phd in management lse

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Finance PhD programme

Exceptional scholars choose us. Here's why.

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• A rigorous Finance curriculum
• Faculty research expertise

Gain the freedom to think creatively

A global reputation. Outstanding connections to world-leading financial institutions. 22 full-time finance faculty members. Just three of the reasons why exceptional scholars choose to study for a PhD at London Business School.

Our faculty are world-renowned for their research and teaching expertise

Innovative business thinking. Research that breaks frontiers. And a global reputation. Representing 30 different nationalities, our faculty influence business leaders, managers and policy makers across the globe.

PhD students

We prepare the next generation of scholars to undertake cutting-edge research. Find out how they’re pushing the frontiers of their individual subject area.

A unique life experience

Benefit from our central London location. Enjoy our vibrant campus environment. Welcome to a dynamic student and alumni community that provides lifelong engagement and opportunity.

Ready to join the LBS PhD programme? We’d love to hear from you.

Interested in applying? We recruit students through our annual PhD application process.

Select up to 4 programmes to compare

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UCL School of Management

University college london, phd in management.

Start date:  September 2024 Duration: 5 years (1 year MRes + 4 years PhD) Fees:  We offer fully funded scholarships to all admitted students Application deadline: 01 February 2024 (17:00 UK time). A late submission window closes on 05 April 2024 (17:00 UK time), although we encourage you to apply early as places are limited and applications are subject to close sooner if places are filled. Entry:  Minimum of a first class bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a relevant discipline. International students, please note that UCL’s English language requirement for this programme is a ‘ Level 1 ’ (IELTS and TOEFL are the preferred test, however others on the UCL recognised test list will be accepted if required) - further details regarding this can be found on the  UCL English Language Requirements  page.

PhD students pursue their studies in one of the Operations & Technology, Strategy & Entrepreneurship, Marketing & Analytics, and Organisations & Innovation groups. All four groups offer a unique education and research experience to a small number of highly motivated students, with the intent of preparing them for scholarly careers at the highest level.

PhD studies in Operations and Technology

Across the different research themes , there is a shared interest in management science, operations management and business technologies. Topics of interest include R&D management, innovation and new product development, service systems, supply chain management and healthcare operations. For candidates in this area, a degree in engineering (e.g. industrial, electrical, computer, mechanical etc), economics, mathematics, statistics or operational research is preferred. 

PhD studies in Strategy and Entrepreneurship

S&E faculty research  focuses on understanding what makes firms successful, how they cope with a complex and dynamic environment, and what leads to new business formation and growth. Doctoral training involves close collaboration between the doctoral student and faculty members on shared research interests, coursework at UCL and other institutions, and independent research. Doctoral students also benefit from the S&E group’s collaborative research community, a lively program of research speakers from other institutions, and links with researchers worldwide. Topics of interest include digitization, big data analytics, machine learning, information environment, platform ecosystems, new organisational forms, learning, innovation, competition, interorganisational relationships, corporate strategy, entrepreneurial strategy, entrepreneurship for development, social innovation. 

PhD studies in Marketing and Analytics

Topics of interest in this group include branding, retailing, advertising, pricing, product development, marketing channels, business marketing, marketing strategy and e-commerce. The researchers in this group use diverse quantitative methodologies that include big data analytics, regression analysis, choice models, field experiments and Bayesian econometrics.

PhD studies in Organisations and Innovation

O&I faculty research focuses on understanding individual and team outcomes within organisations. Group members engage with a variety of perspectives and approaches including network research, experiments and ethnographies. There is a shared interest in the topics of creativity, innovation, social networks and diversity. For applicants to the PhD programme, prior training in social science (e.g. social psychology, sociology or economics) is highly relevant. 

PhD studies in Financial Economics

Our MRes and PhD Programme in Financial Economics with UCL’s Department of Economics now has more information about how to apply and what you can expect from the programme on a brand new programme page, please see the specific entry requirements and programme structure here . 

PhD Structure

• The programme typically consists of five years of full-time study, starting with one year of modules registered as MRes. These modules are typically advanced postgraduate modules to provide rigorous methodological training to prepare students for their PhD research. Along with the School’s modules, students typically take some of these from other UCL departments (e.g., Economics, Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology), the London Business School, Bayes Business School, and Imperial College Business School.
• In addition to methods modules, students also undertake a first-year research project under the tutoring and supervision of a faculty member later in the MRes year (Term 3 + Summer period).
• Progression from MRes to PhD is not automatic . Superior performance in taught modules and independent, original research is required for progression from MRes to PhD.
• Our highly selective and small-sized PhD programme ensures that each student receives personal attention and guidance from our faculty members throughout their doctoral study. The close mentorship process forms the foundations of a successful academic career. 
• We expect our PhD graduates to have as their goal an academic career as a faculty member in a top business school or engineering department of a world-class university
• PhD applications are reviewed once a completed application form has been submitted online . 

Students take a total of 180 credits in the MRes year. This is made up of the MRes Research Project:

• MSIN0135 - MRes Research Project: 8,000-10,000 words . 105 credits.

