Skip section navigation

Important milestones for the PhD in Finance

Progress

If you successfully complete the coursework relating to the research training, and present a satisfactory research proposal to the Upgrading Panel, your registration will be upgraded from MPhil to PhD at the end of one year and one term. Continued registration is dependent on satisfactory progress. If you are a full-time doctoral researcher, at the start of year three you will be asked to present a summary of your research and a timetable for completion and submission to a Completion Review Panel (for part-time doctoral researcher, this Review will normally take place at the start of year 4). This will assess whether you are on track to finish and submit your thesis by the end of year three, or whether you should be allowed to continue into a fourth year. (All full-time doctoral researcher are normally required to submit within three years from the start of their registration part-time Doctoral researchers must finish within 5 years).

Each research project is very individual, so timetables vary considerably, but the following gives an idea of key stages for full-time doctoral Doctoral researchers in Finance:

	Mapping Your Progress
	0-9 months You are undertaking the core research training programme and related assessments where applicable. You also begin the process of problem definition: some of your (background) literature review has been completed.
	10-12 months Project definition: a manageable topic and research plan has been agreed with your supervisor. You have determined the scope and depth of your research. You are starting to formulate your hypothesis and identified specific areas for data collection, including any fieldwork. You have the opportunity to resit any assessments you may have failed to pass on the first attempt.
	13-14 months The field and relevant literature have been comprehensively reviewed; relevant contacts including other researchers working in the area have been identified; a draft introductory chapter has been prepared. The research questions or hypotheses, strategy and fieldwork requirements have been developed. The research proposal has been prepared and presented to the Upgrading Panel.
	15 months Further training requirements have been identified. The research strategy is finalised with your supervisor. Data collection begins.
	18 months Data collection is nearly concluded. Any changes or new requirements can be reviewed.
	24-27 months A clear analytical framework has been developed and any problems involved considered. Data collection is completed. The final structure of the planned thesis has been agreed. Further training has been completed.
	28-30 months Review of research so far and timetable for completion and submission has been presented to Review Panel.
	32 months All research material has been gathered and analytical work has been substantially completed.
	34 months Substantial progress has been made in final writing-up of the thesis. You are writing your final conclusions. A mock viva (oral examination) has taken place. Job hunting is underway. Formal registration is finished at 36 months.
	35-38 months Your thesis is submitted and the viva is held.

Disseminating your research

There are many opportunities for networking and disseminating your research. You will be required to attend and present at research seminars organised by the Finance Group. These are normally held every week during term time. You will also be encouraged to attend conferences and seminars and make high level presentations of your research to different audiences. WBS offers a conference travel allowance to all doctoral researchers to enable them to present at conferences.

You will also have the opportunity to interact with other PhDs and researchers through events organised by the Doctoral Programme and WBS.

WBS, Judge at Cambridge, and Said at Oxford work together to hold an annual Spring Doctoral Conference for their doctoral researchers. Each takes turn to hold the conference, which is organised by researchers from the host.

The two-day conference is an opportunity for researchers from the three schools to get together, exchange ideas, and receive feedback on their work. Academic faculty take part in panels, with previous themes including careers and publishing. It is not all work and there is plenty of time to socialize, and an evening dinner event as well.