Marketing PhD Research Projects

A PhD in Marketing allows you to undertake in-depth research into a range of topics associated with Marketing, Branding and Advertising. You’ll complete a substantial research project in the form of a dissertation and will be well-prepared to pursue a career in Marketing or enter the world of academia.

What’s it like to do a PhD in Marketing?

Doing a PhD in Marketing gives you the opportunity to explore a number of research topics to do with the ways in which marketing and advertising techniques affect consumer behaviour. Some of the areas you could cover include:

• Digital marketing
• Behavioural science
• Social media
• Sustainability
• Marketing ethics
• Innovation
• Quantitative modelling
• Pricing strategy
• Decision-making

You’ll be given training in a selection of quantitative and qualitative research methods. You may also have the chance to run user studies to test out your ideas.

The nature of Marketing means that there are plenty of chances to do interdisciplinary work, with ample crossover between areas like Psychology, Economics, Finance and Computer Science.

Entry requirements

The entry requirements for a typical PhD in Marketing usually involve a Bachelors and a Masters degree in a related subject. You’ll also need to submit a compelling research proposal detailing your study plans. You may also need some professional experience, depending on the programme.

PhD in Marketing funding options

In the UK, PhDs in Marketing are funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), which provides a tuition fee waiver and a living cost stipend. Depending on the programme, you may submit your own research proposal before being considered for funding, or apply for a project that already has funding attached.

It’s also possible to apply for a PhD loan to help with the costs of a doctorate in Marketing (although this can’t be combined with Research Council funding). Other options for financial support include university scholarships, graduate teaching assistantships and charities.

If you’re considering a part-time PhD in Marketing, it may also be worth asking your employer if they’re happy to sponsor you.

PhD in Marketing careers

A PhD in Marketing is great preparation for a career in academia or teaching, as well as providing you with the transferrable skills to work in a range of commercial sectors. Your research could also have real-world relevance for SMEs, government agencies, multi-national companies and much more.