Students take 75 credits of taught modules, of which the following three are compulsory modules:

• MSIN0131 - Research Presentation and Critical Writing Skills . 15 credits
• MSIN0132 - Seminar in Organisation Theory . 15 credits
• MSIN0240 - Designing Management Research Projects.  15 credits

Finally, students choose elective modules (15 credits each) among those offered by the School of Management, other UCL Departments (e.g., Economics, Psychology), and partner universities in London.

Students can take additional (non-credit) modules at UCL and our partners schools in the remaining years to complement their learning, but there is no requirement to take modules after the MRes year.

The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, and class discussion based on case studies and other activities. Student performance is assessed through simulations, presentations, coursework, group projects, class participation, and examinations. 

Students typically study 3 compulsory modules over Terms 1 and 2. Students will also typically study 2 optional modules which may take place in Terms 1, 2 or 3. Students will also undertake a substantial research project, which would usually be undertaken over Terms 2 and 3. 

Each taught module is delivered over 10 weeks, with 3 contact hours per week comprising lecture content and interactive components. 

In addition, students typically spend approximately 6-8 hours a week for each module on assessment and independent study to further develop the skills and knowledge covered in lectures and seminars. The total number of weekly hours will vary according to the weekly activities being undertaken.

Why choose us

What our students say:.

‘The UCL School of Management PhD programme is designed to provide students with skills that lead to academic excellence. Candidates are part of a dynamic and vibrant group and benefit from the programme’s flexibility, as they can choose from a wide range of disciplines. The frequent cooperation with world-leading faculty members enhances our knowledge and skills and ultimately leads to high-quality research output, laying the foundations for a subsequent successful academic career.’ 

UCL School of Management has forged a reputation for world-leading research in management studies with 95% of the School’s research deemed to be world-leading or internationally excellent, the second highest percentage of any business school in the UK, according to the 2021 REF. 

VIDEO LIBRARY

Applications

Applying for our mres/phd programme.

Entry requirements and admissions criteria:

We seek to recruit highly motivated, ambitious students with strong educational backgrounds. The ideal candidate will have a first-class Bachelor’s degree from the UK or an overseas qualification of equivalent standard from a leading university. We encourage students from a wide variety of backgrounds (e.g, engineering, economics, business, mathematics/statistics, psychology, sociology, and anthropology, among others) to apply to our programme. Also, notice that a Master’s or graduate level degree is not required for admission, you can apply with only an undergraduate (e.g. bachelors) degree. 

In your personal statement you are expected to suggest one or more faculty members as potential supervisors. On the application form you may see that it states that it is preferred that you contact potential supervisors beforehand – you do not need to do so. In fact, applicants are discouraged from randomly contacting individual faculty members or potential supervisors when applying to our programme. All applications are first evaluated by a joint admissions committee, so contacting potential supervisors separately will not increase your chances.

All MRes/PhD applicants are normally expected to take either a GMAT test or GRE test (UCL’s institution code is 3344, but also make sure you include a scanned copy of your test result on your online application), although the School has no minimum score requirements.  

We also require you to submit IELTS or TOEFL scores if English is not your first language. Our School requires a “Level 1” English qualification which corresponds to:

• IELTS: Overall grade of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each of the sub-tests.
• TOEFL: Score of 92, plus 24/30 in the reading and writing subtests and 20/30 in the listening and speaking subtests.  

Application Deadline

The application window closes 01 February 2024 (17:00 UK time) and a late submission window closes on 05 April 2024 (17:00 UK time). We advise those interested in the programme to apply before 01 February 2024, as those applying in the late submission window will only be considered if there are still places remaining.

Application Procedure

Apply via UCL Postgraduate Admissions System here . When starting the application, you must select the MRes option. In addition to filling out the online application form, please upload a copy of the following documents:

• Official Transcripts of Grades / Course marks
• A 2-3 page personal statement or research proposal* that clearly indicates: (i) which research group you are interested in (i.e., Organisations & Innovation, Strategy & Entrepreneurship, Marketing & Analytics or Operations & Technology, (ii) your research interests and preliminary research ideas, (iii) potential faculty member(s) you may want to work with (this is a suggested list, you don’t need to contact potential supervisors beforehand), and (iv) your motivation to do a PhD.
• Your  GRE / GMAT  score report**
• Your IELTS/TOEFL score report, if English is not your first language.

* While submission of a full research proposal is not required, you can send us one if you have already written it up.

** You can submit your application even if you don’t have a GRE/GMAT score —simply indicate when you plan to take the test. Funding/Scholarships

We offer fully funded five year MRes/PhD scholarships in the UCL School of Management to all admitted students. The scholarship is open to all nationalities. It covers all tuition fees, and includes an annual stipend of £25,000, which is tax-free.

Additional costs 

This programme does not have any compulsory additional costs outside of purchasing books or stationery, printing, thesis binding or photocopying.  

Students may have the opportunity to participate in conferences in the UK and internationally. The UCL School of Management provides MRes/PhD students with an annual budget for conferences, which students will use to cover the travel, accommodation, food and other costs whilst at conferences, in line with UCL’s expenses policy. 

