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We have 57 Human Resource Management PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships
Human Resource Management PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships
We have 57 Human Resource Management PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships
PhDs in Human Resource Management are doctoral research degrees that allow students to deeply explore a particular aspect of HR practices and theories.
Specifics vary drastically between programmes, but may involve research into the complexities of workforce management, the effectiveness of HR policies, and the impact of HR practices on organisational performance.
Entry requirements typically include an undergraduate degree in an appropriate subject such as Business, Management, or Psychology. A relevant Masters degree may also be required depending on the programme.
Why study a PhD in Human Resource Management?
Develop Skills and Knowledge
A PhD in Human Resource Management allows you to not only develop your own knowledge of HR, but also to make a unique, original contribution to the subject as a whole. By doing so, you will hone a variety of transferable skills, such as:
- Research and Analytical Skills: Ability to design, conduct, and analyse complex research projects.
- Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving: Expertise in evaluating HR theories and practices to address challenges.
- Communication and Presentation Skills: Proficiency in effectively conveying ideas and findings to diverse audiences.
Further Career Development
If you're hoping for a career in academia, a PhD is typically required. Other research-based careers may likewise require a PhD, and even when they don't, employers will value the research skills and knowledge developed during your degree. For more information, please visit our PhD employability guide.
After completing your PhD in Human Resource Management, a potential career option might be employment as an HR Manager. According to UK salary data from Glassdoor, an HR Manager earns an average of £50,941 per year, dependent on factors such as experience, employer and employment location.
Improve Employability
Completing a PhD may also improve your employability. According to the UK government's LEO Graduate and Postgraduate Outcomes survey, 87% of Business & Management PhD students were in further education or employment three years after graduation.
What do prospective Business & Management PhD students think about study?
We host the Pulse postgraduate survey to understand the motivations, concerns and expectations of students just like you. For prospective Business & Management PhD students in 2023:
- 78% were either positive or very positive about employment after graduation.
- 64% preferred on campus learning, 13% preferred online/distance learning, and 23% preferred a blended approach.
- 23% were interested in part-time study.
- In order of popularity, the top three study motivations were:
- Subject interest
- Skills development
- Challenge
If you'd like to make your voice heard, why not complete our survey? Your feedback will help us ensure our site is as helpful as possible for students like you!
Note: This guidance was produced with the assistance of AI. However, all data is derived from reliable, authoratitive sources, and all content has been reviewed by humans.
Last chance to apply
Algorithmic management, Artificial Intelligence and impact on workers
The impact of automation and Artificial Intelligence on workers is at the core of the most forward-looking research in the Employment Relations field. Read more
Exploring AI implications on employee experience and wellbeing: A longitudinal study (Ref: LB25-AP-OG-Funded)
Research has shown that the application of AI in Human Resource Management (HRM) can streamline processes, enhance decision-making, and improve overall organisational efficiency. Read more
Leeds University Business School
Challenge thinking. Create knowledge. Make an Impact. As a Leeds University Business School postgraduate researcher you will contribute fully to the advancement of knowledge within the Business School. Read more
A Culture of Understaffing? Practical, personal and interpersonal consequences of long-term shortages in the UK ultrasound workforce
Building on extant research, this project would explore the nuanced (and often latent) ways in which a long-term shortage of sonographers in the UK has impacted upon persons, relationships, workplace culture and professional practice within the medical imaging workforce. Read more
Inclusion in green jobs: Exploring policy and programmes which can Foster Inclusive Green Employment
Research Group:
Business and Management Studies
The transition to a decarbonised economy is not only essential to halting climate change, but is also a driver of economic growth with the potential to create millions of green jobs. Read more
Assessing and improving the productivity of construction labour through resilient interventions against stagnation (in respect of the evolving perspectives of the impacts of pandemics like the coronavirus)
The construction sector, covering other professional services, accounts for a substantial value addition of every economy globally and generates substantial incomes in export earnings, especially in advanced economies. Read more
Exploring how frontline workers in social housing achieve social outcomes: impact and enablers (RDF25/BL/LHRM/TRACEY)
The marketisation of social housing provision as well as austerity has meant increasing pressure on frontline workers employed by social and public housing providers to deliver services with limited resources. Read more
From Diversity to Genuine Inclusion: Unpacking Organisational Complexities (RDF25/BL/LHRM/NGUYEN)
Diversity and inclusion (D&I) are essential components of contemporary organisational management (McKinsey & Company, 2023). Read more
Exploring the work-life experiences of childfree professionals: Challenges, opportunities and future change at work (RDF25/BL/LHRM/GAO)
This PhD project seeks to explore the challenges and opportunities faced by childfree professionals at work, and adds to the burgeoning literature on diversity, gender and work-life integration in the workplace. Read more
Unpacking the Beauty Premium: Understanding the influence of physical attractiveness on appearance-based discrimination (RDF25/HLS/PSY/BOVET)
Why are people so concerned about their physical attractiveness? A survey from the Mental Health Foundation in 2019 found that 35% of adults in the UK feel ashamed or depressed because of their body image, and a House of Commons Committee reported that these pressures are directly impacting the health of the population. Read more
GEMS Topic: Data-driven decision-making process and trust in supply chain procurement
This proposed project seeks to explore how digitalization and technological innovation enhance procurement decision-making and trust relationships. Read more
GEMS Topic: A processual inquiry on leadership development: A neurodiversity paradigm
Neurodiversity' is a concept that acknowledges differences in brain function and behaviour as natural variations of human experience. Read more
PhDs in Finance, Accounting and Business Systems
Sheffield Business School. Sheffield Business School (SBS) is accredited by the AACSB, placing us within the top 5% of business schools globally. Read more
Exploring the relationship between Nature Connection, Employee Well-being, and Leadership Development
As modern workplaces face increasing pressures related to stress, burnout, and disengagement, organizations are searching for innovative strategies to enhance employee well-being and performance. Read more
Business PhDs at a leading university
Norwich Business School is one of the top business schools in the UK, but what really makes us the ideal place to research and study for PhD? . Read more