A PhD in Accounting from LSE consists of six coursework units, completed over two years, followed by a thesis which is usually expected to take a further three years.
Accounting, Organisations and Institutions (AOI) Track
This track is devoted to the study of interrelationships between accounting, organisations and institutions.
First year
Foundations in Accounting, Organisations and Institutions
Emphasises the inter-relations between technical, organisational and institutional issues. While some technical accounting knowledge will be helpful, it is not essential and each lecture will provide the necessary technical foundations.
You will also be required to take a number of courses in Methodology.
Fundamentals of Social Science Research Design
Explores design considerations and options across quantitative and qualitative research, including issues of data quality, analysis, reporting and reproducibility. At the end of the course, you will be able to read a wide variety of empirical social science with a critical and balanced perspective and you will be better equipped to implement and make arguments defending the methods you use in your research.
Qualitative Research Methods (or equivalent with permission)
Presents the fundamentals of qualitative research methods. It prepares you to design, carry out, report, read and evaluate qualitative research projects.
Introduction to Quantitative Analysis (or equivalent with permission)
An intensive introduction to quantitative data analysis in the social sciences.
Depending on the previous methods training you have undertaken, you will be allowed to replace one or all of the above listed methods courses with more advanced courses.
In addition, you will be required to complete elective courses to the value of 1.0 unit in relevant fields, e.g.:
Or any other graduate- or research-level course available in the School with permission.
Further training and transferable skills courses:
Topics in Accounting Research (AOI)
Focuses on the institutional and organisational context of accounting practices in their broadest sense. Seminars are generally based on key readings at the interface between accounting, organisation studies, regulation and management. This course is not examined in the first year, but you are required to attend. The course is examined in the second year.
Department of Accounting Research Forums (ARFs)
Accounting, Organisations and Institutions (AOI) Research Seminars and Workshops
Second year
Topics in Accounting Research (AOI)
Research Paper in Accounting
A research paper of between 6,000 and 8,000 words, related to your designated major field, to be submitted at the end of August of the second year.
You will also be required to complete elective courses to the value of 1.0 unit in relevant fields, including more specialised methods training if not taken above, e.g.:
Or any other graduate- or research-level course available in the School with permission.
Further training and transferable skills courses:
Accounting Work in Progress Seminars
This is a non-examined course which all PhD students in Accounting (AOI and EoA tracks) are required to take from Year 2 onwards. You present your work in progress to fellow students and faculty, including drafts/outlines of your Year 2 research paper, and ongoing PhD work thereafter.
Department of Accounting Research Forums (ARFs)
Accounting, Organisations and Institutions (AOI) Research Seminars and Workshops
PhD programme
After meeting the progression requirements, you progress to PhD registration and begin to work on your thesis. You will continue to attend the following seminars and workshops:
Topics in Accounting Research (AOI)
Accounting Work in Progress Seminars
Department of Accounting Research Forums (ARFs)
Accounting, Organisations and Institutions (AOI) Research Seminars and Workshops
You can find the most up-to-date list of optional courses in the Programme Regulations section of the current School Calendar.
You must note, however, that while care has been taken to ensure that this information is up to date and correct, a change of circumstances since publication may cause the School to change, suspend or withdraw a course or programme of study, or change the fees that apply to it. The School will always notify the affected parties as early as practicably possible and propose any viable and relevant alternative options. Note that the School will neither be liable for information that after publication becomes inaccurate or irrelevant, nor for changing, suspending or withdrawing a course or programme of study due to events outside of its control, which includes but is not limited to a lack of demand for a course or programme of study, industrial action, fire, flood or other environmental or physical damage to premises.
You must also note that places are limited on some courses and/or subject to specific entry requirements. The School cannot therefore guarantee you a place. Please note that changes to programmes and courses can sometimes occur after you have accepted your offer of a place. These changes are normally made in light of developments in the discipline or path-breaking research, or on the basis of student feedback. Changes can take the form of altered course content, teaching formats or assessment modes. Any such changes are intended to enhance the student learning experience. You should visit the School’s Calendar, or contact the relevant academic department, for information on the availability and/or content of courses and programmes of study. Certain substantive changes will be listed on the updated graduate course and programme information page.