phd in marketing edinburgh

• Schools & departments

Depending on the field of study you are interested in, you may be able to apply for a pre-defined PhD project, or you may need to develop your own research idea.

Research in the fields of medicine, science and engineering tend to require you to:

• apply for a project that already has specific, pre-defined aims
• compete for a place on a partially or fully funded programme (often with competitive application processes).

Research in the fields of arts, humanities and social sciences tend to require you to:

• develop your own research idea (be prepared to adapt your original idea)
• source your own funding, although some funded projects may be available.

PhD research projects

Doctoral training centres and partnerships, developing your own research idea, professional doctorates.

• Schools & departments

Management MScR

Awards: MScR

Study modes: Full-time

Funding opportunities

Programme website: Management

Introduction to Postgraduate Study

Join us online on 18 December at our live webinar session for an overview of postgraduate study and life at Edinburgh.

Find out more and register

Research profile

As part of a world-renowned University, and triple accredited ( AMBA , AACSB , and EQUIS ), our Business School provides a dynamic and supportive research environment for our large and diverse graduate community.

The Business School's research mission is to produce theory-led, practically relevant research that addresses contemporary organisational and management challenges faced by businesses, public organisations, regulatory bodies, and policy-makers.

Our research subject groups

The School has significant research expertise in the following disciplines:

• Accounting and Finance
• Entrepreneurship and Innovation
• Management Science and Business Economics
• Organisation Studies

Our research themes

Staff across these six disciplinary subject groups work together to carry out research under the following themes:

• Climate Change and Sustainability
• Corporate Finance
• Entrepreneurship
• Interdisciplinary Accounting
• Leadership, Organisations, and Society
• Management Science

Research centres and networks

Our Centres and Networks bring together established and new researchers to develop and disseminate new knowledge:

• Business school research centres, institutes and networks

Interdisciplinary research

The Business School has capitalised on opportunities afforded by our Edinburgh location and cultivated links with other parts of the University to develop and lead new areas of expertise, in financial services and FinTech, creative industries, and digital tourism.

The School has links with other schools at the University, including Social and Political Studies, Mathematics and Law, allowing students with cross-disciplinary interests to find expertise, support and supervision.

Your research

As a postgraduate researcher, you will have the opportunity to pursue original research and make a significant contribution to your chosen field.

The strength of your application for our programme depends on the fit of your proposal with the School’s research mission and themes, and particularly how it fits with the research interests of our academic staff.

We therefore strongly recommend you make contact with a potential supervisor before applying. Check out the links to our research disciplines and themes above to find one of our academic colleagues you would be interested to work with, who would have the expertise to support your studies.

When approaching a potential supervisor please ensure you give them an up-to-date CV and a draft research proposal, and please explain in your email why you think they would make a good supervisor for your research project.

• Guidance on writing a research proposal

Programme structure

Msc by research in management.

This MScR programme is one year of full-time study. You will take 60 credits of compulsory courses and 60 credits of option courses, and will complete your programme with a dissertation worth 60 credits.

Find out more about compulsory and optional courses

We link to the latest information available. Please note that this may be for a previous academic year and should be considered indicative.

Training and support

Your supervisory team will be made up of at least two members of academic staff who will meet with you regularly to discuss your research progress and plans.

You will be assigned to one of our research subject groups as relevant for your topic, who will host regular research activities.

Our postgraduate training programme will allow you to pursue research and professional skill training alongside your subject-specific taught courses.

There will be a variety of seminars and workshops delivered by international experts throughout the year, providing further opportunities for advanced learning and networking.

Another way the Business School supports your individual development is through dedicated funding. Postgraduate researchers can apply to use this funding for further opportunities such as attending international conferences or professional body membership fees.

The Business School's location right in the heart of Edinburgh means you will be based close to the city’s cultural attractions, including a wealth of libraries, archives, museums and galleries.

The Business School has its own postgraduate library and study centre (The Hub), a Finance Computer Lab, and Librarian who can help you find the information you need throughout your studies.

Our world-class research programmes offer:

• supervision from acclaimed academic faculty within a wider range of subject areas
• courses designed to expand your knowledge base and develop your research strategies
• dedicated, modern facilities with state-of-the-art databases and specialist resources
• a peer network of students and inspiring alumni from across the globe
• a vibrant research environment with regular seminars, masterclasses, and events allowing you to connect and learn from experts across the business world

Career opportunities

The Business School offers training events and support for all our postgraduate research students in both academic and professional skills – we support a diversity of career pathways.

Graduates from our postgraduate research degrees often pursue further careers at internationally renowned universities or become senior consultants for private and public bodies.

Entry requirements

These entry requirements are for the 2025/26 academic year and requirements for future academic years may differ. Entry requirements for the 2026/27 academic year will be published on 1 Oct 2025.

Entrance to the MSc by Research is competitive. Academic credentials are important for a successful application, however, we also pay great attention to the fit of students to our academic programme, and particularly to the research interests of our academic faculty.

