MarketingPhD / MPhil / MSc (Res)

Our doctoral researchers excel in analysing diverse data sets using both qualitative and quantitative techniques. They are adept at explaining the theories that underpin various approaches to social science research, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the field.

You will be able to derive policy implications from their research and effectively communicate these insights to policymakers, practitioners, and academics. You will also excel in peer reviewing research, offering constructive criticism, and pushing the boundaries of the discipline through their innovative work. The PhD in Marketing at the University of Birmingham is designed to significantly shape your future by:

• Developing Expertise: You’ll gain deep knowledge in marketing theory and practice, equipping you with advanced research skills.
• Enhancing Employability: Graduates often secure roles in academia, government, financial institutions, and multinational corporations.
• Building a Professional Network: You’ll engage with leading academics and peers, expanding your professional connections.
• Contributing to the Field: Your research will push the boundaries of marketing knowledge, influencing policy and practice.

Our PhD in Marketing includes a short taught component followed by a longer research phase. Taught modules allow you to broaden, as well as deepen, your knowledge of research methods whilst undertaking your own research and developing a set of transferable professional skills.

You will also have two academic supervisors who will work with you in their areas of expertise.

If you want to pursue your own research project, you can apply to our research programmes to propose this. This is self-funded although scholarships are available.

Find an Advertised PhD

Find a PhD project that suits your interests by using our FindAPhD tool.

Find a supervisor

Our supervisory expertise includes a wide range of theoretical interests and methodological approaches. Applicants are urged to study the profiles of individual staff via their university profile pages and contact appropriate supervisors directly before they apply.

When considering potential supervisors avoid generic emails to everyone in the department or research group as such approaches seldom attract interest. It is better to email potential supervisors where you see a direct link to your proposed area of study and/or methods. Try to read some of the work written by potential supervisors and when you contact them, explain how your ideas fit with their existing research and/or stated areas of interest.

The marketing department encourages PhD applications that align with one of the three research groups below, which have a vibrant mix of researchers, all driven by real questions that face business and society. However, all interesting projects will be considered. 

Culture Research Group

The Culture Research Group focuses on a diverse array of research interests within the arts. Key areas of study include heritage and cultural authenticity, art and artists as brands, and the production and consumption of art. The group also explores film production, reception, distribution, and exhibition, as well as social responsibility in arts marketing. Other interests encompass television, dark tourism, embodiment, and visual arts in the market. The production and consumption of place, space, and time, myth and the marketplace, festivals, and the intersection of arts and technology are also significant areas of research.

Additionally, the group examines how emerging artists use new technology and investigates sub-cultural and non-mainstream consumption. Qualitative methodologies such as art installation, cultural animation, dramaturgy, and visual methodologies are also a focus of their research.

Marketing Innovations and Consumer Science Research Group

The Marketing Innovations and Consumer Science Research Group unites researchers passionate about pioneering marketing practices and innovations. Our interests span digital and technological advancements, as well as methodological breakthroughs in marketing research.

We also delve into psychological theories to better understand consumer behaviour. While our researchers employ diverse methods, there is a strong emphasis on quantitative approaches to tackle research challenges.

Responsible and Critical Marketing Research Group

The Responsible and Critical Marketing group focuses on several key research areas,  promoting responsible strategies that benefit society. Their work explores how marketing can enhance consumer well-being and examines its role in fostering sustainable consumption and production. By challenging traditional marketing theories, they aim to develop more inclusive and equitable approaches.

Additionally, they analyse the impact of digital technologies on marketing practices and consumer behavior. Overall, our research seeks to create a more responsible and critical approach to marketing that benefits both businesses and society.

Research proposal

If you are proposing your own research topic, you will need to submit a research proposal. It’s a key part of your application, so take your time. Your potential supervisors will use it to decide if your research is something they can support.

Your proposal should be a clear and concise summary of your research. It generally consists of an outline of your proposed research project, including your main research questions and the methods you intend to use.

You should also comment on the potential impact and importance of your intended research and on how your work would interact with current trends in your academic field. It should illustrate the relevance of your topic to the research interests and expertise of the staff within your chosen department.

English language requirements

If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification or a Presessional English course.

For this course we require IELTS 7.0 with no less than 6.5 in any band, which is equivalent to:

• TOEFL: 95 overall with no less than 22 in any component
• Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 76 with no less than 67 in all four skills
• Cambridge English: C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency - minimum overall score of 185, with no less than 176 in any component
• LanguageCert ESOL SELT (UKVI): C1 'Expert' with no less than 25 in each skill

Funding options

Apply for a PhD that already has funding attached

These are most common in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Medicine) subjects, but they can sometimes be available for pre-defined research projects in the arts, humanities or social sciences. These may be advertised as fully funded (with fees and a stipend) or competition funded, meaning the projects compete against other projects at each institution.

Self-fund, or search for funding or a studentship once you have an offer

You devise your own PhD topic, find a supervisor, write a research proposal and apply to the relevant programme. If you’re offered a place at Birmingham, you can then apply for studentships or funding from various sources. Our Postgraduate Scholarships and Funding database lists all available funding.

A limited number of scholarships and studentships may be available to outstanding applicants. For further information, please explore our scholarships and funding database.

If you are applying to an ‘advertised PhD’, please check the details of the specific research project for application deadlines.

If you are submitting your own research proposal, applications are accepted all year round. However, if you wish to start in September, we would encourage you to apply by 1 June. Whilst you are still welcome to apply after this date, it is important to allow time for us to review your application.

If you are seeking funding, please be aware that the majority of funding opportunities have deadlines in early spring so we would encourage you to apply as early as possible.

We have put together some helpful information on the research programme application process and supporting documents on our how to apply page. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.

Careers Network

Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offers a range of events and support services including networking opportunities, career coaching, one to one guidance, careers fairs and links with leading graduate recruiters.

As a postgraduate researcher, you’ll benefit from tailored support to prepare you for a career in academia or set you up for a wide range of other professions.

We also offer subject specific careers consultants and a dedicated careers website for international students.