Programmes

MRes/PhD in Management - Employment Relations and Human Resources

  • Graduate research
  • Department of Management
  • Application code N2Z1
  • Starting 2024
  • Home full-time: Closed
  • Overseas full-time: Closed
  • Location: Houghton Street, London

This programme offers you the chance to undertake a substantial piece of work that is worthy of publication and which makes an original contribution to the field of employment relations and human resource management. You will begin on the MRes and will need to meet certain requirements to be upgraded to PhD status.

The MRes/PhD in Management – Employment Relations and Human Resources (ERHR) is part of a rigorous and interdisciplinary graduate training programme. It is designed to stimulate critical thinking and creative ideas and provide you with the analytical skills to design, carry out, report, read and evaluate qualitative and quantitative research.

As a research-led department of management at the heart of LSE’s academic community in central London, we are ranked #5 in the world for social sciences and management

The ERHR group’s investigation and teaching pursue Human Resource Management (HRM) foundational domains (e.g. recruitment and selection, diversity and inclusion, well-being, voice, learning and development, engagement and retention, compensation, performance management), as well as strategic HRM, labour unions and other institutions, corporate social responsibility and value chains, new and emerging employment relationships (e.g. gig economy and zero-hour contracts), digital HRM and people analytics, emerging technology and the future of work.

We aim to produce top-quality social scientists with the ability to engage with the conceptual foundations of employment relations and human resource management – from both an international and comparative perspective – and employ robust methods to produce significant and original research.

You will work closely with international and world-class faculty as part of a vibrant community of doctoral students, all of whom are pursuing varied research in different fields of management. The programme also includes a comprehensive methodological training with the opportunity to specialise in a designated field.

Programme details

Key facts

 
Start date 30 September 2024
Application deadline 15 January 2024
Duration Five years full-time: two years MRes, three years PhD. Please note that LSE allows part-time PhD study only under limited circumstances. Please see lse.ac.uk/study-at-lse/Graduate/Prospective-students/Types-of-study for more information. If you wish to study part-time, you should mention this (and the reasons for it) in your statement of academic purpose and discuss it at interview if you are shortlisted. 
Financial support LSE PhD Studentships and Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) funding (see 'Fees and funding')
Minimum entry requirement 2:1 degree or equivalent in any discipline
GRE/GMAT requirement GMAT or GRE is required for all applicants (see GRE and GMAT for further information and exceptions)
English language requirements Higher (see 'Assessing your application')
Location  Houghton Street, London

For more information about tuition fees and entry requirements, see the fees and funding and assessing your application sections.

Entry requirements

Minimum entry requirements for MRes/PhD in Management - Employment Relations and Human Resources

Upper second class honours (2:1) degree in any discipline, or the equivalent.

Competition for places at the School is high. This means that even if you meet our minimum entry requirement, this does not guarantee you an offer of admission.

If you have studied or are studying outside of the UK then have a look at our Information for International Students to find out the entry requirements that apply to you.

GRE/GMAT requirement

The GRE/GMAT is required for all applicants. We do not require a specific GRE/GMAT overall score but the test gives us an indication of your aptitude for our programmes. There is no preference for GMAT or GRE but all applications must submit scores at the time of application. Your score should be less than five years old on 1 October 2024.

Please see LSE information on GRE and GMAT for more detail on our requirements and submission of test scores, including information on LSE’s institution codes.

Find out more about GRE/GMAT

Assessing your application

We welcome applications for research programmes that complement the academic interests of members of staff at the School. We recommend that you investigate staff research interests before applying.

We carefully consider each application on an individual basis, taking into account all the information presented on your application form, including your:

LSE Graduate Admissions information on supporting documents

You may also have to provide evidence of your English proficiency. You do not need to provide this at the time of your application to LSE, but we recommend that you do. See LSE's English language requirements.

When to apply

The application deadline for this programme is 15 January 2024. See the fees and funding section for more details.

How to apply

To apply online go to the LSE Application System.

GMAT/GRE

We do not require a specific overall score but the test gives us an indication of aptitude for our programmes. A strong GMAT or GRE score will count in your favour, but other information, such as your research interests, your examination results, previous qualifications and references are central to our overall evaluation of your application. We recognise that if your first language is not English, the verbal test will be more demanding and we view your score on that basis.

