Leeds Business School Offers Two Funded PhD Studentships for 2026
Leeds Business School is opening its doors to ambitious researchers by offering two fully funded PhD studentships for the academic year beginning October 2026. This is a significant opportunity for individuals looking to pursue doctoral studies in a vibrant academic setting and contribute to applied research in business, management, society, and economic development. Unlike many other funding opportunities, these studentships are not tied to a specific pre-defined project. Instead, successful applicants will have the chance to develop their own research proposals within the school’s key research areas.
The studentships are part of Leeds Beckett University’s commitment to fostering high-quality doctoral research. They aim to attract driven individuals who are ready to contribute to the school’s research profile and build a strong foundation for a career in academia or research. The program emphasizes a strong research community, offering collaboration with experienced academics, researchers, and fellow doctoral students.
About Leeds Business School
Leeds Business School is a key part of Leeds Beckett University, situated at the university’s City Campus in Leeds. The school is recognized for its practical approach to business research, spanning various disciplines including business, management, economics, journalism, enterprise, governance, sustainability, and societal impact. Its research activities are organized across six distinct subject areas, ensuring a broad yet focused approach to understanding and addressing contemporary business challenges.
The school actively engages with a wide network of partners, including businesses of all sizes, local government bodies, NHS Trusts, other academic institutions, and community organizations. This collaborative approach ensures that the research conducted is not only academically sound but also relevant and beneficial to real-world issues. The funded PhD studentships are a direct reflection of the school’s dedication to enhancing its research output and expanding its doctoral programs.
Research Areas for PhD Proposals
Applicants for the Leeds Business School PhD studentships must submit research proposals that directly align with one or more of the school’s priority research areas. Proposals that do not address these specific themes will not be considered. The six key research areas are:
1. Banking and Markets
This area invites research into financial institutions, banking systems, investment and capital markets, risk management, financial regulation, and the influence of markets on economic progress. Potential research questions could explore banking stability, market trends, financial inclusion, and the role of regulation in financial systems.
2. Sustainability
With increasing global focus on environmental and social responsibility, this area welcomes research on sustainable business models, corporate environmental practices, climate-conscious management, sustainability reporting, green finance, and responsible supply chains. It addresses how businesses can balance profitability with ecological and social well-being.
3. Digital Media and Society
This theme examines the complex relationship between digital communication, media technologies, and societal structures. Research proposals might focus on digital journalism, the impact of social media, combating online misinformation, digital communication strategies for businesses, and the broader role of technology in social change.
4. Responsible Governance and Organisational Behaviour
This area is suitable for those interested in leadership ethics, corporate accountability, workplace dynamics, organizational performance, and responsible management. Potential research topics include ethical leadership, corporate governance structures, employee motivation, workplace diversity, and accountability in leadership roles.
5. Supply Chain and Anchor Networks
This research focus centers on supply chain management, business networks, regional economies, procurement strategies, logistics, and the role of anchor institutions in local economic development. It encourages studies on supply chain resilience, local sourcing, anchor institution impact, and managing supply chain risks.
6. SME Development and Enterprise
This area is ideal for applicants passionate about entrepreneurship, small business growth, innovation, and enterprise support systems. Research could explore factors driving SME growth, the development of entrepreneurship ecosystems, business innovation strategies, and policy support for small businesses.
Focus on Inclusive and Prosperous Communities
A special emphasis is placed on research that contributes to the university’s theme of Inclusive and Prosperous Communities. One of the two available PhD studentships is specifically reserved for a project aligned with this theme. This means proposals that address inclusion, opportunity, community development, economic participation, or social prosperity will be highly regarded. Research in this area could investigate how communities can become more resilient, economically active, and socially supportive, or explore ways to overcome barriers to prosperity and improve outcomes for individuals and businesses.
Benefits of the Studentship
The Leeds Business School PhD studentships offer a funded opportunity for full-time doctoral study starting in October 2026. While specific financial details like stipend amounts are not detailed in the provided information, the studentships are described as funded. Successful candidates will benefit from academic supervision by experts in their field, access to a strong research community of around 150 academics and researchers, and engagement with an established doctoral student body. There may also be opportunities for candidates to gain experience through limited undergraduate or Master’s teaching.
Applicant Profile
This opportunity is designed for highly motivated and academically capable individuals with a strong interest in business, management, economics, media, sustainability, governance, enterprise, supply chains, or related fields. Applicants should be able to present a well-defined PhD
Frequently Asked Questions
What is being offered by Leeds Business School?
Leeds Business School is offering two fully funded PhD studentships for the academic year beginning October 2026.
Do I need a pre-defined research project to apply?
No, unlike some funding opportunities, these studentships allow successful applicants to develop their own research proposals within the school’s key research areas.
What are the main research areas for the PhD proposals?
The six key research areas are Banking and Markets, Sustainability, Digital Media and Society, Responsible Governance and Organisational Behaviour, Supply Chain and Anchor Networks, and SME Development and Enterprise.
Is there a specific focus for one of the studentships?
Yes, one of the two PhD studentships is specifically reserved for a project aligned with the university’s theme of ‘Inclusive and Prosperous Communities’.
