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Postgraduate Study

Course closed:

Management Studies is no longer accepting new applications.

Teaching

The research training consists of five modules assessed by coursework and a dissertation.

Modules will be drawn from a list of research modules offered by Cambridge Judge Business School or other University departments. The portfolio of modules will be tailored to the student's needs, taking account of their research interest and prior training.

The dissertation complements the research coursework with practical research training overseen by a faculty supervisor. Informal opportunities to develop research skills also exist through mentoring by more advanced research students and members of staff. Students are integrated into the research culture of their subject group and attend the group's regular research seminars. The dissertation score counts for 50% of the final mark.

Most students will take their modules in the Michaelmas and Lent Terms, leaving the Easter Term fully dedicated to the dissertation work.

One to one supervision

Students will be assigned a faculty member as a supervisor. Supervisors will provide general academic advice to students, and subject-specific advice relating to the thesis. Students and supervisors will normally meet once a week to discuss progress, but meetings may be more or less frequent depending on the project’s progression.

The University of Cambridge publishes an annual Code of Practice which sets out the University’s expectations regarding supervision.

Seminars & classes

In addition to lectures, students are expected to prepare for and participate in the research seminar series of the subject group pertaining to their field of specialisation. The number of seminars will vary by subject group but rarely exceeds one seminar per week during term time.

Lectures

Students will normally attend around six hours of lectures per week during the Michaelmas and Lent Terms, although this may vary depending on the choice of modules.

Literature Reviews

The dissertation is expected to make an explicit link to the relevant academic literature.

Feedback

Students receive qualitative feedback on their submissions for assessment and suggestions for improving their performance on the courses. Students are also welcome to approach lecturers for informal advice and guidance.

Assessment

Thesis / Dissertation

MRes dissertations will not exceed 16,000 words. The dissertation will be marked by two faculty members, neither of whom will be the supervisor. Students are required to achieve 70 per cent in the dissertation as part of the continuation requirement for the PhD.

The PhD thesis itself should be submitted by the end of the fourth year (the third year of the PhD programme) and must not exceed 80,000 words.  A compulsory viva voce examination will follow the thesis submission.

Essays

Taught modules are assessed by essays, formal in-class examinations, individual presentations, or group presentations. The form of assessment for each module may consist of one or more types of assessment.

Practical assessment

Clarity of presentation features as an assessment component in a number of CJBS modules.

Other

At the end of the second year of the degree (the first year of the PhD programme), students will be required to submit a report of not more than 20,000 words.  

Key Information


1+3 years full-time

Study Mode : Research

Doctor of Philosophy
Master of Research in the first instance

Judge Business School

Course - related enquiries

Application - related enquiries

Course on Department Website

Dates and deadlines:

Applications open
Sept. 4, 2023
Application deadline
Nov. 30, 2023
Course Starts
Sept. 2, 2024

Some courses can close early. See the Deadlines page for guidance on when to apply.

Course Funding Deadline
Dec. 5, 2023
Gates Cambridge US round only
Oct. 11, 2023

These deadlines apply to applications for courses starting in Michaelmas 2024, Lent 2025 and Easter 2025.


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