PhD Programme

The SIM PhD Programme is for people who wish to pursue a career in research, teaching and scholarship, related to how organisations can create value through superior competitive performance.  We emphasise thorough training as a researcher as well as the capacity to ask and answer research questions that have strong managerial relevance.  In addition to formal coursework, students gain valuable research experience by working closely with faculty on research projects. Our students have won awards for outstanding research at the Academy of Management.

Purpose of the Programme

We look for people with genuine academic curiosity who are interested in fundamental research with practical, managerial relevance, aiming to deal with important fundamental questions about organisations and business. The diverse interests of SIM faculty are reflected in the interests of our PhD students, with backgrounds in sociology, economics, psychology, business and engineering.  Research conducted in the department varies from highly quantitative to purely qualitative. SIM has strong links to other areas in the school - Organisational Behaviour, Management Science and Operations, Entrepreneurship and Economics, and links to other academic institutions.

Structure of  the Programme

We admit people not projects - we don't have available positions to fill on certain research projects.  We are looking for people who can be top-class thinkers. Smart, committed people will apply with interesting ideas about what to research and how.  SIM faculty provide the guidance and training needed.  There is considerable freedom to choose whatever you find interesting in the broad areas of strategy and international management.

Who should apply to our Programme?

We admit people who are interested in an academic career, preferably at a top business school somewhere in the world, not people who wish to return to a career in business or consulting.

What our PhD students say:

"The Strategic & International Management department at London Business School ranks among the strongest globally, and through the PhD programme the department aspires to take their PhD students to the same level. I have always found it amazing how supportive Faculty are when it comes to discussing and advising on research projects. At the same time, they give tremendous freedom to shape your research project to ensure that it is your project and not someone else's. I was looking for an intellectually stimulating environment to develop my research skills and definitely found it here!"

Bart Vanneste, Strategic & International Management PhD 2004

For advice on whether a SIM PhD programme would be appropriate for you, contact Isabel Fernandez-Mateo,  ifernandezmateo@london.edu.

For further information on studying for your PhD at London Business School, together with details on the application process, please visit the PhD Programme page.