Human Resources and Organisational Behaviour, MPhil/PhD
Our research degree (MPhil/PhD) allows you to undertake rigorous and critical exploration in the area of work, employment, human resource management and organisational behaviour with support from an expert supervisor.
Our MPhil/PhD programme involves producing a substantial piece of original work in your chosen field. Unlike taught courses, this degree places greater emphasis on research and an original contribution to knowledge. You attend courses in your first year to develop the advanced research skills for gathering, analysing and presenting quantitative and qualitative data. Our experts can supervise research students across these areas, including
- Equality, Diversity and inclusion at work - multiple inequalities; in-work poverty, income and pay distribution; gender and ethnic pay gaps.
- Democratic Governance at work - whistle blowing, business ethics and professionalism. Representation, voice and organisation at work, individual and collective conflict.
- The quality of work and labour standards - working time and intensification; technology, digitalisation and robotisation, work-life boundaries and balance, training, coaching, mentoring. Employment rights. Modern slavery.
- Sustainability and climate change: green jobs, the role and structure of public services and public finance internationally. The environmental, social, economic and political aspects of privatisation and liberalisation in water, energy, waste management, health care and social care (PSIRU).
- Health and Safety at work in the context of Covid-19 and future pandemics, stress and mental health.
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School
Location
Duration
- 1.5-4 years full-time
- 2.5-7 years part-time
Start month
September; October; January; February
Home/international fees 2025/26
£4,925 /£18,700
What you should know about this course
What you will study
Your PhD will centre on a specific research area and topic. With guidance from your supervisory team, you will select areas to study that align with your project. You may also attend extra classes or participate in training events to support your research. This can include seminars and workshops provided by the Faculty and your Research Centre. In addition, you will be part of the Postgraduate Researcher Development Programme (PGRDP). The PGRDP offers both mandatory and elective sessions designed to assist research students in enhancing their skills.
About the course team
Welcome to our MPhil/PhD programme in Human Resources and Organisational Behaviour Research. We are an experienced team of academics and industry professionals. You will join one of our Research Centres and your supervisors will be experts in your chosen area. Our teaching is informed by research and consultancy work.
Come and meet us
We are offering virtual events so that you can still experience how Greenwich could be the right university for you.
Next Open Days
Got a question?
To find out more about our Open Days and Campus Tours or if you need any assistance, please email opendays@gre.ac.uk.
Entry requirements
Applicants should have:
- A taught Master's degree, with a minimum average of 60% in all areas of assessment (e.g. Merit or above), in a generic subject area relevant to the subject matter of the proposed research project, and/or
- A First Class or Second Class, First Division (Upper Second Class) Honours degree in a subject area relevant to the proposed research project.
Before submitting an application form, please read carefully the information below.
- Please make informal preliminary contact with a potential supervisor or research group within the Business School. Include the name of the potential supervisor(s) you contacted in your research proposal and personal statement.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV), including the names of two referees (written references can also be provided using the reference form).
- Submit a detailed research proposal of approximately 1,500 words (for scholarship applications, please see specific instructions in the advert and include the scholarship reference to the personal statement section), transcripts, and evidence of language proficiency (if relevant) with your application. We recommend adding a Gantt chart at the end of your proposal which provides a schedule for your project.
- The GBS offers intakes in September-October and January-February. To be considered for a September-October start, you must apply by 15 May. To be considered for a January-February start, you must apply by 15 October. If you are applying for a specific scholarship which has been advertised, you must apply by the deadline given. Different starting times can be exceptionally considered.
Further details
For more information, contact the Greenwich Business School PGR Student Support - gbs-pgrstusupport@greenwich.ac.uk
Available to overseas students?
Yes
Can I use Prior Learning?
For exemption: If you hold qualifications or courses from another higher education institution, these may exempt you from courses of this degree.
