We offer MPhil and PhD courses in Business and Management, and Economics. We currently have around 40 students who study full-time, part-time or by blended. These students share and contribute to a vibrant research community that operates at the cutting edge of knowledge. The regulations at Staffordshire University award a PhD to candidates who have ?critically investigated an approved topic resulting in an independent and original contribution to knowledge and demonstrated an understanding of research methods appropriate to the chosen field, (and) presented and defended a thesis by oral examination?to the satisfaction of examiners.? MPhil/PhD is the most common route for Economics and Business and Management students. The MPhil stage usually includes a critical review of existing academic literature on the subject and often a pilot research study. This can then be written up (30,000 words) and successful students are awarded an MPhil. Alternatively if you decide to progress to the PhD you can do so by a short report (5,000 words) which acts as a summary of the work done so far and a plan for the PhD itself. Direct PhD is more suitable if you already have a Masters degree in your intended area, for example, an MSc in Economics for a PhD in Economics. MBAs and other generalist business Masters qualifications do not fall into this category so you'll need to take another route (e.g. MPhil/PhD). MPhil only - Minimum 18 months, maximum 36 months, MPhil/PhD - Minimum 30 months, maximum 48 months, PhD Direct Entry - Minimum 24 months, maximum 48 months.