University of Exeter Business School

Research in management

"Our faculty members are nationally and internationally recognized leaders in the study of leadership, organizational behaviour, digital economy, marketing, entrepreneurship, circular economy, simulation, business analytics, and network science."

"Our intellectual mission is to advance theories, enabling deeper insights into the ever-changing business world. We are also committed to working with a variety of stakeholders, such as industries, public institutions, and charitable organizations to seek and serve innovative solutions to the society’s most challenging issues.

We are also home to research centres with national and international reputation and impact, including:

Read more from Professor Jing-Lin Duanmu

Professor Jing-Lin Duanmu

Director of Postgraduate Research Students

Professor Jing-Lin Duanmu

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We are 9th in the UK for our Business and Management research in the REF 2021*

* Based on GPA score

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92% of our Business and Management research is world leading or internationally excellent*

* Based on research rated 4* + 3* in REF 2021

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100% of our Business and Management research has internationally excellent impact*

* Based on research outputs rated 4* + 3* in REF 2021

Postgraduate research

Discover the range of opportunities available for pursuing a PhD Doctorates, complemented by our dedicated researcher support program that places a strong emphasis on your professional growth and development.

In our Postgraduate research programmes, we skillfully blend academic theory with hands-on practical applications. Enrolling in a research degree serves as a potent catalyst for a successful career in diverse fields, encompassing academia, commerce, industry, the public sector, or entrepreneurship.

MRes Management (Pathway to PhD)

Join our one-year programme for a comprehensive and rigorous foundation in research skills for management and social sciences. Our academic staff, known for their world-leading research and publications, will provide expert instruction and guidance. Benefit from dedicated careers support offered by our business school career consultants. For those aspiring to pursue a PhD in management at the University of Exeter Business School, fully funded scholarships are available. Prepare yourself for a successful research career with us.

Apply for a Management (Pathway to PhD)

MPhil/PhD Leadership Studies and Management

As a PhD student in Business and Management, you'll collaborate and learn from our diverse and inspiring faculty of esteemed researchers, covering a wide spectrum of subjects within the field. Our department enjoys ongoing investment, enhancing facilities and attracting top academics to our community. Research strengths encompass organizational studies, operations management, strategy, entrepreneurship, marketing, and consumer research. We also emphasize sustainability in management, boasting one of the UK's two research centers dedicated to service. Join us for an innovative and impactful research journey.

Apply for a Business & Management PhD

PhD supervision

As a PhD researcher, your academic journey will be supported by supervisors who possess relevant research expertise and share common research interests. We recommend reaching out to potential PhD supervisors directly to engage in discussions about your application and research aspirations.

To identify a suitable supervisor, it is essential to explore the faculty members listed in the relevant departments. Delve into their research interests, published works, and areas of expertise to find a match that aligns with your own academic pursuits.

Find a supervisor

Research centres

Many of our staff are associated with university-wide centres. Centres allow interdisciplinary and cross-departmental collaboration on wider research interests. By convening experts within our research centres and groups, we collectively address global challenges, produce influential research, and impact decisions of governments, policymakers, and industries worldwide.

Sub departments

Our research is organized into several themes that concentrate on specific areas of mathematics, statistics and applications. There is a lively series of seminars, workshops and training courses that are offered. We host many short and long-term international visitors.

Department publications

Explore the journal articles and working papers authored by our academics from the Department of Management at the University of Exeter Business School.

Explore our publications