PhD, MPhil, MRes Accounting & Finance

The University of Strathclyde offers a PhD, MPhil, or MRes in Accounting & Finance, providing research training in both accounting and finance. This program prepares students for a demanding career as an academic, professional researcher in the financial services sector, or a manager of a business, government, and professional organizations.

Research Opportunities

The program offers research opportunities in two main areas:

• Accounting: This area focuses on developing theoretical competencies to understand the role of accounting in organizations and society. Students follow an interdisciplinary approach to technical and institutional practices, exploring sociological, institutional, and political approaches.
• Finance: This area develops theoretical and empirical skills necessary to make a contribution to the latest research in the chosen area. Students work with their supervisor to identify areas of interest and develop an agenda for their PhD thesis, considering both theoretical and empirical issues.

Entry Requirements

For entry onto the postgraduate research programs, the university normally looks for a first-class or upper second-class UK Honours degree, or overseas equivalent, in a relevant business or social science-related subject. For PhD applications, a Masters degree, or overseas equivalent, is also expected, although there are often exceptions. The university requires clear coverage of Accounting and Finance subjects at undergraduate and/or Masters level. For Finance applicants, clear coverage of quantitative/econometrics subjects in undergraduate and postgraduate courses is expected.

Fees & Funding

The tuition fees for the program are as follows:

• Scotland: £4,786 (2024/25), £5,006 (2025/26)
• England, Wales & Northern Ireland: £4,786 (2024/25), £5,006 (2025/26)
• Republic of Ireland: If an Irish citizen and has been an ordinary resident in the Republic of Ireland for the three years prior to the relevant date, and will be coming to Scotland for educational purposes only, the student will meet the criteria of England, Wales & Northern Ireland fee status.
• International: £19,600 (2024/25), £21,550 (2025/26)

Additional costs include:

• Course materials: Students are required to cover the cost of binding their thesis, which varies depending on the length of the thesis and chosen binding company. An average cost of £40-50 should be allowed.
• Placements and field trips: The cost of fieldwork or research trips would usually be met by the student. Students can apply for funding to cover conference participation.
• Study Abroad: If a student chooses to study overseas, the costs would be met by the student. This is not a requirement for the program.
• Other costs: Students may wish to have their thesis professionally proofread at their own expense. If required, fees for extensions to maximum duration of study will be met by the student. Graduation gown hire.
• International students: International students may have associated visa and immigration costs.

Supervisors

The university has a list of supervisors with relevant expertise in various areas, including:

• Corporate Finance & Corporate Governance
• Regulatory Frameworks & Political Economy
• CSR/ESG
• Green Finance & Sustainability
• Empirical Asset Pricing
• Anomalies
• Investor Behaviours
• Sustainable Finance
• Economic, Financial, and Business History
• Political Economy of Finance
• Corporate Finance topics on how frictions shape the decisions and performances of firms and managers

Support & Development

The university offers a Postgraduate Certificate (PgCert) in Research Methodology for Business & Management, which is designed to support students by developing their skills as researchers. The certificate is a blended or fully online program, ideally suited to part-time students juggling studies with other work. The program has a strong practical focus, including training in software and advanced quantitative and qualitative methods.

Apply

To apply for the program, students need to provide:

• A copy of an up-to-date CV
• Academic transcripts for both degrees, which clearly show the modules studied and the grades gained for each module
• Proof of English language proficiency, less than two years old, if English is not the first language
• Two references, one of which must be academic – the references should focus on academic and research skills, as well as suitability to undertake PhD-level study
• Funding or scholarship information
• Research proposal, clearly demonstrating the potential contribution both in theory and practice

The university has a diverse and inclusive postgraduate research population and makes decisions on entry by assessing the whole person, not relying solely on academic achievements. The application should evidence resourcefulness, commitment, and resilience, as demonstrated by broader professional and life experiences. This evidence should be centered on the ability to undertake and complete a PhD and contribute to a positive PhD community.

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Other:

• The program provides research training in both accounting and finance.
• Graduates can pursue careers as academics, professional researchers in the financial services sector, or managers of business, government, and professional organizations.
• Students can study an MPhil over the course of one year or a PhD over three years.
• Under specific circumstances and subject to conditions, part-time study can be arranged.
• Students can study any option in either of the research areas:
• Accounting: This is an opportunity for students to develop the theoretical competencies required to understand the role of accounting in organizations and society.
• Finance: Students will develop the theoretical and empirical skills necessary to make a contribution to the latest research in their chosen area.
• Students will attend the Strathclyde Business School Faculty Research Methodology Programme, achieving a minimum of Certificate level.
• Students are expected to have regular meetings and contact with their supervisors.

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| Fees | Amount | Currency | |:---|:---|:---| | Scotland | £4,786 | GBP | | England, Wales & Northern Ireland | £4,786 | GBP | | International | £19,600 | GBP |

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Overview:

• Founded in 1796 as Anderson's Institution
• Received its Royal Charter in 1964, becoming the University of Strathclyde
• Consistently ranked among the top 10 universities in the UK for engineering and technology
• Home to the Advanced Forming Research Centre (AFRC), a world-leading research center in metal forming
• Notable alumni include Sir James Black (Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine), Sir David Murray (former CEO of Rangers Football Club), and Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell (astrophysicist)

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Student Life:

• Over 23,000 students from over 100 countries
• 150+ student clubs and societies, including sports teams, cultural groups, and academic societies
• Student support services include counseling, health, and disability support
• Campus facilities include a sports center, library, and student union

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Academics:

• Offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in engineering, science, business, law, and social sciences
• Faculty includes world-renowned experts in their fields
• Teaching methodologies emphasize hands-on learning and industry engagement
• Academic support services include tutoring, writing centers, and language support
• Unique academic programs include the Strathclyde MBA, which is ranked among the top 100 MBAs in the world

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Top Reasons to Study Here:

• Excellent reputation for teaching and research, particularly in engineering and technology
• Strong industry connections and opportunities for internships and placements
• Specialized facilities such as the AFRC and the Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences
• Vibrant student life with a diverse and inclusive community
• Located in the heart of Glasgow, a vibrant and cosmopolitan city

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Services:

• Counseling and mental health support
• Health center with a range of medical services
• Accommodation services with a variety of on-campus and off-campus options
• Library resources with over 1 million books and journals
• Technology support including IT services and free Wi-Fi
• Career development services with support for job searching, CV writing, and interview preparation