Management Science and Operations PhD programme

The academic year starts in October. The year is divided into three terms (AUT, SPR and SUM), lasting 10 weeks each. Some new students may also need to attend a pre-sessional course in September.

Most students complete the Programme within five years.

All students offered a place on the PhD programme receive full funding, which includes a tuition fee waiver and a stipend guaranteed for five years.

The Programme is run on a full-time basis only and students are expected to live in London.

As long as you complete in four years, no fees are payable. After that period, there is a nominal continuation fee. In year five, students can apply for a remission of the continuation fee, but if you don't complete the continuation fee will be doubled in years six and seven.

Some students are expected to attend a four week maths refresher or pre-programme course in September (depending on the subject area). All students will be required to attend a 3-day orientation in the first month of the programme, giving you the chance to meet faculty, your first year supervisor and other PhD students. You'll also receive training and induction in London Business School's facilities and services.

We do not offer transfers. You may be admitted to the programme from year one and apply for exemption from courses already taken. In such cases students will be required to pass a waiver examination. No more than three course waivers are permitted.

All students must work as teaching or research assistants for 20 days (160 hours) a year in years 2, 3 and 4 of the programme. At least 10 days (80 hours) should be of teaching assistance (and the other 10 days could be research assistance, depending on each subject area’s preference). This is seen as a valuable part of your training.