MRes/PhD frequently asked questions

Find answers to frequently asked questions about MRes/PhD programmes at Warwick Business School, including application requirements, admissions decisions, interviews, offers, enrolment, funding, student visas and accommodation.

For programme specific information, please check the relevant Warwick Business School programme webpages - MRes/Phd Business & Management or MRes/PhD Finance & Economics.

If your question is not answered here, please contact the WBS PhD admissions team phdadmissions@wbs.ac.uk.

Question

Answer

What is the application deadline for WBS MRes/PhD programmes?

The deadline for MRes/PhD Finance & Economics is 30th January 2027, and the deadline for MRes/PhD Business & Management is 13th January 2027.

Submit your application and supporting documents as early as possible. It can take up to 48 hours for an application to reach the department, and technical issues with submission or document uploads may not be resolved before the deadline.

Because places are limited, incomplete applications or applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered.

What documents do I need to apply for an MRes/PhD programme?

• At least one academic reference: [Guide].
- Once an application is submitted, referees will receive an automated email containing a link to upload their reference. The Postgraduate Admissions Service does not follow up with referees, so it is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that references are provided promptly after an application has been submitted.

• Personal statement [Business & Management Guide], [Finance + Economics Guide]

• CV

• Undergraduate Degree transcript and certificate
- Both documents must be in English and confirm final CGPA achieved.

• Postgraduate Degree transcript and certificate
- Both documents must be in English and confirm final CGPA achieved
- If you are currently studying for a master’s degree, an interim transcript showing the marks and modules completed to date must be provided. Should you receive an offer of study, you will be required to submit the final degree transcript and certificate before the programme start date.

• If you are currently studying for a master’s degree, an interim transcript showing the modules and marks completed so far. If you receive an offer, you must provide the final transcript and degree certificate before the programme begins.

• GMAT/GRE Score:
- MRes/PhD Finance and Economics: A GMAT/GRE test score is mandatory and required at time of applying.
- MRes/PhD Business and Management: A GMAT/GRE test score is not formally required for this programme.

• English Language Test Certificate
- The University of Warwick requires all applicants to evidence that their English language capability is of a level that will enable them to succeed on their chosen course of postgraduate study. Therefore, an English language test certificate should be submitted with your application unless you meet the exemption criteria. Further details and accepted English language tests can be found here: English language information and entry requirements. To study at WBS Band B scores must be achieved.

Do I need to submit a research proposal with my MRes/PhD application?

No. A research proposal is not required at the application stage.

Do I need to find a PhD supervisor before applying?

No. Applicants are not selected on the basis of finding a supervisor before applying. During the second year of the MRes, students are allocated a supervisor. A second supervisor is allocated if you are admitted to the PhD.

What is the combined MRes/PhD programme structure?

The combined MRes/PhD programme is structured in two stages. You begin with the MRes, which forms the first two years of the programme and is classified as postgraduate taught study. Subject to meeting the progression requirements, you may then continue to the PhD stage.

You do not apply directly to the PhD programme. During the second year of the MRes, students are allocated a supervisor, and a second supervisor is allocated if they are admitted to the PhD.

Can I apply directly to the PhD programme?

No. Applicants cannot apply directly to the PhD programme as this programme is a combined MRes/PhD.

Is there an application assessment fee for WBS MRes/PhD programmes?

No. There is no application assessment fee.

What should I enter in the funding section of the application form?

WBS Scholarship – fully funded.

What is the University of Warwick GMAT/GRE upload code?

The GMAT/GRE upload code is 0806.

Does the email address I use for my application matter?

Applicants using email servers/providers 126.com, 163.com, Sina.cn and QQ.com may have difficulty receiving email messages from the Admissions Service. Students should use their university email account or Yahoo, Gmail, Hotmail or similar commercial email providers when making an application.