Postgraduate research in organisation studies and human resource management
Ready to start your research career? Explore our postgraduate research degrees in Organisation Studies and Human Resource Management
If you're interested in taking your existing knowledge and qualifications in Organisation Studies and Human Resource Management into a postgraduate research degree, Portsmouth is the perfect place to do it.
As a postgraduate researcher with us, you could look at the changing nature of the employer/employee relationship, explore the growing responsibility of organisations to act ethically and sustainably, and uncover novel ways for businesses to effectively and fairly manage their workforces.
You could join our research on gender equality in the public sector and creative industries which is helping inform organisations about barriers to entry and enabling female career progression to address gender imbalance.
In an increasingly global and competitive business world, our research is helping shape the practices, processes and structures of organisations. As a postgraduate research degree student, you'll play your part in transforming our expertise into impact.
Types of research degrees
Find out about our PhD, MPhil, and PhD by Publication opportunities in Organisation Studies and Human Resource Management below, including how to apply, entry requirements and funding your degree. For more detailed information about the application process, visit our How to Apply pages.
Organisation Studies and Human Resource Management PhDs and MPhils
Explore our pre-approved funded and self-funded PhD projects in Organisation Studies and Human Resource Management, or submit your own research idea.
PhD and MPhil projects
Submit your own idea
If you already have a research idea, find a supervisor whose research interests match yours by searching our Find a PhD Supervisor page. Once you've identified someone suitable, contact them to discuss your idea.
PhD by Publication
A PhD by publication is a postgraduate research degree based on research you've already undertaken and had published (excluding self-publishing) before registering with us.
Eligible research outputs include peer-reviewed academic papers, complete books or chapters in anthologies, and other materials accepted for publication, exhibited or performed. You'll have to submit these materials for examination between 6–12 months after registering with us.
For more information, please visit our PhD by Publication page.
Duration, fees and funding
What do my tuition fees cover?
If you're self-funding your PhD, you'll pay tuition fees to the University to cover course and university costs.
Your tuition fees cover:
- The cost of your postgraduate research programme* at the University as well as charges for registration, tuition, supervision, and examinations
- Bespoke training, professional development courses, networking, and research support through The Graduate School
- Research seminars and workshops (university-wide and faculty-specific)
- A contribution to funding to attend a conference or development activity in your research field
- Tailor-made weekly and monthly events, including weekly, themed experienced researcher-led talks and workshops
- Helping you become part of our thriving research community, including Research and Innovation services where 77% of our research is world leading and internationally excellent in REF 2021
- Your graduation ceremony
- Viva examination and administration costs
- The facilities and equipment you need to complete your studies, such as computer rooms, access to laptops, the Library, and laboratories
- Access to resources including electronic journals, alternative guide to funding, and thousands of hours of educational videos on LinkedIn Learning
- University support services including academic, financial, careers and wellbeing support and personal tutors
- Membership of the Students' Union (giving you the right to vote in elections, join clubs and societies, and get free independent advice)
- Access to software such as Microsoft Office, SPSS and Adobe Creative Suite (this includes Photoshop, InDesign, and Adobe Premiere Pro)
*Please note that some research programmes may come with additional bench fees.
How long will my research degree take?
- MPhil: 2 years full-time, 4 years part-time
- PhD: 3 years full-time, 6 years part-time
- PhD by Publication: 1 year part-time
How much will my degree cost?
PhD and MPhil
UK, Channel Islands and Isle of Man students
- Full-time: £4,786 per year
- Part-time and part-time distance learning: £2,393 per year
EU students
(including Transition Scholarship)
- Full-time: £4,786 per year
- Part-time and part-time distance learning: £2,393 per year
International students
- Full-time: £17,900 (may be subject to annual increase)
- Part-time and part-time distance learning: £8,950 (may be subject to annual increase)
PhD by Publication
External candidates: £4,786
Members of staff: £1,950
All fees are subject to annual increase. If you are an EU student starting a programme in 2024/25 please visit this page.
Bench fees
Some PhD projects may include additional fees – known as bench fees – for equipment and other consumables, and these will be added to your standard tuition fee. Speak to the supervisory team during your interview about any additional fees you may have to pay. Please note, bench fees are not eligible for discounts and are non-refundable.
Funding support
MPhil full-time and part-time courses are eligible for the Government Postgraduate Loan (UK/EU students only).
PhD full-time and part-time courses are eligible for the Government Doctoral Loan (UK/EU students only).
For information on other sources of funding, visit our funding your postgraduate research degree page.
Entry requirements
The entry requirements for a PhD, or MPhil include an upper second class honours degree or equivalent in a relevant subject, or a master’s degree in an appropriate subject. Equivalent professional experience and/or qualifications may be considered. All applicants are subject to interview.
If English is not your first language, you'll need English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 with no component score below 6.0.
If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Support and facilities
When you join us, you'll be supported by our Graduate School, alongside your assigned supervisory team, who'll help you get the most from our facilities. The Graduate School will help you become part of our thriving, collaborative research community, and help grow your skills as a researcher through the Graduate School Development Programme, which offers training, workshops and events.
You'll be able to use open access computer suites across campus. These are great working spaces with high-spec PCs, Macs and printing facilities. You can also use more specialised software and equipment, such as large format printing and audio-visual equipment. Specialist technicians are on hand if you need assistance.
What can a postgraduate research degree do for my career?
Once you complete your postgraduate research degree, you'll be a highly-skilled researcher with the knowledge and skills to make an impact in many different industries.
Your postgraduate research qualification demonstrates to potential employers that you're an intelligent, capable and motivated person, with provable abilities and experience in critical thinking, problem-solving, project management, communication, leadership and creativity.
Apply
Apply for a research degree in Operational Research and Logistics by completing our online form.
February (2025 start)
April (2025 start)
October (2025 start)
Current research
Explore the work we're doing across the 4 areas of expertise within our Organisation Studies and Human Resource Management research.
Human resource (HR) management and leadership
We're researching the nature of leadership and management, and the cultures and practices which influence how people are led and work. Explore our human resource management global hr and leadership research.
Workplace learning and development
We're developing productive ways of learning-in-action & researching how adults learn best in workplace settings. Explore our workplace learning and development research.
Employment relations
We're exploring how governments, employers and other agencies influence employment relations. Explore our employment relations research.
Business ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
We're conducting research into corporate responsibility, business ethics, and how we can promote a more responsible business culture. Explore our business ethics and corporate social responsibility CSR research.