Apply today

For queries about the MRes/PhD Programme that are not addressed on our web pages, please contact [email protected] .

Frequently Asked Questions about the UCL School of Management MRes/PhD Programme

Programme Information

Application process, admissions requirements, further information.

If you have any other questions regarding the programme that are not addressed on our web pages please email the programme team ( [email protected] )

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Master's in Management

• Graduate taught
• Department of Management
• Application code N2UB
• Starting 2024
• Home full-time: Open
• Overseas full-time: Open
• Location: Houghton Street, London

The Master’s in Management is an intensive one-year programme designed to develop your intellectual and professional skills as an outstanding manager and leader over a lifetime career.

For students wishing to launch their career in management, this programme will give you a foundation in the fundamentals of managing people and organisations within the real-world context of business today. Core courses will develop your skills in business analysis, marketing, financial management, people management, leadership and strategy.

The curriculum will take an in-depth analytical approach throughout, enabling you to critically assess the latest trends and theories in management, and gain a true understanding of the social, economic and political forces which impact on organisations worldwide.

A business project and international field trip will develop your practical skills as a talented and analytical manager and enable you to use your insights from the programme to create real-world, practical managerial solutions.

You will graduate from the programme as an insightful, analytical and strategic manager, and stand out from other business school graduates with the ability to take on new and unknown challenges throughout your lifelong career in the fast-moving global business environment. Read more about the LSE student experience on our student blog,  The Student Lens .

Programme details

For more information about tuition fees and entry requirements, see the fees and funding and assessing your application sections.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for master's in management.

• undergraduate degree with upper second class honours (2.1) or above, or  international equivalent . Applicants from any academic background are welcomed.
• work experience of 3 months or more is ideal, but not required. Please detail any relevant experience in your application.
• prior undergraduate study of quantitative subjects is not required, but applicants with a UK degree without a post-16 qualification in maths (e.g. A level or IB higher level or equivalent) may like to submit a GMAT or GRE score as evidence of ability to engage with quantitative topics such as statistics, accounting and finance. The GMAT or GRE is a requirement for applicants who do not have a UK undergraduate or graduate degree. More information on GMAT/GRE
• English language requirements

Please note successful applicants will receive an offer for the one-year Master’s in Management. Switching to the two-year  Global Master’s in Management  will not be possible once you begin this programme at LSE. Therefore, please ensure you choose the programme you apply for carefully, as there will not be any opportunity to transfer.

Assessing your application

Your application will be considered on its academic merits. An offer of a place may be conditional on attending additional courses and/or passing qualifying examinations at a suitable standard, in addition to your degree. You should note that there are always many more applications than places available at LSE and possession of the minimum entrance requirements does not guarantee that you will be offered admission. It is therefore in your interests to apply as early as possible.

We welcome applications from all suitably qualified prospective students and want to recruit students with the very best academic merit, potential and motivation, irrespective of their background.

We carefully consider each application on an individual basis, taking into account all the information presented on your application form, including your:

- academic achievement (including predicted and achieved grades) - statement of academic purpose - two references - GMAT/GRE - applicants without a post-16 qualification in maths (e.g. A level or IB higher level or equivalent) may like to submit a GMAT or GRE score as evidence of ability to engage with quantitative topics such as statistics, accounting and finance.  - CV - indicate your level of maths on your CV and the grade achieved.

See further information on supporting documents

Speak to an Admissions specialist

If you have any queries which are not answered on the website or would like to chat with an admissions specialist, we run 1:1 Zoom chats on a weekly basis for prospective students and offer holders:

Book 1:1 session (prospective students)

Book 1:1 session (offer holders)

When to apply

Applications for this programme are considered on a rolling basis, meaning the programme will close once it becomes full. There is no fixed deadline by which you need to apply, however, we encourage you to apply early to avoid disappointment.

Please note that to be considered for any LSE funding opportunity, you must have submitted your application and all supporting documents by the funding deadline. See the fees and funding section below on this page for more details.

Fees and funding

Every graduate student is charged a fee for their programme.

The fee covers registration and examination fees payable to the School, lectures, classes and individual supervision, lectures given at other colleges under intercollegiate arrangements and, under current arrangements, membership of the Students' Union. It does not cover living costs or travel or fieldwork.

Tuition fees 2024/25 for Master's in Management

Home students: £38,472 Overseas students: £38,472

The Table of Fees shows the latest tuition amounts for all programmes offered by the School.

To secure a place on the programme offer holders will be required to pay a deposit of 10% of the tuition fee within six weeks of receiving their offer. Detailed guidance, including details around exceptions, will be made available from December 2023 .

The amount of tuition fees you will need to pay, and any financial support you are eligible for, will depend on whether you are classified as a home or overseas student, otherwise known as your fee status. LSE assesses your fee status based on guidelines provided by the Department of Education.

Further information about fee status classification.

Fee reduction

Students who completed undergraduate study at LSE and are beginning taught graduate study at the School are eligible for a  fee reduction  of around 10 per cent of the fee.

Scholarships and other funding

The School recognises that the  cost of living in London  may be higher than in your home town or country, and we provide generous scholarships each year to home and overseas students.