Applicants must have a UK 2:1 undergraduate degree, or its international equivalent.

We may accept applications may from those still currently studying; however, any offer will be conditional on the successful completion of the degree at the required standard.

International qualifications

Check whether your international qualifications meet our general entry requirements:

• Entry requirements by country
• English language requirements

Regardless of your nationality or country of residence, you must demonstrate a level of English language competency which will enable you to succeed in your studies.

English language tests

We accept the following English language qualifications at the grades specified:

• IELTS Academic: total 7.0 with at least 6.0 in each component. We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements.
• TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition): total 100 with at least 20 in each component. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
• C1 Advanced ( CAE ) / C2 Proficiency ( CPE ): total 185 with at least 169 in each component.
• Trinity ISE : ISE III with passes in all four components.
• PTE Academic: total 73 with at least 59 in each component. We do not accept PTE Academic Online.
• Oxford ELLT : 8 overall with at least 6 in each component.

Your English language qualification must be no more than three and a half years old from the start date of the programme you are applying to study, unless you are using IELTS , TOEFL, Trinity ISE or PTE , in which case it must be no more than two years old.

Degrees taught and assessed in English

We also accept an undergraduate or postgraduate degree that has been taught and assessed in English in a majority English speaking country, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration:

• UKVI list of majority English speaking countries

We also accept a degree that has been taught and assessed in English from a university on our list of approved universities in non-majority English speaking countries (non-MESC).

• Approved universities in non-MESC

If you are not a national of a majority English speaking country, then your degree must be no more than five years old at the beginning of your programme of study.

Find out more about our language requirements:

Fees and costs

Tuition fees, scholarships and funding.

Funding for postgraduate study is different to undergraduate study, and many students need to combine funding sources to pay for their studies.

Most students use a combination of the following funding to pay their tuition fees and living costs:

• taking out a loan
• family support
• personal savings
• income from work
• employer sponsorship
• scholarships

Explore sources of funding for postgraduate study

For scholarship information please visit our website:

• Business School scholarships and funding

UK government postgraduate loans

If you live in the UK, you may be able to apply for a postgraduate loan from one of the UK’s governments.

The type and amount of financial support you are eligible for will depend on:

• your programme
• the duration of your studies
• your tuition fee status

Programmes studied on a part-time intermittent basis are not eligible.

• UK government and other external funding

Other funding opportunities

Search for scholarships and funding opportunities:

• Search for funding

Further information

• UEBS Postgraduate Research Support team
• Phone: +44 (0)131 651 5337
• Contact: [email protected]
• Director of Research Degrees, Dr Ben Marder
• Contact: [email protected]
• University of Edinburgh Business School
• PGR Support Team
• 29 Buccleuch Place
• Central Campus
• Programme: Management
• School: Business School
• College: Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences

Select your programme and preferred start date to begin your application.

MSc by Research Management - 1 Year (Full-time)

Application deadlines.

Supervisors can accept students on a first-come, first-served basis and the programme may close early if it reaches capacity.

• How to apply

You must submit two references with your application.

Your official transcript and grading scheme must be provided when you submit your application. Please ensure you follow our application guidelines otherwise your application is at risk of being placed on hold:

• MSc by Research

For your application to be processed, you must name your potential supervisor. You may name up to three in order of preference

• View our group and supervisor profiles

To maximise your chances of submitting a successful application, it is recommended you read the guidelines on our website before applying:

• Applying for research degrees in Management

Find out more about the general application process for postgraduate programmes:

This site uses cookies

We use necessary cookies to make our sites work. We'd also like to set additional cookies to analyse how our sites are performing, to improve the relevance of our ads and to optimise your experience. These will be set only if you accept. To learn more, view our privacy policy .

Privacy Preferences

Necessary cookies.

These cookies are necessary for the website to function normally and cannot be turned off. They are usually set in response to actions made by you which amount to a request for services, such as setting your privacy preferences, logging in or filling in forms. You can block or delete them in your browser settings, but this may affect how the website functions.

Analytics cookies

These cookies allow us to monitor how our websites and services are performing by collecting data about how visitors interact with our sites. The data is collected in a way that does not directly identify anyone.

Marketing cookies

These cookies are set through our site by our advertising partners. They may be used by those companies to build a profile of your interests and show you relevant ads on other sites. If you disable this setting, you will experience less targeted advertising.

Functionality cookies

These cookies enable us to provide enhanced functionality and personalisation. They may be set by us or by third party providers whose services we have added to our pages.

PhD with Integrated Study in Management

Our PhD with Integrated Study in Management programme challenges students to make the most of their potential. Our objective is that when you graduate as an alumnus of the Business School, you will be able to enjoy international recognition for your achievements.

This programme is currently undergoing the final approval process. We anticipate applications will open in January 2024.