Applying to both Employment Relations and Human Resource Management (ERHR) and Organisational Behaviour (OB) programmes

Our application process allows candidates to apply to up to two programmes. You can therefore apply to both the Employment Relations and Human Resources (ERHR) and the Organisational Behaviour (OB) programme if you are unsure where your research interest will find the best match. This means Faculty from both groups will review your application, and you may be invited to interview for either one or both programmes.

Although ERHR and OB faculty members focuses on their respective research areas and interests, both faculty groups generally draw from similar disciplines (e.g., psychology, sociology, or economics), theoretical underpinning, and literatures that guide their multi-level (e.g., individual, groups, organisational, and/or institutional) quantitative and qualitative scholarship.

Applicants are encouraged to investigate Faculty interests in both ERHR and OB to discern potential faculty who may have the best fit.

If you would like advice on applying to both programmes or more detailed information on each programme you can talk with a member of our programme team by requesting a consultation.

Fees and funding

Every research student is charged a fee in line with the fee structure for their programme.  The fee covers registration and examination fees payable to the School, lectures, classes and individual supervision, lectures given at other colleges under intercollegiate arrangements and, under current arrangements, membership of the Students' Union. It does not cover living costs or travel or fieldwork.

Tuition fees 2024/25 for MRes/PhD in Management - Employment Relations and Human Resources

Home students: £4,829 for the first year (provisional)
Overseas students: £22,632 for the first year

The fee is likely to rise over subsequent years of the programme. The School charges home research students in line with the level of fee that the Research Councils recommend. The fees for overseas students are likely to rise in line with the assumed percentage increase in pay costs (i.e. 4 per cent per annum).

The Table of Fees shows the latest tuition amounts for all programmes offered by the School.

Fee status

The amount of tuition fees you will need to pay, and any financial support you are eligible for, will depend on whether you are classified as a home or overseas student, otherwise known as your fee status. LSE assesses your fee status based on guidelines provided by the Department of Education.

Further information about fee status classification

Scholarships, studentships and other funding

The School recognises that the cost of living in London may be higher than in your home town or country, and we provide generous scholarships each year to home and overseas students.

This programme is eligible for LSE PhD Studentships, and Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) funding. Selection for the PhD Studentships and ESRC funding is based on receipt of an application for a place – including all ancillary documents before the funding deadline.  

Financial Aid and Funding sorted by research degree programme for applicants in the Department of Management.

Funding deadline for LSE PhD Studentships and ESRC funding: 15 January 2024

In addition to our needs-based awards, LSE also makes available scholarships for students from specific regions of the world and awards for students studying specific subject areas. 

Find out more about financial support

External funding 

There may be other funding opportunities available through other organisations or governments and we recommend you investigate these options as well.

Information for international students

LSE is an international community, with over 140 nationalities represented amongst its student body. We celebrate this diversity through everything we do.  

If you are applying to LSE from outside of the UK, then take a look at our Information for International students

1) Take a note of the UK qualifications we require for your programme of interest (found in the ‘Entry requirements’ section of this page). 

2) Go to the International Students section of our website. 

3) Select your country. 

4) Select ‘Graduate entry requirements’ and scroll until you arrive at the information about your local/national qualification. Compare the stated UK entry requirements listed on this page with the local/national entry requirement listed on your country specific page.

Programme structure and courses

Research Practicums

For the duration of your 2-year MRes programme, you will engage in active research, called Research Practicums, with different members of Faculty. The rotation of practicum assignments will include one-to-one training and collaboration that provides you better understanding of the research process, e.g.:

  • Literature reviews.
  • Applied research method and practices.
  • Determining theory-driven, testable hypotheses.
  • Identifying appropriate methods and samples.
  • Coding and data analysis.
  • Evaluating findings and implications.
  • Writing manuscripts for the academic peer-reviewed process with ultimate goal of publication in top-tier academic journal.

First year (MRes)

Study in the first year includes a doctoral seminar in Employment Relations and Human Resource management and training in quantitative and qualitative methods.

As the Employment Relations and Human Resources domain is multidisciplinary, you will also take an elective course from selected fields including but not limited to:

  • Management.
  • Organisational Behaviour.
  • Employment Relations.
  • Law.
  • Gender.
  • Government.
  • Other subject areas in agreement with your Supervisor.

All first year doctoral students in the Department of Management will take the seminar course A Social Sciences Perspective of Academic Research in Management.

Courses include:

Employment Relations and Human Resource Management Seminar I

The seminar covers micro-HRM, macro-HRM, the future of work, labour markets, institutional, and comparative employment relations perspectives, and the full range of research methods from across the ERHR field.