This programme is eligible for needs-based awards from LSE, including the  Graduate Support Scheme ,  Master's Awards , and  Anniversary Scholarships . 

Selection for any funding opportunity is based on receipt of an offer for a place and submitting a Graduate Financial Support application, before the funding deadline: 25 April 2024.

In addition to our needs-based awards, LSE also makes available scholarships for students from specific regions of the world and awards for students studying specific subject areas.  Find out more about financial support.

Government tuition fee loans and external funding

A postgraduate loan is available from the UK government for eligible students studying for a first master’s programme, to help with fees and living costs. Some other governments and organisations also offer tuition fee loan schemes.

Find out more about tuition fee loans

Further information

Fees and funding opportunities

Information for international students

LSE is an international community, with over 140 nationalities represented amongst its student body. We celebrate this diversity through everything we do.  

If you are applying to LSE from outside of the UK then take a look at our Information for International students . 

1) Take a note of the UK qualifications we require for your programme of interest (found in the ‘Entry requirements’ section of this page). 

2) Go to the International Students section of our website. 

3) Select your country. 

4) Select ‘Graduate entry requirements’ and scroll until you arrive at the information about your local/national qualification. Compare the stated UK entry requirements listed on this page with the local/national entry requirement listed on your country specific page.

Programme structure and courses

Curriculum overview.

We are ranked  #5 in the world for social science and management , and the Master's in Management curriculum upholds this tradition for academic excellence. 

A series of core courses will develop your intellectual and practical skills in the core pillars of management, providing an essential foundation for your career as a manager at the level of individual staff, teams and the business organisation as a whole. In addition to this core foundation, this unique Master's in Management programme has been developed with LSE's expertise in the global social, economic and political environment. The programme curriculum will provide you with a unique understanding of the real and complex challenges in global business today, to provide a real-world context to the management skills you develop. 

An international study trip incorporating company visits and teamwork, plus practical projects working with a cross-cultural team of peers, will give you exposure to the real-world business environment and grow your practical managerial talent.

Introductory course (non-assessed)

Students are required to attend an introductory course starting early September 2022, before the beginning of the programme.

This course will provide the necessary basic pre-requisites to succeed on the programme and its core courses and will provide additional professional and personal development opportunities to set you on your chosen career path.

Compulsory core courses (4.0 units)

Autumn and Winter Terms

(* denotes a half unit)

Managerial Economics for Masters in Management Students * Exploring the fundamental foundations of management theory and practice, with a focus on managerial economics and its applicability to business decisions. OR (with permission) The Analysis of Strategy * Introduces the abstract study of strategy on the basis of game theory and business economics, and applies these concepts to questions of business strategy, e.g. questions of vertical integration, value creation and  a firm’s resources and capabilities.

Business Analysis * Providing a fundamental foundation in data presentation, analysis and statistical thinking in the context of business problems.

Organisational Behaviour for Master's in Management * Developing an understanding of human behaviour in the workplace, founded in psychological theory. and Marketing Management * Building knowledge in the key analytical frameworks, technical tools and concepts which are fundamental to effective marketing strategy. OR (with permission) Organisational Behaviour for Master's in Management * Understanding the people side of business. and Consumer Insights: Behavioural Fundamentals * Learning how to influence consumer behaviour (e.g., how to construct persuasive advertising or sway purchase decisions)

Financial and Management Accounting for Managerial Decision Making * Providing an introduction to financial accounting and management accounting, including reporting and regulation, information and cost management, and performance measurement.

Managerial Finance * Developing an overview of financial decision making at a corporate level, and understanding strategic decisions from a financial perspective.

Spring Term

Examinations for the courses above

Spring Term modules

The programme will continue after the Spring Term with the final teaching block (including the study trip).  Students should plan to be in attendance full time in London until the end of July , after which you will work on your final project. This teaching is mandatory and no alternate options are available.

MiM Capstone Course - International Management in Action This course builds connections between management theory and practice and equips students with the skills necessary to succeed in their managerial careers.

Optional elective courses (1.0 unit)

In addition to the programme's core courses, you will also have the chance to select up to two optional elective courses during the Winter term of the programme in order to tailor the programme to your own interests and career goals.

Elective courses are available in a range of topics relevant for managers today:

International Finance *

Entrepreneurial Finance *

Operations Management for Management Consultancy *

Auctions and Game Theory *

International Business Strategy and Emerging Markets *

Thinking Strategically *

Strategic Decision Making *

Handling Disruption: Humanitarian Emergencies Management and Development *

Supply Chain Management *

Strategy and Change in Public Sector Management *

Negotiation Analysis *

The Management of Human Resources in Global Companies *

Information Systems for the Public Sector: Digital Government and Service Innovation *

Social Computing, Data and Information Service *

Data Governance: Privacy, Openness and Transparency *

Design and Management of Organisations *

Information Technology and Service Innovation *

Cross Cultural Management *

Leadership in Organisations: Theory and Practice *

Marketing Analytics II: Analytics for Managing Innovations, Products and Brands *

Designing Innovative Social Enterprises *

Brand Strategy *

 For  the most up-to-date list of optional courses please visit the relevant School Calendar page.    

