Overview

The PhD in Accounting and Finance is designed to develop excellent students into outstanding independent researchers who are experts in their field. It offers a strong platform for an academic or professional career following graduation.

Supervision

You will receive supervision from a supervisory team, comprising a primary and secondary supervisor(s) who are experts in their field. You will also be supported by a panel of two further academics who will review and provide feedback on your work on an annual basis.

Training and Presentation Opportunities

Our Faculty experts offer research training, and specific modules are provided by experts in your discipline of study. This enables you to:

• undertake rigorous research training
• develop your own research and study skills
• explore interdisciplinary work
• deepen your disciplinary knowledge

You will also have opportunities to attend subject group seminars presented by academic staff members and external speakers. You will be encouraged and supported to present your work at internal seminars and external conferences.

Databases

To support your research, you will have access to a number of databases, such as:

• Audit Analytics
• Bloomberg
• Thomson Reuters

Course Structure

The full-time PhD program is studied over three years, with an additional writing-up year if necessary. Full-time students complete Faculty-provided modules in their first year. The part-time program is studied over six to eight years. Part-time students can study the Faculty-provided modules over their first two years.

Areas of Research

The program is designed to equip you with research expertise in one of the two areas:

• Accounting and Financial Management research
• Finance research

How You'll Learn

Assessment methods depend on your modules and may include:

• Thesis
• Viva

Additional assessment information: Every year, you will undergo an assessment of your research progression by presenting your work to a panel. The panel consists of two academics independent of your supervisors, who will provide feedback and make a recommendation on whether you can progress to the next stage.

Your Development

Along with the training at a Faculty level, we offer a series of training and development modules to PhD students. These run across the two semesters. For Accounting and Finance PhD students, modules are built upon three distinct yet interrelated pillars:

• disciplinary competence
• methodologies and databases
• research practice

The exact mix of modules depends on the research area/topic that you focus on, as well as your particular training needs. Modules should be decided in consultation with your supervisory team.

You will have numerous opportunities to participate in:

• research seminars
• conferences
• developmental events

Your Future

Careers Support

Career development and employability are woven throughout our teaching, learning, and student experience. The School has dedicated employability support and career spaces in the School to support our students on their career journey both during their studies and for up to three years after they finish.

Quality and Ranking

• 42% of our research is classified as 4* world-leading research – Research Excellence Framework 2021
• 65% increase in research power since 2014 – Research Excellence Framework 2021
• Global Top 140 University – QS World University Rankings 2026
• Global Top 160 University - Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025
• Top 25 in the UK and Top 100 in the world for sustainable development – Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024

Professional Accreditation and Recognition

Newcastle University Business School is accredited by the:

• Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
• European Quality Improvement System (EQUIS)
• Association of MBAs (AMBA)

Only 1% of business schools worldwide hold this triple crown. Our accreditations reflect the investments we make for our students through providing a high-quality teaching environment, innovative programming, and active engagement with industry.

Facilities

Newcastle University Business School is one of the largest Schools in the University, with over 4,000 students from over 85 countries. The Business School is the gateway to Newcastle Helix – a landmark 24-acre hybrid city quarter. It brings together researchers, business, and communities with the purpose of helping families, communities, and cities around the world live healthier, longer, smarter, and easier lives.

We have two buildings – the Business School and the Frederick Douglass Centre. Both offer a range of purpose-built facilities, including:

• computer clusters housing over 120 PCs, plus open IT spaces for laptops
• seven large lecture theatres, plus a 750-seat auditorium – the largest in the University
• 25 seminar and teaching spaces, many with flexible furniture to accommodate learning
• a dedicated Student Hub and Quiet Space, providing a mix of space for group work, individual study, or quiet study
• study pods, some with wall-mounted screens, and bookable rooms for working in groups or individually
• a contemporary café, refurbished in 2025
• two dedicated hubs for employability support and events
• a Bloomberg lab with over 20 terminals, so you can experience a real trading room floor
• Experimental and Behavioural Economics Lab, a state-of-the-art research facility for conducting studies in experimental economics and economic psychology
• a flexible conference room with panoramic views across the city and St. James’ Park, which doubles up as a large flexible teaching space

Fees and Funding

Tuition Fees for 2026 Entry (per year)

Qualification: PhD Full-time

Home students Full-time: 36 months | Tuition fees (per year) Not set
International students Full-time: 36 months | Tuition fees (per year) £24,400
Qualification: PhD Part-time

Home students Part-time: 72 months | Tuition fees (per year) Not set

Scholarships

We support our EU and international students by providing a generous range of Vice-Chancellor's automatic and merit-based scholarships.

Entry Requirements

The entrance requirements below apply to 2026 entry.

Academic Entry Requirements

A 2:1 honours degree and a merit master's degree, or international equivalent, in a relevant subject.

Qualifications from Outside the UK

If you are an international student, you can check the qualifications from your country that are accepted for this course.

English Language Requirements

You can check the English language requirements for this course.

Admissions Policy

This policy applies to all undergraduate and postgraduate admissions at Newcastle University. It is intended to provide information about our admissions policies and procedures to applicants and potential applicants, to their advisors and family members, and to staff of the University.

How to Apply

Before You Start

Start Dates: There are usually two possible start dates, although in some circumstances, an alternative start date can be arranged. These are either September or January.

Closing Dates: There is no application closing date for this course.

We suggest international students apply at least two months before the course starts. This is so that you have enough time to make the necessary arrangements.

Specialised Application Information: You need to submit a research proposal with your application. Read our guidelines for producing a research proposal.

Deposit: If you are an international student or a student from the EU, EEA, or Switzerland and you need a visa to study in the UK, you must pay a deposit of £1,500.

Programme Codes: Qualification: PhD Full-time

Full-time: 36 months | Programme Code: 8240F
Qualification: PhD Part-time

Part-time: 72 months | Programme Code: 8240P

Using the Application Portal: The application portal has instructions to guide you through your application. It will tell you what documents you need and how to upload them.

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Overview:

Newcastle University is a public research university located in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. It is known for its high-quality research and teaching, and its commitment to social justice and engagement.

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Services Offered:

The university offers a wide range of services to students, including: *

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Careers Service:

Provides guidance and support with career planning, job applications, and internships. *

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Library:

Offers extensive resources, including books, journals, databases, and study spaces. *

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Student Support:

Provides a variety of services to help students succeed, including academic support, counseling, and disability services. *

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Accommodation:

Offers a range of on-campus accommodation options, including halls of residence and self-catered apartments. *

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Provides access to a variety of sports facilities and activities.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

Newcastle University offers a vibrant and diverse campus experience. Students can get involved in a wide range of clubs and societies, attend events and lectures, and enjoy the city's nightlife and cultural attractions.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

High-quality research and teaching:

Newcastle University is consistently ranked highly in national and international league tables.

Strong focus on employability:

The university has a strong track record of preparing graduates for successful careers.

Vibrant and diverse campus community:

Students can enjoy a welcoming and supportive environment.

Excellent location:

Newcastle is a thriving city with a rich history and culture.

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Newcastle University offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across a variety of disciplines, including: *

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Medical Sciences

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Other:

• The university has a strong commitment to sustainability and social justice.
• It is home to a number of research centers and institutes, including the Centre for Ageing and Inequalities and the Centre for Data.
• Newcastle University is a member of the Russell Group, a group of 24 leading research-intensive universities in the UK.