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PhD – October 2025

Full Time Part Time

PhD – March 2026

Full Time Part Time

Apply for PhD by Published Works – October 2025

Part Time

Apply for PhD by Published Works – March 2026

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level: PG top_up: false international: true clearing: false full_time: true part_time: true start_month: October, March location: Waterside

​Human Resource Management ​PhD/PhD by Published works​​

Key Facts

  • Level

    PostgraduatePG PhD

  • Duration

    PhD: Full Time 2 years - 4 years or Part Time 3 years - 6 years
    PhD by Published Works: Part Time 1 year - 2 years

  • Starting

    October, March

Updated 01/04/2025

Updated 01/04/2025

Get in touch

For questions regarding study and admissions please contact us:

UK STUDENTS ENQUIRIES

study@northampton.ac.uk
0300 303 2772

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS ENQUIRIES

international@northampton.ac.uk
44 (0)1604 892134

Overview


If you already have a degree in Human Resource Management or related field, our Human Resource Management PhD / PhD by Published Works is an excellent way to expand your knowledge and research skills. If your final thesis is successfully defended orally (a viva voce) you will gain the highest qualification that any UK university can award.

The PhD / PhD by Published Works in Human Resource Management allows you to research concepts and practices relating to work, management, and employment experience. A research degree does not have a teaching structure, allowing you to delve deeply into your chosen topic your own research interests. Therefore, students are expected to conduct their own, independent, critical research under the guidance of accomplished academic staff. By communicating the research that you have conducted and your findings, through a thesis or other means, you have a rare opportunity to generate knowledge. A research degree allows you to develop new high-level skills, enhance your professional development and build new networks. It can open doors to many careers and provides researchers with a fantastic opportunity to further their academic careers or advance into higher executive roles in the sector. We welcome applications from students of all backgrounds and nationalities.

Find out more about our Research Centres and Institutes below:​

The closing dates for applications for the October intake is 1 August, and for the March intake is 11 December. 

Highlights


  • ​Conduct independent, original, and academically significant research
  • ​Benefit from training courses to develop key research skills
  • Supervision and support from expert academic staff
  • Present at talks and seminars to display your work
  • ​Regular research seminars, conferences and research activities led by our Research Institutes and Centres and the Graduate School

Entry Requirements


​We accept a wide range of qualifications from applicants who are interested in studying at Research Level. Normally candidates should hold a 2:1 or higher honours degree or international equivalent in a relevant subject. Where possible you should also hold a good Master’s degree, or international equivalent in a relevant subject area.

Course Content


Fees and Funding


2025/26 Tuition Fees
Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 25/26 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

Doctor Of Philosophy Degrees

  • UK – Full Time: £5,700
  • UK – Part Time: £2,845
  • International – Full Time: £16,350
  • International – Part Time: £7,640

Doctor of Philosophy Degrees by means of Published Works
Including: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) by means of published works.

  • UK – Part Time: £3,600
  • International – Part Time: £7,840

Staff


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Careers and Employability


A doctoral degree can be the pinnacle of academic success and often signifies the start of a career in academia or research. A research-based degree is also the most direct route to a job in academia.

The University of Northampton has an excellent Careers and Employability Service who are dedicated to equipping students with the skills to thrive, adapt and innovate in our ever-changing world. Many of our alumni are employed in academia as well as public and private sector businesses.

Facilities


Our PhD students have access to exceptional research facilities such as:

  • Opportunities for research collaboration with staff and students ​
  • ​Well-equipped library with access to academic e-books, journal articles and learning resources for on-site and off-site study​
  • Dedicated PhD study area with computer and printer in the Learning Hub
  • ​Teaching and Research Assistant opportunities should you meet the requirement ​
  • Library and Learning support for PhD students ​
  • Excellent social groups for student meetings and engagement ​
  • Spacious individual and group working space and discussion areas
  • Skills support for PhD students

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