You must note, however, that while care has been taken to ensure that this information is up to date and correct, a change of circumstances since publication may cause the School to change, suspend or withdraw a course or programme of study, or change the fees that apply to it. The School will always notify the affected parties as early as practicably possible and propose any viable and relevant alternative options. Note that the School will neither be liable for information that after publication becomes inaccurate or irrelevant, nor for changing, suspending or withdrawing a course or programme of study due to events outside of its control, which includes but is not limited to a lack of demand for a course or programme of study, industrial action, fire, flood or other environmental or physical damage to premises.  

You must also note that places are limited on some courses and/or subject to specific entry requirements. The School cannot therefore guarantee you a place. Please note that changes to programmes and courses can sometimes occur after you have accepted your offer of a place. These changes are normally made in light of developments in the discipline or path-breaking research, or on the basis of student feedback. Changes can take the form of altered course content, teaching formats or assessment modes. Any such changes are intended to enhance the student learning experience.   You should visit the School’s  Calendar , or contact the relevant academic department, for information on the availability and/or content of courses and programmes of study. Certain substantive changes will be listed on the  updated graduate course and programme information   page.  

Teaching and assessment

The lse learning experience.

The curriculum is designed to challenge your view of the world, and of management as a discipline. You will be asked to read the latest research to understand the underlying reasons why today’s business world exists as it does, and the practical implications for your future career as a manager. You will critically assess trends, conflicts and patterns in management and business practice, and form your own opinions to defend and debate with your classmates in seminars. You will learn how to develop and communicate well-reasoned arguments, and to tackle complex decisions and problems in the context of the real socioeconomic and geo-political architecture in which businesses operate across the globe. 

Courses are taught in lecture and class or seminar format. Lectures introduce the core theoretical and technical concepts whilst their associated classes allow students to discuss and apply these concepts through exercises and in-depth study. Seminars allow for the focused study of key concepts in a more informal style and often involve presentations by students on selected course materials. Many teachers adopt a variety of teaching methods to deliver their courses such as class exercises, team presentations, individual or group work, or case study discussions. 

Given the high level of academic performance expected from students, a significant amount of independent study and preparation is required to get the most out of the programme. Half-unit courses can be assessed by two hour unseen examinations, coursework assignments, class participation or group/individual project work.

You can view indicative details of hours and assessment for all courses listed in the online  Programme Regulations .

Academic support

You will also be assigned an academic mentor who will be available for guidance and advice on academic or personal concerns.

There are many opportunities to extend your learning outside the classroom and complement your academic studies at LSE.  LSE LIFE  is the School’s centre for academic, personal and professional development. Some of the services on offer include: guidance and hands-on practice of the key skills you will need to do well at LSE: effective reading, academic writing and critical thinking; workshops related to how to adapt to new or difficult situations, including development of skills for leadership, study/work/life balance and preparing for the world of work; and advice and practice on working in study groups and on cross-cultural communication and teamwork.

LSE is committed to enabling all students to achieve their full potential and the School’s  Disability and Wellbeing Service  provides a free, confidential service to all LSE students and is a first point of contact for all disabled students.

Student support and resources

We’re here to help and support you throughout your time at LSE, whether you need help with your academic studies, support with your welfare and wellbeing or simply to develop on a personal and professional level.

Whatever your query, big or small, there are a range of people you can speak to who will be happy to help.  

Department librarians   – they will be able to help you navigate the library and maximise its resources during your studies. 

Accommodation service  – they can offer advice on living in halls and offer guidance on private accommodation related queries.

Class teachers and seminar leaders  – they will be able to assist with queries relating to specific courses. 

Disability and Wellbeing Service  – they are experts in long-term health conditions, sensory impairments, mental health and specific learning difficulties. They offer confidential and free services such as  student counselling,  a  peer support scheme  and arranging  exam adjustments.  They run groups and workshops.  

IT help  – support is available 24 hours a day to assist with all your technology queries.   

LSE Faith Centre  – this is home to LSE's diverse religious activities and transformational interfaith leadership programmes, as well as a space for worship, prayer and quiet reflection. It includes Islamic prayer rooms and a main space for worship. It is also a space for wellbeing classes on campus and is open to all students and staff from all faiths and none.   

Language Centre  – the Centre specialises in offering language courses targeted to the needs of students and practitioners in the social sciences. We offer pre-course English for Academic Purposes programmes; English language support during your studies; modern language courses in nine languages; proofreading, translation and document authentication; and language learning community activities.

LSE Careers  ­ – with the help of LSE Careers, you can make the most of the opportunities that London has to offer. Whatever your career plans, LSE Careers will work with you, connecting you to opportunities and experiences from internships and volunteering to networking events and employer and alumni insights. 

LSE Library   –   founded in 1896, the British Library of Political and Economic Science is the major international library of the social sciences. It stays open late, has lots of excellent resources and is a great place to study. As an LSE student, you’ll have access to a number of other academic libraries in Greater London and nationwide. 

