PhD Programme in Finance and Management Studies
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Overview
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Graduate students in the PhD programme of the Department of Financial and Management Studies study towards the University of London PhD.
To be considered for the DeFiMS PhD programme in finance or management students must already have completed a good Masters degree in a relevant discipline and been awarded high grades. They must also submit an initial research proposal that demonstrates aptitude for academic research.
The full-time PhD programme normally requires three years of study in London.
To apply online or download a copy of the application form, please view the Admissions web pages on How To Apply.
Research Topics
The DeFiMS PhD programme provides supervision in a number of fields within finance and management. We concentrate on topics in fields which are actively being researched by faculty members. Currently the five principal areas are: corporate governance, finance, law, and regulation (in developed and developing countries) and sustainable development and agribusiness.
- Corporate governance: finance, law, and regulation (in developed and developing countries)
- Corporate finance: determinants of firms' capital structure
- Finance and economic growth
- Financial regulation, central banking and bank supervision
- Management in China; Management in Japan; and Management in the Middle East and North Africa
View Current and Past PhD Theses in Finance and Management Studies
View Working Papers by DeFiMS Staff
Financial Assistance
DeFiMS is able to consider high quality applications for partial or full financial support from suitably qualified students for some specific categories of study.
These include:
- Fellowship for research on Management in China
- Scholarship for postgraduate degree studies by citizens of Mozambique
- Scholarship for research degree studies by residents of South East Asian countries
However, more general financial assistance for PhD studies at DeFiMS is not available. PhD students normally arrange their own sources of finance.
For the most up to date information about financial assistance for research degree students at SOAS please see the SOAS Scholarships and Bursaries web pages.
Structure
Students in the PhD programme study advanced courses and carry out research for their thesis. They work closely with their supervisor from DeFiMS faculty and also with other DeFiMS faculty members and PhD students.
Year One
The first year of the programme involves research training seminars and advanced courses. At the same time, students work with their supervisor to develop a detailed research proposal, undertake the first stages of research and write some draft sections to outline the main arguments of the thesis.
At the heart of the training is the Advanced Topics in Finance & Management course. It is designed to provide the analytical tools required by students for gaining an advanced understanding of recent developments in these disciplines and for carrying out high-level research. It is assessed by examination.
Students on the PhD programme may also attend individual courses from Masters programmes to strengthen competence in a specific subject.
PhD programme students also participate in two weekly research forums during the whole of their degree. In one, the weekly Research Workshop in Finance & Management, research students and faculty members present and discuss their research papers and work in progress. In the other, the CeFiMS Seminars in Finance & Management invited academics and CeFiMS faculty present and discuss their research.
Year Two
In their second year full time students carry out detailed research which usually includes gathering and processing data. Some research for this purpose may be carried out overseas if required. During the year students write draft chapters of their thesis and discuss them with their supervisor.
Year Three
Full time students for the PhD would complete their research and write a final draft or near final draft of the thesis.
Year Four
Any work at this stage normally involves redrafting chapters of the thesis to achieve the standards of publications. The examination must normally be completed in this year. Examination is by assessment of the thesis and an oral examination (viva voce) concerning the thesis and the research upon which it is based.
Teaching & Learning