PhD with Integrated Study in Management at a glance

• Study over four years full-time, with an additional 'writing-up' year available to all
• During your first year, undertake 180 of taught courses designed to train you in the theory and methods necessary to conduct high-quality research
• As part of a collaborative academic community, we support students with cross-disciplinary interests to find expertise, support, and supervision across the University of Edinburgh
• We encourage our students to aim higher, presenting papers at prestigious conferences and submit articles for publication
• Access to a wide range of professional and personal development opportunities during your studies
• While we invite students from around the globe to join our community, we don't offer this programme online or by distance learning

Entry requirements

Find out our academic, English language, and application requirements for the PhD in Management.

Programme overview

View the learning outcomes and a typical training course schedule for a first-year student.

Fees and living expenses

When budgeting please consider associated administration fees and expenses as well as our funding support.

Ready to apply?

Review our application checklist and make your application to the PhD in Management.

Professional pathway

This route allows students to maintain their current occupational role while also studying for a PhD with the Business School.

Degree Programme Table: Management (PhD) - 3 Years (Full-time) (PRPHDMGMNT1F)

Year 1 academic year: 2021/22, starting in: september.

There are no compulsory courses in this year of this programme.

Course options

Professional route, level 11 courses in schedules a to q, t and w, introduction course, supervised reading collection, year 2 academic year: 2021/22, starting in: september, year 3 academic year: 2021/22, starting in: september.

• Skip to content
• Accessibility help

Top Ranked Contemporary Marketing Degrees

Ranked 1 st in Scotland and 4 th in the UK, Marketing at Heriot-Watt’s Edinburgh Business School offers Masters degrees with a contemporary outlook as well as PhD and DBA research opportunities.  

Be FutureMade in Marketing

Be FutureMade with marketing skills and knowledge essential for success in today’s global economy.  

Carefully curated guest lectures and up-to-date industry case studies mean that teaching and course assessment reflect the latest marketing practice from leading organisations. Specialist courses address organisational challenges of sustainability, the application of marketing metrics and deriving benefits from digital technology.

Each programme offers cross-disciplinary course options to allow students to customise their learning journey to match their career aspirations.

Be FutureMade

Postgraduate Marketing degrees

Accreditation: chartered institute of marketing.

The Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) provides accreditation for MSc International Marketing, MSc International Marketing with Consumer Psychology, MSc International Fashion Marketing, and MSc Digital Marketing through their Graduate Gateway.

"'I absolutely loved my time here at Heriot-Watt and I am so grateful for what I have learnt and the people I have met here. The course has exceeded my expectations, providing me with a sound knowledge of the industry and interesting industry talks! Edinburgh is such an amazing city to live in as a student and I can’t wait to come back and visit. "

Venetia Fryzer , Fashion & Retail Analyst at EDITED

Learning direct from industry

Guest Lectures in Marketing

Examples of guest lectures and visits that our students have benefited from in the past year, offering chances to make connections and gain expertise from leading thinkers and doers from the markeitng industry.

Sustainable Marketing

Students on the Sustainable Marketing course received guest lectures from Zero Waste Scotland and Egg Lighting.

Issues and Trends in Tourism

In 2020, the Issues and Trends in Tourism course received a guest lecture from Tom Buncle former Chief Executive of the Scottish Tourist Board (now Visit Scotland) and CEO of Yellow Railroad international destination consultancy.

Branding and Communication Guest Lectures

Our Branding and Communication course enjoyed a number of excellent guest lectures from Jaume Ferras, Global Brand Director at Edringtons; Lorraine Rotwell, European Marketing Director at Baxters Food Group and Anna Marie Taylor, Managing Director at Taylor communications.

Zoe Wiszniewska - Paul Smith, London

Zoe is a graduate of Heriot-Watt University and spoke to MSc International Fashion Marketing students about her position as a women's wear designer with Paul Smith, London.

Array - Internship and Research Opportunities

Array is a leading retail merchandiser working with some of the world's leading beauty brands. They have offices in a number of locations, including Toronto and New York, and sponsor internship and research opportunities for selected MSc Marketing students.

Marketing: expertise in research

Professor Marylyn Carrigan is an international expert in the field of ethical and sustainable consumption. 

Professor Steven Carter a specialist in global marketing.

Professor Babak Taheri an international expert in tourism and leisure marketing.   

Explore postgraduate subjects

Explore the range of subjects offered at postgraduate level by Edinburgh Business School online and on campus in Edinburgh, Dubai and Malaysia.

Professionally accredited postgraduate degrees in accounting.

Business and Management

Career focused business degrees with the opportunity to specialise in a wide range of management subjects such as human resources, strategy and leadership.

Apply economic understanding to the real world to help solve policy challenges and improve decision making, particularly in the fields of energy and finance.

Enter the world of global finance and gain professional skills in our Bloomberg Finance Lab.

Logistics and Operations

Professionally accredited postgraduate degrees in logistics, operations management and supply chain management.