LSE LIFE  – this is where you should go to develop skills you’ll use as a student and beyond. The centre runs talks and workshops on skills you’ll find useful in the classroom; offers one-to-one sessions with study advisers who can help you with reading, making notes, writing, research and exam revision; and provides drop-in sessions for academic and personal support. (See ‘Teaching and assessment’). 

LSE Students’ Union (LSESU)  – they offer academic, personal and financial advice and funding.  

PhD Academy   – this is available for PhD students, wherever they are, to take part in interdisciplinary events and other professional development activities and access all the services related to their registration. 

Sardinia House Dental Practice   – this   offers discounted private dental services to LSE students.  

St Philips Medical Centre  – based in Pethwick-Lawrence House, the Centre provides NHS Primary Care services to registered patients.

Student Services Centre  – our staff here can answer general queries and can point you in the direction of other LSE services.  

Student advisers   – we have a  Deputy Head of Student Services (Advice and Policy)  and an  Adviser to Women Students  who can help with academic and pastoral matters.

Programme Director

Teaching team

Dr Heather Kappes  Associate Professor (Education) of Management

Dr Haider Ali Guest Teacher

Dr Liliana Varela Assistant Professor of Finance Department of Finance 

Dr Hongda Zhong Assistant Professor of Finance Department of Finance

Student life

As a student at LSE you’ll be based at our central London campus. Find out what our campus and London have to offer you on academic, social and career perspective. 

Student societies and activities

Your time at LSE is not just about studying, there are plenty of ways to get involved in  extracurricular activities . From joining one of over 200 societies, or starting your own society, to volunteering for a local charity, or attending a public lecture by a world-leading figure, there is a lot to choose from. 

The campus 

LSE is based on one  campus  in the centre of London. Despite the busy feel of the surrounding area, many of the streets around campus are pedestrianised, meaning the campus feels like a real community. 

Life in London 

London is an exciting, vibrant and colourful city. It's also an academic city, with more than 400,000 university students. Whatever your interests or appetite you will find something to suit your palate and pocket in this truly international capital. Make the most of career opportunities and social activities, theatre, museums, music and more. 

Want to find out more? Read why we think  London is a fantastic student city , find out about  key sights, places and experiences for new Londoners . Don't fear, London doesn't have to be super expensive: hear about  London on a budget . 

Student stories

Student profiles.

Farah, Tunisia

Matei, Romania

Class profile

Top students from around the world join us to study in the LSE Department of Management each year, and the Master's in Management programme brings together a cohort of diverse academic backgrounds and perspectives. This variety amongst your classmates is designed to enhance your learning experience on the programme, bringing fresh perspectives to business issues, and developing your cross-cultural management skills by working with diverse international teams to compete assignments and projects.

We select students from any prior academic discipline, including both those with a previous background in business and management wishing to accelerate their career, as well as those wishing to make a transition into this area from another field. 

The programme is designed for recent graduates at the start of their career. Most students have around 3 months' experience (for example with an internship) as a minimum, but work experience is not required and we also welcome outstanding students with no prior work experience. Read more about the LSE student experience on our student blog,  The Student Lens >

Career development with the Master's in Management

LSE is ranked  #5 in the world for our reputation with employers , and you will graduate from the Master's in Management with a well-rounded portfolio of managerial and leadership skills. You will also gain a unique in-depth understanding of real business challenges in today's rapidly-changing international environment, which is not a feature in the curriculum of many traditional graduate business degrees. We believe this unique approach to the discipline of management, grounded in a real-world business context, will set you apart in the job market upon graduation as a strategic, innovative and adaptable manager.

In addition to developing your intellectual strength as a manager, the programme will provide practical learning with team projects and opportunities to develop your communication and presentation skills.

Whether you have existing training and experience in business and management, and you're looking for the knowledge, skills and networks to accelerate your career, or whether you wish to transition into management and leadership from another background, this programme will give you the platform to transform your career.

LSE Careers

LSE Careers  will provide tailored individual support with your professional development and job search throughout the programme. They offer one-to-one Career Consultant sessions, access to employers with career fairs, seminars and workshops, a vast database of employment opportunities via the LSE Career Hub, and help with job hunting, CVs/resumes and interviews.

Graduate destinations

Graduates from the LSE Department of Management have gone on to successful careers in a range of industries and leading organisations worldwide.

Here are some examples of the companies and organisations which our alumni now work for:

• Boston Consulting Group
• Bank of China
• Christian Dior
• Jaguar Landrover

Programme and admissions enquiries

With questions related to your application or the admissions process, please check our  admissions frequently asked questions  page.

If you have any programme or admissions queries which are not answered on the website, please contact the Programme and Admissions Team:

Email: [email protected]

Find out more about LSE

Discover more about being an LSE student - meet us in a city near you, visit our campus or experience LSE from home. 

Experience LSE from home

Webinars, videos, student blogs and student video diaries will help you gain an insight into what it's like to study at LSE for those that aren't able to make it to our campus.  Experience LSE from home . 

Come on a guided campus tour, attend an undergraduate open day, drop into our office or go on a self-guided tour.  Find out about opportunities to visit LSE . 

