Master of Research in Management Studies
The foundation year of the PhD for students with prior management-related research experience at masters level. Join us and have real-world impact.
Programme details
Length
9 months
Start
October 2025
Format
Full-time
Location
You must be resident in Cambridge during your programme
World-class teaching, preparing you for the next step in your doctoral degree
The Master of Research (MRes) is a foundation year for PhD students with prior research experience at masters level in any relevant subject. The goal of the MRes programme is to lay the foundations that will enable you to contribute to the academic debate in your chosen discipline through publications in leading journals, which you will develop during you PhD.
Acquire tailored foundational and methodological training for your doctoral work. Shed new light on novel and thought-provoking research questions. Prepare for a top-tier future in academic research on management. You will:
- be introduced to the frontier of academic knowledge in your chosen discipline
- expand your research skills by conducting a significant supervised research project/study, summarised in a dissertation that accounts for 50% of the total mark
- develop research that has an impact on society through your deep engagement with real world business and organisational problems
Why Cambridge Judge Business School?
We’re part of one of the world’s most prestigious research universities. We draw on disciplines and expertise from across the University of Cambridge. We leverage the power of academia for real-world impact. At Cambridge you will:
- be part of Cambridge’s legacy of learning
- join Cambridge College and University alumni networks
- access the University’s excellent careers service
Curriculum
The MRes programme is fully integrated with your PhD. During the MRes year, you take 5 or more taught courses, equipping you with the knowledge and research skills needed for your doctoral work. The curriculum is tailored around your research interests, prior training and requirements of your chosen PhD pathway, and your dissertation is based on the research proposal you’ve developed prior to admission to the programme. You are fully integrated into the research culture of the subject group pertaining to your field of specialisation and work closely with your faculty supervisor.
Who we’re looking for
Begin your journey towards becoming a research-oriented faculty member at one of the world’s foremost business schools.
This programme is for you if:
- you have a masters degree (not an MBA or MFin, or other professional practice masters) in which you were amongst the top 5% of students in your year
- your degree is relevant to your chosen PhD specialisation and from a university/department with a strong international research reputation
Applying for the Master of Research in Management Studies
Entry to the MRes in Management Studies programme is very competitive, so we advise candidates to apply early. Bear in mind that if you are shortlisted you will need to write a full research proposal by the end of December.