The Management, Employment and Organisation (MEO) research area forms part of the Business Studies PhD programme and provides a comprehensive environment for advanced study in organisational and employment-related topics. The section conducts research across three main areas: organisational studies, employment relations, and public sector management. It is supported by a number of research groups and centres, fostering a strong culture of high-quality, internationally recognised research alongside research-led teaching and academic development.

The programme offers expertise across a broad range of topics, with particular strengths in employment relations, human resource management, organisational studies, critical management studies, public sector improvement, and entrepreneurship. Recognised by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), the programme prepares students for careers in academia, business practice, and public policy. Students are encouraged to contribute to academic debate through publishing and to develop an original doctoral thesis that advances knowledge in their chosen field.

The research conducted within the section has significant real-world impact, with contributions informing organisations such as the International Labour Organisation, the European Commission, trade unions, and government bodies. Students benefit from a dynamic research environment that includes seminar series with international speakers, opportunities for teaching experience, and engagement with visiting academics. Strong links with industry and policy organisations further enhance the relevance and application of research undertaken within the programme.

Applicants who are unable to demonstrate prior comprehensive research training will be admitted to our 4-year PhD programme in Business and Management and will undertake up to a year of dedicated research training, followed by three years focused on the research phase of their PhD.