LSE visits you

Student Marketing, Recruitment and Study Abroad travels throughout the UK and around the world to meet with prospective students. We visit schools, attend education fairs and also hold Destination LSE events: pre-departure events for offer holders.  Find details on LSE's upcoming visits . 

How to apply

Download our MSc brochure

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Postgraduate Study

What could taught postgraduate study do for me.

The most common form of taught postgraduate study is a master’s course. They usually take one year to complete, involving a mix of lectures, seminars, self-study and practical work, and either lead to a Master of Science (MSc), Master of Arts (MA) or Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree.

If you don’t want or need to take a full master’s degree, a postgraduate diploma (PGDip) will often cover the same material but takes less time – usually two terms – and doesn’t require a dissertation. A postgraduate certificate (PGCert) is an even shorter option – usually one term.

There are several ways in which postgraduate study can enhance your development and your future. A key consideration is whether a postgraduate qualification is a necessity or will give you a significant advantage in the career area that interests you.

If a postgraduate qualification is not required by your future employers, there are other advantages to be gained, such as:

the opportunity to expand your network. Other students on your course, lecturers, visiting speakers etc. all have the potential to be useful in your future career.

a chance to build your confidence and enhance your subject specific and transferable skills, including project management, analytical skills, networking and team work.

learning more about a subject that you enjoy in a stimulating academic environment.

Even if your qualification doesn’t enhance your chances of securing an entry level job in your chosen sector, your additional knowledge and experience may help you progress more quickly through an organisation once you are in.

Is it the right direction for me to take?

To help you to decide whether postgraduate study is right for you, there are several questions you can ask yourself. Start with:

Do I have to do it to progress in my chosen career?

Will it give me an advantage in my chosen career?

If the answer to either of those questions is yes, your next step is to explore your options further. Talk to people in the professions that interest you and find out if there are any subjects or courses that they recommend. Look for relevant networking opportunities on CareerHub or research your chosen career area in the  employment sectors  section of our website.

If the answer to both those questions is no, or you don’t yet know what career you might choose, there are other equally valid reasons for selecting this path:

Do I love my subject and want to learn more about it?

Do I thrive in an academic environment?

Do I want to continue to build my study skills, e.g. in critical thinking and analysis?

Do I want to study abroad and gain international experience?

Find out more about studying overseas on our  Studying abroad  page.

Finally, the following questions need honest answers if you are to make the right decision for the right reasons:

Am I using this as an excuse to put off making career decisions?

Does the job market scare me?

If your answer to either of those questions is yes, talk to a Careers Consultant before making your decision. Postgraduate study is not an easy option and can be expensive. There will be other ways to build your confidence and skills.  You can book a one to one appointment on  CareerHub .

How do I choose the right course?

There are several things to think about when choosing a course. As with your undergraduate course, you need to consider the institution, its location, social and support networks, style of teaching, course content, assessment methods etc., but in addition, you might also want to consider:

the reputation and connections of the department  – for example, are there any leading researchers you could work with, do they have visiting speakers from organisations you’d like to work for in the future, etc.? To investigate the leading researchers in your chosen field – look at relevant academic journals and see who is publishing work that interests you. Where are they based? Or talk to academics in your own department.

where students find employment after the course  – are they in jobs/organisations that interest you? The admissions tutor for each course should be able to provide that information, or you might find it on the institution’s website.

what do professionals in the careers that interest you think of the course/institution?  Attend networking events, talk to LSE alumni etc. to find out.

When it comes to choosing your subject of study, there will be many options open to you. Will you decide to specialise, or would you rather combine two or three subjects? If you’re looking for courses in the UK, visit the  Prospects Postgraduate Courses  database. For overseas options, try  FindAMasters .  

Talk to your course tutor or supervisor and find out what they think would suit you. They may be able to provide useful feedback to help your decision making.

For more information, visit our  Researching postgraduate courses  page.

How can I fund my postgraduate study?

Obtaining funding for postgraduate study can be a challenge. In many cases, students combine funding from a variety of sources. There are several options you might explore:

Start with the University you wish to study at and find out whether they offer bursaries or scholarships, e.g. for disadvantage or academic excellence, etc. Charities, foundations and trusts can also be a source of this type of funding. Use resources such as Trustfunding.org.uk or the Alternative Guide to Postgraduate Funding to identify relevant organisations. Some courses, e.g. teacher training, may offer government bursaries.

Postgraduate study loans are available from the UK government, offering a contribution towards tuition fees and living costs. Sums vary depending on your country of origin, i.e. England, Wales, Scotland or N. Ireland. If you are not a UK citizen, find out whether your home country offers something similar. Make sure you look at the eligibility criteria and conditions. There may also be Research Council grants available – check with the University you plan to apply to.

Many LSE students take part-time jobs, often choosing to study part-time to enhance their flexibility. When considering this option, remember to check your visa stipulations (where necessary) and also see the LSE’s ISVAT guide to working during your studies . Relevant work experience can give you a significant advantage in the job market, so finding part-time work that complements your studies and career ambitions is an excellent way to fund your learning and enhance your CV.

Some employers offer sponsorship for postgraduate study, but you will usually have to be employed by them already and may be tied in for several years post qualification.

