, Warwick Business School), Claudia Marangoni (Assistant Professor, University of Tilburg), and Xiaoxi Wu (Assistant Professor, Bocconi University).
Two doctoral researchers from the Department of Accounting and Finance will present at prestigious and selective conferences. Adina Yelekenova is presenting her paper on the unintended consequences of ETF transparency at the Melbourne Asset Pricing Conference in Australia. Ziran Zuo’s paper has been accepted for presentation at The Journal of Corporate Finance—one of the leading journals in finance—Special Issue Conference on Ownership and Corporate Social and Sustainable Policies at the Hanken School of Economics, Finland.
Nikolas Vasilas, a doctoral researcher in finance, won the prestigious Chicago Quantitative Alliance (CQA) 30th Annual Academic Competition with his paper titled “Power Sorting”, co-authored by Anastasios Kagkadis, Harald Lohre, Professor Sandra Nolte, and Professor Ingmar Nolte.
You can find the entry requirements for your chosen programme on the programme course page.
Applying for a PhD programme is a simple process and we accept applicants throughout the year. Information on how to apply for a PhD.
Our studentships and funding opportunities for PhD study are available through the UK's research councils, through Lancaster University, and through various other organisations.
Funding for PhD programmes in LUMSMore News
