Human Resource Management PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships for Self-funded Students in the UK

A PhD in Human Resource Management explores the myriad ways in which organisations and employees interact, offering doctoral students the chance to research pressing topics in employer/employee relations, restructuring and workplace diversity.

What’s it like to do a PhD in Human Resource Management?

PhDs in Human Resource Management involve in-depth investigation into how workforces are organised and managed across different sectors. Typical research areas include:

• Employment law and ethics
• Employment relations
• Gender and diversity
• Job satisfaction
• Labour markets
• Organisational behaviour
• Restructuring and reorganization
• Sustainability

You’re likely to receive training in a range of quantitative and qualitative research methods before completing a substantial dissertation.

Human Resource Management also offers doctoral students the chance to undertake interdisciplinary research in areas like Business Management, Law and Accounting.

Entry requirements

The entry requirements for a typical PhD in Human Resource Management 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 need to attend a PhD interview and submit a graduate entry test as part of the application process. Any professional experience in Human Resource Management that you have will strengthen your application.

PhD in Human Resource Management funding options

In the UK, PhDs in Human Resource Management 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 Human Resource Management (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 Human Resource Management, it may also be worth asking your employer if they’re happy to sponsor you.

PhD in Human Resource Management careers

A PhD in Human Resource Management can prepare you for a career in both industry and academia. Your research is likely to be of use to a range of companies from SMEs through to large corporations and public sector employers.