This is not an easy option and is likely to take up a lot of your time, but it may be a way to raise a proportion of the funding you need, to add to finances received from other sources. If you don’t need to obtain a master’s qualification to support your career plans, a PGDip or PGCert are usually cheaper options as they are shorter courses. To find out more about different methods of funding, visit the Prospects funding postgraduate study pages.

How do I apply for postgraduate courses?

Applications are made directly to the University. Some set specific deadlines and others take applications throughout the year. Make sure you know the application process for each course that interests you.

You can apply for as many courses as you want, and it is recommended that you start your application between 6 months to 1 year in advance of the course start date. An early application is particularly important if you’re hoping to secure funding. You’ll also need to factor in time for academics or employers to write references.

A typical Master’s application includes:

• a personal statement
• academic transcripts

Some may also require a portfolio or research proposal.

International students will also need to provide:

• a copy of your passport
• proof of your language proficiency, if you're not a native speaker. 

For more information, visit the Prospects Applying for a Master’s degree page.

Applying for a PGDip or PGCert is a very similar process. The Prospects page on Postgraduate diplomas and certificates provides further details.

Useful websites

https://www.prospects.ac.uk/postgraduate-study

https://www.postgrad.com/

https://www.postgraduatesearch.com/

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• Posts for PhD students
• Visit LSE Careers’ website
• Visit CareerHub

Catherine Reynolds

October 3rd, 2016, phd careers in management consultancy.

1 comment | 7 shares

Estimated reading time: 10 minutes

Careers in consultancy are sometimes of interest to our PhD students and graduates. Some firms particularly target applications from PhD students. McKinsey, BCG, Oliver Wyman, Charles River Associates; Compass Lexecon; Cornerstone Research and others have specific interest in PhD qualified applicants. Some firms offer insight days and special events for PhD students.

We provide opportunities for you to find out more about working in specific sectors and meet recruiters. Book and keep up to date with events and vacancies on CareerHub .

Background reading

Careers information about management and specialist consultancy, events; lists of firms; explanations of jobs roles; news; and vacancies is available on our website .

Inspiring role models

There are many LSE PhD graduates working in management consultancy, two examples, one quant, one qual:

Zhong Zhong Chen (LSE PhD International History, 2014), Project Leader in Boston Consulting Groups’s Dubai Office

Zhong completed his PhD in International History at LSE with a thesis on Eastern European-Chinese relations during the Deng Xiaoping era. During his PhD, he published in academic journals and was granted visiting fellowships to the Freie Universitaet in Berlin and Peking University in Beijing. His current work focuses mostly on regional economic development as well as large-scale public sector transformations. In 2019 he was promoted from Strategy Consultant to Project Leader. In the past, he has served clients in the shipping, consumer goods as well as defence sectors. Before BCG, he worked as a Strategy Consultant at Monitor Deloitte, also based out of the Dubai office. During his time at LSE he gained internship experience at Independent Diplomat, the Canadian Embassy in Berlin, as well as Oliver Wyman.

Amy Challen, (LSE PhD Applied Econometrics 2013), Engagement Manager at McKinsey and Company in London moved to a Management role at Shell

Amy holds a Bachelors degree in PPE from Oxford, a Masters in Economics from Free University in the Netherlands, and a PhD in Applied Econometrics from LSE. She has also completed visiting graduate work at Princeton and Sciences Po Paris and worked for seven years as a full-time researcher at the Centre for Economic Performance at LSE. She had not considered careers in consulting, and first heard about McKinsey after receiving an email from LSE Careers in 2011 about McKinsey’s Insight programme, which takes PhD students for three days to learn about consulting. After gaining a place on this course, she was encouraged to apply for a full-time role and received an offer a few months later. She joined McKinsey as a Junior Associate in August 2013, and worked on a variety of projects and industries and functions, including banking, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, telecoms and consumer. She was seconded to QuantumBlack, an advanced analytics consultancy that is part of McKinsey, which gave her an opportunity to apply the econometrics she learnt in academia in a business context. After five years at Mckinsey, she moved to Shell as a Manger, connecting data science with business opportunities.

Unsure about your next steps and need to talk through your career ideas?

Confidential one-to-one careers consultation appointments are available every week – book with the PhD Careers Consultant Catherine Reynolds now. Good luck with your career thinking and remember we support you whatever direction you’re considering!

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Polly Liouta

Head of engagement and communications, school of public policy.

Polly is the Head of Engagement and Communications at the School of Public Policy and the European Institute. Working across two Departments, she is heading the Events, Communications and Alunmni Engagement team and she is responsilble for the EI and SPP public programmes of events. She is leading on the communications strategy, alumni engagement and has the overall overview of social media and website.

Polly holds a BA in History of Art, a MA in Classical Art and Archaeology and a Diploma in Event Management. She is experienced in managing and planning public and private events with high profile stakeholders in the higher education, cultural and non-profit sectors. Previously to the LSE, she has worked for various art galleries and museums, including the National Portrait Gallery.

Expertise Details

Event Management ; Communications ; Social Media ; Digital Communications ; Alumni Relations ; Public Engagement