Key information
- Funding
- Self-funded
- School
- Edinburgh Business School
- Location
- Edinburgh
- Award
- PhD
- Delivery type
- Full-time, Part-time
- Start date
- September
- Duration
- Normally 3 years
Our accounting research looks at the relationship between the accounting profession, governance and society and explores the nature and purpose of accounting institutions and practices, with a view to improving social well-being and stimulating greater accountability.
Research projects
Accounting research is based around the following four broad areas:
- The Accounting Profession
- Governance and Society
- Accountability
- Globalisation
We welcome enquiries and applications from suitably qualified candidates for PhD studies in these areas.
Entry requirements
Candidate criteria
We welcome applications from suitably qualified candidates. Please note that it is not necessary to have identified a potential supervisor before submitting your application.
Students successful in obtaining a place on our PhD programme normally commence their research studies at the start of the academic year in September. However, it is possible to join the PhD programme at an agreed date during the academic year.
Applications should be submitted via the Heriot-Watt online application portal.
N.B: In order that your application can be processed please ensure all of the supporting documents listed below are submitted with your application:
1. Academic Transcripts and Degree Certificates
Copies of full academic transcripts from all previous academic degree courses and copies of degree certificates for degrees already awarded.
If you are currently pursuing a degree course please provide all available marks to date.
2. Research Proposal
The research proposal should be around 5-8 pages long and contain as much as possible of the following: an introduction or outline of the proposed topic; a statement of objectives and/or specific research questions; a summary of some of the relevant literature which supports the research objective(s); an indication of the intended research methodology; an indication of the theoretical structure and/or conceptual outline; a provisional timetable of the major phases of the research process; results expected from the research e.g. practical value of the research or possible contributions to knowledge or policy or methodology. At this stage we are not looking for a definitive document but merely an indication that you have thought through most of the above issues.
Please note that work submitted may be subject to screening via plagiarism software.
3. English Language Requirements
See section on English Language Requirements below.
4. Funding information
You should confirm how you are proposing to fund your studies.
5. References
If you have references available these should be submitted with your application. If they are not currently available please ensure that you provide the names and contact details, including email addresses, of two academic referees on the application form. You may also submit a Curriculum Vitae if you wish.
English language requirements
If your first language is not English, we'll need to see evidence of your English language ability.
The minimum English language requirement for entry to this programme is IELTS 6.5 (or equivalent) with no score lower than 6.0.
If you do not have IELTS 6.5, we offer a range of English language courses to help you meet the English language requirement for this programme prior to commencing your studies.
For more information about your application and our English Language requirements, please see Section 10 of our page on English Language Requirements as part of your application.
Funding information
| Status | Full Time | Part Time |
|---|---|---|
| Scotland | £5,151 | £2,575.50 |
| England / Wales / N Ireland | £5,151 | £2,575.50 |
| International | £20,456 | £10,228 |
- Status: Your residency status is usually defined as the country where you have been ordinarily resident for the three years before the start of your course.
- International: 'International' includes applicants from European Union countries who do not hold Pre-Settled or Settled status in UK. (This does not include students from the Republic of Ireland - see above).
We offer a number of competitive funded scholarships for research degrees. Full or partial support may be available for well-qualified candidates from UK research councils, research pools, charities or industry.
View our full range of scholarships.
Why Heriot-Watt
We have been producing career-ready graduates since 1821. With our roots as the world’s first Mechanics Institute, Heriot-Watt is a pioneering university with a global reach.
At Heriot-Watt, learning goes beyond the lecture theatre. We tackle real world challenges through extraordinary research – from climate change to protecting our oceans, to advancing life-saving medical breakthroughs and shaping the next generation of AI. We are also committed to developing forward-thinking design and sustainable business practices that impact industries worldwide. On our campuses you’ll find some of the world’s most advanced facilities, while our strong industry links set you up for career success. This is why almost 90% of our graduates are in employment or further education (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2024).
