Postgraduate research

What we offer

Doctoral students are part of a vibrant and engaging community at CBiS. The Centre’s research has led to the creation of four clusters and each PhD student is integrated into a cluster, making them an important part of the CBiS research community. CBiS provides numerous opportunities to engage in training and development, develop networks, present research at national and international conferences and publish research alongside the PhD.

Postgraduate research is an integral part of CBiS and its broad portfolio of research. We welcome applications from high-quality candidates in possession of a Master’s with research interests in one of the four clusters at CBiS:

• Data, Organisations and Society
• Sustainable Production and Consumption
• Economic Transformation, Inclusion and Entrepreneurship
• Sector, Economic Equality and Responsible Finance Studies

Main areas of supervision

• Digital vulnerabilities and the digital society
• Sustainability and net-zero
• Economic development and green growth
• Entrepreneurship
• Supply chain resilience and efficiency
• Marginalised groups in society
• Responsible personal finance
• Food waste reduction

The Doctoral Training Centre (DTC) and facilities 

CBiS is in the Jaguar Building on the main Coventry University city-based campus. There are dedicated facilities and a specialist research support team for the Centre’s PhDs and DBAs, located around the inviting and sociable café area in the Faculty’s newly refurbished Jaguar building.

Postdoctoral opportunities with CBiS

A number of funded postdoctoral posts are also available to successful candidates at the end of their doctoral research journey. Postdoctoral fellowships in CBiS aim to develop clear career pathways for PhD candidates who have submitted their thesis and allow them to benefit from a structured mentoring programme by being involved in additional projects within the Research Centre to which they are attached. The scheme is designed for postdoctoral researchers who have consistently delivered high quality research and are able to demonstrate an ability to create a strong research proposal as an independent researcher.

Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA)

We also offer a Professional Doctorate for senior managers to undertake alongside their careers, the DBA. Find out more about the programme. 

• Research degrees

  We offer a number of opportunities to study for a doctorate within CBiS:

  A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

  Registration period	Expected	Maximum
  Full-time	36 months	48 months
  Part-time	60 months	72 Months

   

  PhD by publication

  The  PhD by Publication programme offers two opportunities to pursue a doctorate. The first is designed for active researchers who have already produced a number of publications but have not been awarded a PhD. There are two timelines available for these researchers.

  Pathway 1

  Registration period	Expected	Maximum
  Part-time	24 months	36 Months

   

  The second research route focuses on postgraduates achieving publication milestones as part of their research project. Under this route, candidates produce a number of agreed published outputs in refereed journals during their years of study. These papers then form chapters within the final submitted thesis.

  Pathway 2

  Registration period	Expected	Maximum
  Part-time	36 months	48 Months

• Entry requirements

  For details on entry requirements and the formal application process and forms, please see Making an Application.

• Studentships and non-funded proposals

  The Centre offers a range of fully funded opportunities each year, as well as some non-funded project ideals for those who are considering a PhD and would like to work on an already designed projects.

  Explore our available fully funded studentships

  Non-funded projects

  The Centre for Business in Society also offers non-funded projects ideal for those who are considering a PhD and would like to work on an already designed project.

  We welcome applications from suitably qualified self-funded or sponsored PhD candidates that relate to our current research themes.

  If you think you have what it takes to study for a PhD with us and have an idea you would like to discuss before you apply, please contact us. The University has three start dates each year, but interested candidates may contact CBiS at any time. For general enquiries please email our PhD Director, Dr Jason Begley or our Operations Manager Nicola Boyle. Otherwise please contact the subject specialists listed with the research project proposal.

  Find out more about self funded opportunities and the research proposals that we will considersFurther funding

  Many charities, foundations and trusts provide funding for postgraduate study, from small grants to full scholarships. Some are for specific subject areas while others have more general eligibility criteria. For more information click here.