PhD Scholarships in Business and Management at Huddersfield Business School

If you're aiming to pursue a PhD in business or management, Huddersfield Business School (HBS) offers a fantastic opportunity through the HBS Open Scholarship 2024/2025. This scholarship program is available to both UK and international candidates, making it a valuable resource for anyone looking to further their research and academic career. Additionally, UK resident candidates can benefit from the exclusive Chancellor’s Anniversary Scholarships, a 100% tuition fee waiver designed to support exceptional academic talent.

This guide provides a comprehensive guide on these scholarships, including eligibility criteria, application requirements, benefits, and selection processes.

HBS Open Scholarship 2024/2025: Overview

Huddersfield Business School is committed to supporting outstanding research by offering six HBS Open Scholarships for the 2024/2025 academic year. These scholarships are open to both UK and international applicants and are intended to help exceptional candidates complete their doctoral research at the university.

Key Benefits:

• Full Tuition Fee Waiver: All successful applicants will have their tuition fees waived for the standard registration period.
• Annual Stipend: Full-time PhD students will receive an annual stipend of £3,500. For part-time students, the stipend is £1,750 per year.
• Teaching Opportunities: Candidates will contribute up to six hours per week of teaching-related activities, which provides valuable academic experience.

Eligibility Criteria:

To be eligible for the HBS Open Scholarship, applicants must:

• Hold a Master’s degree with distinction or, in exceptional cases, a Bachelor's degree by the time the funding period begins.
• Demonstrate academic excellence, a strong research proposal, and an alignment with one of Huddersfield Business School’s research themes.

Successful candidates will be required to engage fully with their research programs and demonstrate satisfactory academic progress throughout their study.

Scholarship Duration

The HBS Open Scholarship covers a maximum of three years for full-time postgraduate research (PGR) students and up to six years for part-time PGRs. Importantly, the scholarship does not cover research beyond the standard registration period, meaning it will not apply to any extension or write-up period.

Application Process for HBS Open Scholarship

Applying for the HBS Open Scholarship involves several steps, and applicants must submit a comprehensive set of documents by the closing deadline. Here's how to apply:

1. Complete the Online Research Degree Application Form:

When filling out the form, applicants must indicate that they are applying for the HBS Open Scholarship.

2. Submit Supporting Documents:

Applicants are required to provide the following:

• Cover Letter: This letter should explain why the applicant should be considered for the award, how the proposed research aligns with Huddersfield Business School’s research priorities, and the potential impact of the research.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV): A detailed CV of no more than three pages.
• Research Proposal:A research proposal of up to 10 pages, which must include:
  • Proposed title
  • Introduction to the topic
  • Review of previous research
  • Research aims and objectives
  • Methodology and proposed data
  • References
• Academic Transcript: A transcript showing MSc marks.
• References: Two letters from academic referees supporting the candidate’s application.

To apply, visit Huddersfield Business School’s website.

3. Interview Process:

A shortlist of candidates will be invited for an interview with a panel of academic staff. The panel will assess the quality of the research proposal, the originality of the research, and the candidate's potential contribution to the university’s research community.

Chancellor’s Anniversary Scholarships: An Exclusive Opportunity for UK Residents

In celebration of the University of Huddersfield's 200-year anniversary, the Chancellor’s Anniversary Scholarships provide an exclusive opportunity for UK residents. These scholarships offer a 100% tuition fee waiver for eligible candidates pursuing doctoral research in business, law, or other related fields at Huddersfield Business School.

Key Benefits:

• Full Tuition Fee Waiver: Successful applicants will have their tuition fees waived for the duration of their research degree.

• Flexible Study Options: Scholarships are available for both full-time (three years) and part-time (six years) research students.

Eligibility Criteria:

To qualify for the Chancellor’s Anniversary Scholarship, applicants must meet one of the following academic criteria:

• A 2:1 Honours Degree or above from a UK institution.
• A Distinction in a taught Master’s degree.
• A Master’s by Research Degree with a letter of recommendation from their supervisor.

This scholarship is available for research degrees starting in the 2024/2025 academic year and applies exclusively to home (UK resident) candidates.

Application Process for Chancellor’s Anniversary Scholarships

To apply for the Chancellor’s Anniversary Scholarship, candidates must complete the online research degree application form, clearly stating their interest in the scholarship scheme.The following documents should also be submitted:

• Academic Qualifications: Proof of a 2:1 Honours degree, Master’s distinction, or a Master’s by Research degree.
• Letter of Recommendation: A letter from an academic supervisor if the candidate holds a Master’s by Research degree.

All eligible applicants will undergo an interview as part of the selection process. Candidates are encouraged to apply early and ensure all documents are submitted by the application deadline to avoid disqualification.

Research Areas Supported by Huddersfield Business School

Huddersfield Business School supports a wide range of research areas within business, management, law, economics, and econometrics. Applicants for the HBS Open Scholarship and Chancellor’s Anniversary Scholarships should ensure their research proposal aligns with one of the following subject areas:

• Business Management: Focus on strategic management, organizational behavior, marketing, and leadership.
• Economics and Econometrics: Research in economic theory, applied economics, and statistical methods.
• Law: Areas including commercial law, corporate governance, and financial regulation.

Selection Criteria for Both Scholarships

Both scholarship programs—HBS Open Scholarship and Chancellor’s Anniversary Scholarships—follow a rigorous selection process. The selection committee evaluates candidates based on:

• Academic Qualifications: A strong academic record is crucial, particularly if the applicant holds a Master’s degree with distinction.
• Research Proposal: The committee looks for originality, contribution to the field, and the feasibility of the proposed research.
• Fit with University Research Priorities: The candidate’s research must align with the research themes at Huddersfield Business School.
• Interview Performance: For shortlisted candidates, the interview with academic staff is a critical part of the selection process.

Deadlines and Important Information

Applicants should note that deadlines for both scholarship programs are strictly enforced. The application portal for the HBS Open Scholarship and the Chancellor’s Anniversary Scholarship typically opens in the second quarter of each year. The closing date for 2024/2025 applications is yet to be confirmed but will likely fall in October 2024. It is advisable to monitor the Huddersfield Business School website for updates on specific dates.

The HBS Open Scholarship 2024/2025 and Chancellor’s Anniversary Scholarships present remarkable opportunities for both UK and international candidates to pursue their doctoral studies at Huddersfield Business School. With full tuition fee waivers and stipends available, these scholarships can significantly ease the financial burden of obtaining a PhD, allowing successful candidates to focus on their research.Whether you're a UK resident looking to take advantage of the Chancellor’s Anniversary Scholarship or an international candidate aiming to secure an HBS Open Scholarship, both programs provide robust support to further your academic and research career. Be sure to prepare a strong application, including a compelling research proposal, to enhance your chances of being awarded one of these competitive scholarships.

For more information on these scholarships, visit Huddersfield Business School’s website and stay updated on application deadlines and requirements.