Organisation Studies and Human Resource Management Research (MPhil/PhD)
Shape better workplaces through research in organisations and HRM that drives people-centred change.
Key information
PhD
Duration: 3 years full-time, 6 years part-time
Fees (UK / Overseas): Annual tuition fees apply and vary by student status and study mode.
See fees and funding
Start date: April 2026 / October 2026 / February 2027
Other research degree routes
MPhil:
A shorter research degree, often a pathway to PhD
PhD by Publication:
For researchers with an existing body of published work
Course summary
- Explore how organisations and work are changing, and take Organisation Studies and Human Resource Management into a postgraduate research degree focused on the realities of modern working life.
- Investigate the growing responsibility of organisations to act ethically and sustainably, and what this means for people and performance.
- Develop research into new ways organisations can manage their workforces effectively and fairly, including the evolving employer–employee relationship.
- Join research shaping organisational practices and structures, including work on gender equality that informs barriers to entry and supports women’s career progression.
- In an increasingly global and competitive business world, our research is helping shape the practices, processes and structures of organisations.
Find a supervisor
Why choose Organisation Studies and Human Resource Management at Portsmouth for research?
Research that informs practice
You’ll work in a research culture focused on translating findings into insight that organisations can use to improve how they operate and treat people.
Supportive, research-active environment
Join a collaborative postgraduate community and work closely with experienced supervisors in a research-active school.
Strong study and computing resources
Use open-access computer suites with high-spec PCs and Macs, printing facilities and access to specialist software and equipment, with technicians available when needed.
100%
of our impact in Business and management studies was rated as having very considerable or outstanding reach and significance.
Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021
PGR Research Excellence Framework - Accounting 1100%
of our research environment was judged as having the vitality and sustainability to produce internationally excellent or world-leading research.
Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021
PGR Research Excellence Framework - Accounting 22nd
among modern universities by research power for Business and Management.
Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021
PGR Research Excellence Framework - Accounting 3
Research areas in Organisation Studies and Human Resource Management
Explore the work we're doing across the four areas of expertise in our Organisation Studies and Human Resource Management research. Including funded and self-proposed research opportunities.
View available PhD projects and see funded opportunities.
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.
Research degree options in Organisation Studies and Human Resource Management
We offer several postgraduate research routes in Organisation Studies and Human Resource Management, including PhD, MPhil and PhD by Publication. Find out about our research degree opportunities below, including how to apply, entry requirements and funding your degree. You can apply for an existing project or propose your own research idea. For more detailed information about the application process, visit our How to Apply pages.
Available PhD and MPhil projects
You can apply for a pre-approved PhD or MPhil project, or develop your own research proposal.
There are currently no funded PhD projects available in this area — for more information on funding your own research project, visit our pages on funding your research degree.
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.
From October 2026, all PhD by Publications will be completed by distance learning. However, there is no expectation that any student applying for a start date before this should be on campus.
Entry requirements
The entry requirements for a PhD, MPhil or Professional Doctorate 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.
Fees and funding
April 2026
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Full-time and full-time distance learning: £5,006 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- Part-time and part-time distance learning: £2,503 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
(Including EU Scholarship)
- Full-time and full-time distance learning: £5,006 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- Part-time and part-time distance learning: £2,503 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- Full-time and full-time distance learning: £17,900 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- Part-time and part-time distance learning: £8,950 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- External candidates: £5,006
- Members of staff: £2,000
- All fees are subject to annual increase. If you are an EU student starting a programme in 2025/26 please visit this page.
October 2026 and February 2027
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Full-time and full-time distance learning: £5,238 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- Part-time and part-time distance learning: £2,619 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- Full-time and full-time distance learning: £18,600 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- Part-time and part-time distance learning: £9,300 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
EU students may be eligible to receive our EU Scholarship.
- Full-time and full-time distance learning: £18,600 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- Part-time and part-time distance learning: £9,300 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- External candidates: £5,238
- Members of staff: £2,100
Additional fees
Some PhD projects may include additional bench fees for equipment and other consumables. 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
Government Postgraduate Loan
Eligible for MPhil full-time and part-time courses (UK/EU students).
Other funding options
For information on other sources of funding, visit our funding your postgraduate research degree page.
What do my tuition fees cover?
If you are self-funding your PhD, your tuition fees cover the full cost of your postgraduate research programme and access to a wide range of academic, professional and support services, including:
Research training and development
Bespoke training, professional development courses, seminars, workshops and researcher-led events delivered through The Doctoral College.
Research community and support
Access to our research environment, Research and Innovation services, and researcher networking (77% of our research is world-leading or internationally excellent, REF 2021).
Facilities, equipment and resources
Libraries, laboratories, computer rooms, laptops, electronic journals, specialist software (Microsoft Office, SPSS and Adobe Creative Suite), funding guidance and LinkedIn Learning. Explore our facilities.
Student support services
Including academic, financial, careers and wellbeing support, including access to personal tutors. Read more on our guidance support.
Your PhD programme
Registration, tuition, supervision, examinations and viva administration.
Conference and development support
A contribution towards attending conferences or research-related development activities.
Students' Union membership
Giving you the right to vote in elections, join clubs and societies, and get free independent advice.
Graduation
Your graduation ceremony will recognise the significant contribution your research has made to your discipline.
Support and facilities
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Support from our Doctoral College, helping you become part of a thriving, collaborative research community
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Guidance from a dedicated supervisory team throughout your research degree
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Access to the Doctoral Development Programme, offering specialist training, workshops and research events to develop your skills as a researcher
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Access great working spaces with high-spec PCs, Macs and printing facilities across campus
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Access to our Bloomberg Suite, with professional financial data sources including Bloomberg, Datastream and S&P Global
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Use 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?
A postgraduate research degree develops advanced expertise and transferable skills valued across academia, industry and the public sector.
You’ll graduate with:
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Advanced research and analytical expertise
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Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
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Experience managing complex, independent projects
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Strong communication and presentation skills
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Leadership and research management capability
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Deep subject knowledge in your chosen field
How to apply
You can apply for a research degree in Organisation Studies and Human Resource Management by completing our online application form. For more detailed information about the application process, visit our How to Apply pages.
Not ready to apply just yet?
Get in touch
We're here to help. Feel free to ask us a question.
Come to an Open Evening
Why not come to our next open evening? Open evenings are the perfect place to talk to staff and students, visit our campus and get all the information you need.
- 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
We recommend you get in touch with the relevant subject area supervisor using our “Find a Supervisor” tool ahead of applying. You can discuss your research ideas with them and ensure we have supervisory expertise to support you.
Yes. You can apply with your own research proposal, or apply for one of our advertised funded projects.
Where next?
Find out more about Portsmouth's postgraduate opportunities and community.
Postgrad Research Degrees Webinar series
From applications to flexible study — get the insights you need to plan your research degree.
Find a PhD Supervisor
If you've already got your own research idea, start looking for a supervisor whose research interests match yours.
How to apply for postgraduate research
Read our guide on how to complete and submit your postgraduate research application. Take the next step in your academic career today.
