A Master’s degree (Merit or Distinction) in Business Management, Economics, Marketing, Human Resource Management, or a related field.

Applicants must also hold a Bachelor’s degree with at least a UK 2:1 (Upper Second-Class Honours) or international equivalent in Business, Economics, Management, or another relevant discipline.

Candidates should demonstrate a solid foundation in management theory, organizational behaviour, leadership, strategy, and research methodology.

Applicants with degrees in Psychology, Sociology, or Political Science may be considered if their research focus aligns with business management studies.

International qualifications must meet UK equivalence standards (verified through UK ENIC, if required).

Leading UK universities such as Warwick, Manchester, Oxford, Cambridge, and London Business School typically expect first-class undergraduate performance and Distinction-level Master’s grades, especially for research-based programmes.

Work experience is not mandatory, but professional or research experience in management or related fields is an advantage.

Applicants with experience in business development, consulting, project management, or leadership roles often bring valuable practical insights to their research.

Experience in academic research, teaching, or organizational consulting enhances competitiveness, particularly for applicants targeting academic careers.

For professional doctorates (e.g. DBA), applicants are typically required to have 3–5 years of managerial or executive experience.

Evidence of published research, conference participation, or case study development is highly valued.

IELTS (Academic): Overall score of 7.0, with no component below 6.5.

TOEFL iBT: Overall score of 95–100, with minimum section scores of 23–25.

PTE Academic: Overall score of 68–70, with no skill below 62.

Applicants who completed their previous degrees in English or studied in majority English-speaking countries may be exempt from testing.

Some universities (e.g. Oxford, LSE, and King’s College London) may require IELTS 7.5 overall for highly competitive research tracks.

Official academic transcripts and degree certificates from all completed qualifications (with certified English translations if applicable).

Research proposal (1,500–3,000 words) outlining your intended topic, research objectives, theoretical framework, and methodology in the field of management.

Personal statement explaining your academic background, research interests, career aspirations, and motivation for pursuing doctoral research.

Curriculum vitae (CV) listing academic achievements, research experience, teaching or management roles, and relevant professional qualifications.

Two or three academic references, including at least one from a lecturer or supervisor familiar with your academic or professional work.

Proof of English language proficiency (if applicable).

Some institutions may request GMAT or GRE scores, particularly for applicants without quantitative or research backgrounds.

Applicants may also be invited to an interview or online discussion to assess research readiness and supervisor compatibility.