Fundamentals of Social Science Research Design

This core course introduces a broad range of design options across quantitative and qualitative research, covering issues of data quality, analysis, reporting and reproducibility. The course is designed to equip you to implement and make arguments defending the methods you use in your PhD theses.

You may choose an alternative course depending on your previous research design training as more specialised options are available. 

Quantitative Research Methods

You choose a course in quantitative methods or statistics depending on your previous quantitative methods training and research interests.

Qualitative Research Methods

This core course covers conceptual understandings of current academic debates regarding qualitative methods, and with practical skills to put those methods into practice. Where applicable you can replace this course with alternative advanced qualitative training.

Elective Course in the Social Sciences

You will have the opportunity to select an elective course aligned with your research interests in either Management, Organisational Behaviour, Employment Relations, Law, Gender, Government, or other subject areas in agreement with your supervisor.

A Social Sciences Perspective of Academic Research in Management

Along with all MRes/PhD and MPhil/PhD students from across the Department of Management Research programmes you will participate in a seminar on the nature of scientific enquiry in the Social Sciences. The seminar series is led by members of the Faculty across the Department and provides an interdisciplinary collaborative perspective and the opportunity for students to develop academic presentation skills

Second year (MRes)

In the second year, you will continue to participate in Research Practicums and the Employment Relations and Human Resources Seminar. You will take two elective courses in your area of interest or additional methods depending on your training and intellectual requirements and preferences. You will write a research paper in your field of interest which will form an important element in your upgrade to PhD.

Courses include:

Employment Relations and Human Resource Management Seminar II

Two Elective Courses in areas of research interest or additional methods training

Research Paper in Management (MRes PhD Programmes) 

Third, fourth and fifth year (PhD)

Upon successfully completing the MRes and progressing to the PhD, you will work on your research and write your PhD thesis. Throughout the 3-5 year preiod there are regular reviews on your research progress. In the final year you prepare a detailed plan of work for the successful submission of your thesis.  

Throughout your PhD you will show the continued development of research ideas for publication, participation in relevant training courses and career development activities.

For the most up-to-date list of courses please visit the relevant School Calendar page.

You must note, however, that while care has been taken to ensure that this information is up to date and correct, a change of circumstances since publication may cause the School to change, suspend or withdraw a course or programme of study, or change the fees that apply to it. The School will always notify the affected parties as early as practicably possible and propose any viable and relevant alternative options. Note that the School will neither be liable for information that after publication becomes inaccurate or irrelevant, nor for changing, suspending or withdrawing a course or programme of study due to events outside of its control, which includes but is not limited to a lack of demand for a course or programme of study, industrial action, fire, flood or other environmental or physical damage to premises.

You must also note that places are limited on some courses and/or subject to specific entry requirements. The School cannot therefore guarantee you a place. Please note that changes to programmes and courses can sometimes occur after you have accepted your offer of a place. These changes are normally made in light of developments in the discipline or path-breaking research, or on the basis of student feedback. Changes can take the form of altered course content, teaching formats or assessment modes. Any such changes are intended to enhance the student learning experience. You should visit the School’s Calendar, or contact the relevant academic department, for information on the availability and/or content of courses and programmes of study. Certain substantive changes will be listed on the updated graduate course and programme information page.

Supervision, progression and assessment

Supervision

You do not need to have identified a supervisor prior to application. During your MRes you will be supervised by the PhD Director of the Employment Relations and Human Resources programme.

During the first two years of the programme, you will participate in Research Practicums, working in collaboration with different faculty mentors. Each research practicum will enable you to participate in research activities, understand Faculty research interests, and develop your own research skills. Your PhD supervisors will be appointed when you upgrade to PhD.

Progression and assessment

You will need to meet certain criteria to progress to each subsequent year of the programme, such as achieving certain grades in your coursework and engaging in all aspects of the programme. 

Your final award will be determined by the completion of an original research thesis and a viva oral examination.

Student support and resources

We’re here to help and support you throughout your time at LSE, whether you need help with your academic studies, support with your welfare and wellbeing or simply to develop on a personal and professional level.

Whatever your query, big or small, there are a range of people you can speak to who will be happy to help.  

Department librarians – they will be able to help you navigate the library and maximise its resources during your studies. 

Accommodation service – they can offer advice on living in halls and offer guidance on private accommodation related queries.

Class teachers and seminar leaders – they will be able to assist with queries relating to specific courses. 

