Specialising via a PhD pathway
From the start of your research masters degree, you’ll join one of 8 PhD pathways. Each leads you to specialise in a particular discipline of Management Studies.
Use the table below to explore our 8 PhD pathways (specialisations) and the masters degree(s) you will need to study to complete each pathway:
PhD pathways
Prerequisite masters programme:
- Either MPhil in Finance
- or Master of Research (MRes)
Prerequisite masters programme:
- Either Master of Research (MRes)
- or exceptionally the Cambridge MPhil in Economic Research
Prerequisite masters programme:
- Either MPhil in Finance
- or Master of Research (MRes) (for students with a Cambridge MPhil in Economic Research)
Prerequisite masters programme:
Prerequisite masters programme:
Prerequisite masters programme:
Prerequisite masters programme:
Prerequisite masters programme:
Why do we have pathways (specialisations)?
The placement of PhD students in junior faculty positions is done within discipline boundaries, at specific job-market conferences with clear expectations of signals for high research potential.
Therefore, it is important for your future academic career that you attach yourself to a specific discipline at the start of your PhD.
Our PhD specialisations (which we call “pathways“) reflect these disciplines and prepare you for the academic job market in your chosen discipline.