PhD Studentship in Accounting

Shape the Future of Accounting Research

Join a globally recognised programme that provides the expertise, skills, and confidence to excel in pioneering accounting research. As part of Henley Business School, you will collaborate with world-class faculty and benefit from outstanding resources, equipping you for impactful careers in academia or industry. We seek applications in the following areas (but not limited to):

Accounting for sustainability and climate change

Auditing and accountability

Financial management and corporate governance

International financial reporting and accounting regulation

Discourse and communication in accounting.

Disclosures and taxation

Why Choose Us?

• World-class Faculty:  Learn from leading experts with publications in top-tier journals
• State-of-art facilities: Benefit from access to our bespoke dealing rooms and key databases, including WRDS, LSEG Workspace, Bloomberg, and Datastream
• Research Excellence: 100% of the research environment is considered as ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’ for research vitality and sustainability (Research Excellence Framework 2021)
• PhD Community: Be part of a vibrant PhD community at Henley Business School and the University of Reading 

Programme Structure

The PhD programme lasts three to four years on a full-time basis. In the first year, students undertake taught modules covering key research methods and subject-specific topics. Years 2 and 3 focus on developing the PhD thesis, supported by additional training in academic writing and presentation skills. Throughout the programme, dedicated supervisors provide expert guidance to help you achieve academic and professional success.

Requirements

We seek applications from exceptional UK, EU and overseas graduates. Studentships will be awarded to students based on outstanding academic achievement and research potential. The key requirements for consideration are:

• Masters degree with top marks (Distinction or equivalent)
• Strong background in either quantitative/ computational skills or qualitative methodological approaches
• Relevant research proposal in accounting
• Strong passion for conducting independent research.

Scholarships

We offer several three-year full-time PhD scholarships that cover full-time PhD course fees and a stipend for three years. Additionally, recipients receive additional compensation for teaching activities. Scholarships also offer funding for conference attendance over the three years. Further details on different scholarship schemes are available via the 'Apply' button above.

Career Opportunities

Our graduates secure roles in academia, large multinationals, leading consulting firms, and governmental and non-governmental organisations worldwide. Recent PhD alumni have joined leading universities (e.g., Sussex, Portsmouth, Reading, Leeds Trinity, Liverpool Hope, London South Bank and Belfast University).

Our award-winning careers team supports students throughout their PhD and for four years post-graduation.

Start Your Research Journey Today!  

Funding Details

We offer several three-year full-time PhD scholarships that cover full-time PhD course fees and a stipend for three years. Additionally, recipients receive additional compensation for teaching activities. Scholarships also offer funding for conference attendance over the three years.

Closing Date: 21 Feb 2027 (applications encouraged by 10 Jan 2027)

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