Disability and Wellbeing Service – they are experts in long-term health conditions, sensory impairments, mental health and specific learning difficulties. They offer confidential and free services such as student counselling, a peer support scheme and arranging exam adjustments. They run groups and workshops. 

IT help – support is available 24 hours a day to assist with all your technology queries.  

LSE Faith Centre – this is home to LSE's diverse religious activities and transformational interfaith leadership programmes, as well as a space for worship, prayer and quiet reflection. It includes Islamic prayer rooms and a main space for worship. It is also a space for wellbeing classes on campus and is open to all students and staff from all faiths and none.  

Language Centre – the Centre specialises in offering language courses targeted to the needs of students and practitioners in the social sciences. We offer pre-course English for Academic Purposes programmes; English language support during your studies; modern language courses in nine languages; proofreading, translation and document authentication; and language learning community activities.

LSE Careers ­– with the help of LSE Careers, you can make the most of the opportunities that London has to offer. Whatever your career plans, LSE Careers will work with you, connecting you to opportunities and experiences from internships and volunteering to networking events and employer and alumni insights. 

LSE Library  founded in 1896, the British Library of Political and Economic Science is the major international library of the social sciences. It stays open late, has lots of excellent resources and is a great place to study. As an LSE student, you’ll have access to a number of other academic libraries in Greater London and nationwide. 

LSE LIFE – this is where you should go to develop skills you’ll use as a student and beyond. The centre runs talks and workshops on skills you’ll find useful in the classroom; offers one-to-one sessions with study advisers who can help you with reading, making notes, writing, research and exam revision; and provides drop-in sessions for academic and personal support. (See ‘Teaching and assessment’). 

LSE Students’ Union (LSESU) – they offer academic, personal and financial advice and funding. 

PhD Academy – this is available for PhD students, wherever they are, to take part in interdisciplinary events and other professional development activities and access all the services related to their registration. 

Sardinia House Dental Practice – this offers discounted private dental services to LSE students. 

St Philips Medical Centre – based in Pethwick-Lawrence House, the Centre provides NHS Primary Care services to registered patients.

Student Services Centre – our staff here can answer general queries and can point you in the direction of other LSE services.  

Student advisers – we have a Deputy Head of Student Services (Advice and Policy) and an Adviser to Women Students who can help with academic and pastoral matters.

Student life

As a student at LSE you’ll be based at our central London campus. Find out what our campus and London have to offer you on academic, social and career perspective. 

Student societies and activities

Your time at LSE is not just about studying, there are plenty of ways to get involved in extracurricular activities. From joining one of over 200 societies, or starting your own society, to volunteering for a local charity, or attending a public lecture by a world-leading figure, there is a lot to choose from. 

The campus 

LSE is based on one campus in the centre of London. Despite the busy feel of the surrounding area, many of the streets around campus are pedestrianised, meaning the campus feels like a real community. 

Life in London 

London is an exciting, vibrant and colourful city. It's also an academic city, with more than 400,000 university students. Whatever your interests or appetite you will find something to suit your palate and pocket in this truly international capital. Make the most of career opportunities and social activities, theatre, museums, music and more. 

Want to find out more? Read why we think London is a fantastic student city, find out about key sights, places and experiences for new Londoners. Don't fear, London doesn't have to be super expensive: hear about London on a budget

Careers

Students who successfully complete the programme often embark on an academic career.

 

Teaching

The Department aims to give all qualified doctoral students the opportunity to teach. Developing teaching skills and experience is an important component of the students' career development and prepare you for future academic roles. To make this experience as valuable as possible we draw on the support from the LSE's Teaching and Learning Centre.


Support for your career

Throughout the programme, you are expected to participate in Employment Relations and Human Resource Management Faculty Research Group research workshops, enabling you to grow familiar with the process of presenting and discussing academic papers with experienced faculty, and provide opportunities for networking. Funding is also available for you to attend and present papers at academic conferences.

LSE Careers has a team dedicated to PhD students offering a wide range of resources and advice. You will receive regular updates on career events and workshops offered by LSE Careers and the LSE’s PhD Academy. Research based employment opportunities are communicated to students in our newsletters and email updates.

Contact us

Programme enquiries

Faculty members are unable to comment on your eligibility without viewing your full application file first. If you have any questions regarding the programme, please contact the Department of Management PhD Office at dom.phd.enquiries@lse.ac.uk

Admissions enquiries

With questions related to the admissions process, please contact the LSE Graduate Admissions team via their getting in touch page.

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