Accounting Doctor of Philosophy - PhD

The Department of Accounting at Queen's Business School brings together expertise in accounting, accounting change, budgeting, governance, performance management and reporting in not-for-profit and public sector organisations. It prides itself on research-led teaching and offers its research students experience as teaching assistants in a variety of undergraduate courses.

Aside from gaining close research advice and direction from their supervisors and other academics in the Department of Accounting, Accounting research students benefit from attending the Group’s various research seminars, which attract leading academics from around the world. Students also present their work at these events, gaining invaluable advice and preparation for the academic job market.

The research strengths of the Department of Accounting at Queen’s Business School range from accounting change to accounting education, and from performance measurement to financial accounting, using both quantitative and qualitative research techniques.

In particular, over a period of years, the Department for Accounting at Queen’s Business School has developed critical research mass, expertise, networks and reputation in the areas of:

• Accounting and reporting, accounting change, governance and performance management in not-for-profit organisations

This research, which has focused particularly on performance reporting, stakeholder engagement and reporting frameworks, has facilitated an enhanced understanding of the not-for-profit sector, including the appropriateness of accounting and reporting practices adopted by not-for-profit organisations. The Department of Accounting is keen to work with PhD students interested in undertaking not-for-profit-related research, including research associated with social enterprise organisations.

• Accounting, budgeting and accounting change in public sector organisations

Research is this area has included comparative international analysis, particularly with respect to the accounting and finance changes that often accompany moves towards ‘modernisation’. The Department of Accounting welcomes applications from prospective PhD students interested in undertaking research into issues related to public sector accounting and reporting.

Mode of study/duration
Registration is on a full-time or part-time basis, under the direction of a supervisory team appointed by the University. Students will be expected to submit their thesis at the end of three years of full-time registration for PhD, or two years for MPhil (or part-time equivalent).