The degree includes research training, directed study, and a thesis. The first year of the PhD programme consists of eight assessed modules, plus a preliminary research project that will contribute to the final thesis. Progression to years two and three of the programme is contingent on first year performance. The thesis aims to develop researchers for positions as academic teachers and researchers in leading universities, or intellectually and technically demanding roles in business and the public sector. You will learn specialist skills and develop insights necessary to become productive researchers of international standard, as well as gaining a wide scholarly perspective on finance, accounting and other management areas. We emphasise communication and presentation skills, which are absolutely necessary for effective dissemination of research and teaching The University is a member of the North West Doctoral Training Centre (NWDTC) established by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC). As part of this initiative our accounting and finance students take research training modules offered by Manchester University on a reciprocal basis. This permits students to take more specialised courses closer to their specific research interests.