Fully Funded PhD in Accounting in UK
Accounting is a key business, management, and entrepreneurial skill needed by every successful venture. Accounting is the measuring, processing, and recording of financial and other information needed to run a company or organization. This is basically the backend of the company that keeps and records all of its financial activities.
This makes studying accounting as a course a big deal, from basic level introductory training in high school to bachelor’s and master’s degrees in University and even postdoctoral PhD studies. Going through all these academic levels can be financially draining, especially when taking a PhD degree. Students who have high career goals and would like to reach the top of the accounting ladder are often stopped or limited by financial roadblocks, which can make achieving such goals quite difficult.
However, there are several institutions and universities in the United Kingdom that offer fully funded PhD programs in Accounting. These programs are full support systems that cover all educational, research, and financial resources needed to study accounting at a doctoral level. This includes tuition, living expenses, conference expenses, teaching allowance, and all other resources and materials needed to complete your degree.
In this article, we’ll be highlighting five institutions that offer fully funded PhD in accounting in UK. This would be a guide to help you choose universities that align with your career goals and show you how you can apply for them. This would be valuable in your academic and personal goals, as it would make studying and researching Accounting seamless and give you the opportunity to make a true impact in the industry.
1. London School of Economics
The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) is a social science university located in the prestigious city of London, England. It was established in 1895 and has been seen as a beacon of light and hope to the city of London, producing influential research and important contributions in accounting, finance, and economics. Its campus is located in central London, but too far from Canary Wharf.
The campus provides students with an excellent setting for academic excellence, featuring world-class research facilities like the Center for Analysis of Risk and Regulation (CARR) and the Financial Markets Group (FMG), providing students and researchers a perfect opportunity to carry out groundbreaking research and collaborate with these financial giants. The school also houses the British Library of Political and Economic Sciences, one of the world’s largest social science libraries, making it the perfect resource center for achieving accounting excellence.
The PhD in Accounting program at LSE is a highly competitive, research-intensive program aimed at developing capable financial leaders for the world. The program focuses on financial Reporting and Regulation, which examines the impact of financial disclosures, auditing standards, and regulatory policies on global markets and sustainability accounting to dissect the role of financial reporting in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices.
The PhD in Accounting program at LSE is fully funded through the LSE PhD Studentship, providing full tuition coverage for up to four years, an annual stipend of approximately £20,000 to support living expenses, and research grants for conference travel, data collection, and workshops. The program also allows students to lecture while studying in order to gain academic experience and additional income.
Application Deadline: January each year
2. University of Manchester
The University of Manchester is one of the UK’s leading research institutions, recognized for its business and finance studies. The school was established in 1824 as part of the prestigious Russell Group. Manchester is known for its global impact and industry partnerships, as its faculty members actively collaborate with organizations such as PwC, Deloitte, KPMG, and the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
The university offers a fully funded PhD in Accounting through its Alliance Manchester Business School (AMBS), which is located in the heart of Manchester’s business district. The city is a major financial hub in the United Kingdom, offering students access to networking events, internships, and research collaborations. The university has several other world-class research facilities, including the Manchester Accounting and Finance Group (MAFG), which focuses on key issues in corporate finance, auditing, and international financial markets.
The PhD in Accounting at the University of Manchester is offered in collaboration with the ESRC North West Social Science Doctoral Training Partnership to provide advanced research training for students interested in both academia and industry roles. This program covers tuition for both UK and international students, an annual stipend of approximately £19,000 – £21,000 to cover living expenses, research funding for attending academic conferences and conducting fieldwork, and an opportunity to teach undergraduate courses, providing valuable teaching experience and additional income.
Application Deadline: January/February.
3. University of Edinburgh
The University of Edinburgh was founded in 1583 and has since then provided research and academic excellence. The university has several schools and colleges through which it runs its numerous academic programs. One of these is the renowned Edinburgh Business School, which consistently ranks among the top in Europe for accounting and finance research. Edinburgh’s campus is a mix of historic and modern architecture, offering a stimulating academic environment.
The Business School is located in the heart of the city, close to major financial institutions such as Standard Life Aberdeen, Baillie Gifford, and the Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS). The university also has multiple research centers, including the Centre for Accounting and Society (CAS), which explores how accounting impacts businesses, governments, and society at large.
The PhD in Accounting is fully funded through the University of Edinburgh Business School Doctoral Scholarship. The program focuses on sustainability, governance, and financial regulation, making it an ideal choice for students interested in the evolving role of accounting in corporate organizations. This program provides financial and academic support for students, including tuition, research funding, and living expenses.
Application Deadline: January or early February.
4. University of Birmingham
The University of Birmingham is a renowned member of the Russell Group, which is one of the UK’s leading research institutions. Birmingham Business School is well-regarded for its work in financial reporting, taxation, and corporate finance. The school has strong links with professional accounting bodies such as ACCA, CIMA, and ICAEW, making it an excellent place for PhD research.
Birmingham’s campus is one of the largest in the United Kingdom, offering a mix of modern facilities and green spaces. Birmingham Business School is also located near major financial institutions and consulting firms, providing students with excellent networking opportunities. The university is home to the Centre for Financial and Corporate Integrity (CFCI), which focuses on financial regulation, ethical finance, and corporate transparency.
The Birmingham Business School Doctoral Scholarships offers a fully funded PhD in Accounting designed for students who want to conduct in-depth research on financial systems, governance, and taxation. This program covers tuition, a stipend of around £18,000 per year, and additional funding for research projects, travel grants, and conferences.
To be considered, students must have a strong academic background with excellent grades of the highest caliber. Students must be willing to conduct research within the program’s scope of interest in order to qualify for the program. You can check the requirements and funding here.
Application Deadline: around February annually
Disclaimer :
The term “fully funded” is used to address a financial aid package where a student’s educational expenses are being taken care of. This may include;
- Full tuition payment: The total cost of tuition has been waived.
- Stipend/ Salary: A pre-agreed allowance is given to the student to cover living costs and other expenses during the program.
However, It is important to note that this is totally dependent on several factors such as lifestyle, cost of living, location, and other financial needs. Sometimes, the term “fully funded” is used by some programs even though they don’t provide for all your financial needs, expecting that you see them through part-time work, intensional, or personal savings.
These programs usually expect students with fully funded offers to teach and conduct research while studying as part of the funding arrangement. It is also important to note that all universities offer full funding, and students should, therefore, explore financial aid opportunities from various schools (including less popular and well-known ones) in order to find the one that perfectly meets their financial needs.
