Nottingham Trent University

What you'll study

The Executive PhD is a research‑led doctorate that combines independent enquiry with structured support to develop an original contribution to knowledge in business and management. Study begins with a period of preparatory modules and research training covering advanced research methods (qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods), epistemology and research design, before moving into an extended period of supervised independent research.

Typical elements include:

• Research methods and design: advanced qualitative and quantitative methodology, longitudinal and multi‑level methods, research ethics and data management.
• Theory and literature synthesis: critical review techniques, theory development and debates in contemporary management research areas such as leadership, strategy, innovation, organisational behaviour, operations and sustainability.
• Professional practice and impact: translating research into organisational interventions, evaluation methods, impact planning and stakeholder engagement.
• Supervised research project: development of a research proposal, data collection and analysis, writing a doctoral thesis and preparation for the viva voce (oral examination).

Delivery is designed for working professionals and typically blends evening/weekend workshops, online learning, short residential sessions and regular meetings with a supervisory team. The final output is a doctoral thesis of original research together with, where appropriate, artefacts or practice‑based outputs agreed with supervisors.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a relevant masters degree with a strong performance, or an equivalent professional qualification, together with substantial senior professional or managerial experience. Evidence of the ability to conduct doctoral‑level research is required; suitable evidence can include a research proposal, examples of previous research or publications, or substantial workplace research projects.

Other typical requirements include:

• Support from your employer or evidence of access to data and organisational resources for your project when relevant.
• A clear research proposal outlining the research question, relevance to practice, and proposed methodology.
• References demonstrating professional and academic suitability for doctoral study.
• For applicants whose first language is not English, an acceptable English language qualification as specified by the university.

All applications are considered on a case‑by‑case basis; strong candidates without the standard entry profile but with exceptional professional research experience may be considered.

Career prospects

Graduates of the Executive PhD typically progress to senior leadership roles within organisations, strategic advisory and consultancy positions, or return to academia in research and teaching posts. Specific career outcomes include:

• Executive roles such as director, chief operating officer, head of strategy or chief innovation officer, where doctoral research enhances strategic decision‑making and evidence‑based leadership.
• Senior consultant or partner roles in management consultancy, specialising in organisational change, leadership development, strategy or innovation.
• Policy, research and think‑tank positions that demand rigorous research capability and the ability to translate findings into policy or practice.
• Academic careers including lecturer, research fellow or industry‑based academic appointments, often combining teaching with practice‑oriented research.
• Independent research, executive coaching, and specialist advisory roles where doctoral credentials support credibility and influence.

Why study at Nottingham Trent University

Nottingham Trent University offers the Executive PhD within a business school environment focused on applied research and strong links with industry. You will be supervised by research‑active academics with expertise across applied management fields and benefit from research centres and networks that encourage collaboration between practitioners and scholars.

The programme is structured to be flexible for working professionals, offering blended delivery, dedicated supervisory teams and access to university research training and resources, including libraries and research support services. The university places emphasis on research that generates demonstrable organisational impact, helping candidates to align doctoral projects with real‑world problems and stakeholder needs.

Studying at Nottingham Trent University gives access to a broad alumni and employer network in the region and beyond, and to opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration across business, management, sustainability and innovation research areas.