How you will learn
Teaching
At the heart of this MPhil/PhD is the collaboration between you and your supervisors who are experts in your chosen area. Supervisors will guide you through the process of:
- Refining your research project and the outcomes
- Outlining a plan, monitoring it, and keeping to a schedule
- Guidance on obtaining ethical approval (if applicable)
- Identifying any extra taught courses and training events to attend in support of your research. This includes seminars and workshops organised by the Faculty and your Research Centre.
You will also be enrolled in the Postgraduate Researcher Development Programme (PGRDP). The PGRDP offers a mix of mandatory and elective sessions on research and personal skills specifically targeting Postgraduate Research Students.
Class sizes
Not applicable
Independent learning
Beyond scheduled supervisory meetings, seminars, and other training sessions, you'll be expected to dedicate significant time to your research project. This will involve extensive reading, data collection, analysis, and ultimately the writing of your thesis. Our Stockwell Street Library and online resources will support your further reading and research.
You can also join a range of student societies, including the Doctoral Society.
Overall workload
Your overall workload consists of contact hours (seminars, research group meetings and meetings with your supervisor) and independent learning. Full-time students are expected to devote at least 35 hours per week to their research degree within a normal working week. Part-time students are expected to devote at least 16 hours per week to their research degree within a normal working week.
Assessment
You will need to successfully complete all mandatory training as part of the Postgraduate Researcher Development Programme (PGRDP). The degree is awarded when you submit your thesis and successfully defend it by oral examination (viva-voce).
Feedback summary
Not applicable
Dates and timetables
The academic year runs from September to June.
Fees and funding
Your time at university should be enjoyable, rewarding, and free of unnecessary stress. Planning your finances before you come to university can help to reduce financial concerns. We can offer advice on living costs and budgeting, as well as on awards, allowances and loans.
| Cohort | Full time | Part time | Distance learning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home | £4,925 | £2,463 per year | N/A |
| International | £18,700 | £9,350 per year | N/A |
Accommodation costs
Whether you choose to live in halls of residence or rent privately, we can help you find what you're looking for. University accommodation is available from £126.35 per person per week (bills included), depending on your location and preferences. If you require more space or facilities, these options are available at a slightly higher cost.
Funding your study
There is a range of financial support options available to support your studies, including the Aspire@Greenwich award for study resources that many full-time students will receive.
EU students may be eligible for a bursary to support their study. View our EU bursary to find out more.
Discover more about grants, student loans, bursaries and scholarships. We also provide advice and support on budgeting, money management and financial hardship.
Further costs may include (but are not limited to):
- Resources: you may need to purchase books for your studies, as well as specific computer software (estimate, £150 per year). Our Stockwell Street library offers an extensive range of books for loan, as well as access to journals and digital resources.
Careers and placements
What sort of careers do graduates pursue?
You can have a career in research, whether in academia, think tanks, private research institutions, or the research and development departments of businesses or government bodies.
Do you provide employability services?
Our Business School Employability team is committed to supporting your journey towards a rewarding graduate destination. We provide a professional service to empower you to achieve your potential and offer support for two years after graduation. Services include:
- CV, cover letter, and application tips
- Interviews support
- Careers fairs
- Mentoring
More about our Employability services.
Support and advice
Academic skills and study support
We want to make sure you make the most of your time with us. You can access study skills support through your supervisors, the research groups you will be affiliated to, our subject librarians and our online academic skills centre.
Where appropriate, we provide support in academic English and mathematics. If you need to use particular IT packages for a specific module, we will provide training for this.
The University of Greenwich also participates in SCONUL. This scheme allows research students to access or borrow materials from libraries at other participating universities. Other libraries may charge admin fees for issuing entry cards or similar.
Not quite what you were looking for?
We've got plenty of other courses for you to choose from. Browse our postgraduate courses or check our related courses below.....
Human resources at the University of Greenwich
Our degrees, which include a number of courses accredited by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, are an excellent basis for a career in HR. You will also benefit from our strong links with businesses.
Visit our human resources degrees page.
Human resources degrees
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