PhDs in Defence and Security: Leadership, Management, Strategy and Resilience

The Leadership, Management and Strategic Capability (LMSC) group at Cranfield University offers PhD programmes for those seeking to lead and innovate in the defence and security sectors. LMSC, recognised for its academic rigour, policy relevance, and real-world impact, has a world-class reputation for delivering doctoral education that integrates intellectual depth with practical application.

We live in an increasingly volatile landscape and this PhD programme offers students the opportunity to study the strategic, organisational, and policy challenges facing defence and security institutions. It equips researchers with analytical tools and critical insight needed to shape future defence policy and practice.

Our research and teaching footprint spans over 100 countries, with past and current PhD students working in senior roles across government ministries, the armed forces, international organisations, and the defence industry. Student research covers an extraordinary range of topics — from defence engagement, humanitarian operations, gender and conflict, and resilience to defence offsets and strategic planning. The programme is deeply relevant to professionals seeking to align their research with real-world responsibilities and career advancement.

Doctoral candidates benefit from supportive supervision by experienced faculty, including both primary and associate supervisors. The PhD journey begins with a one-week induction course, held three times a year — in February, June, and October — offering multiple entry points and providing a strong academic foundation. Each student is guided throughout their doctoral journey through regular progress reviews and continuous mentoring.

Research Themes:
This PhD programme covers a wide mix of areas that matter in defence and security today, including managing public money, dealing with complex security threats, and understanding how leadership works in difficult environments. The research themes are not strict categories — they are starting points. There is flexibility to shape your project in a way that reflects your research interests.

Mode of Study:
Students may register for the PhD programme on either a full-time or part-time basis. Full-time registration is for a duration of three years. Students can be based either at Cranfield Defence and Security in Shrivenham or in their home country. Part-time registration allows for a study period of up to six years. Students are not required to be based at Shrivenham and could undertake their doctoral studies while in full-time employment, either in the United Kingdom or overseas.

Entry Requirements:
Applicants should normally hold a minimum of a UK second-class upper (2:1) undergraduate degree and/or a master's qualification, together with at least five years of relevant professional experience.

Application Documents Required:
- Completed online application form
- Research proposal (approximately 2,000–2,500 words) including: a clearly defined research aim, problem, or question; an explanation of the proposed original contribution to knowledge; a brief review of relevant literature; a summary of intended research methodology and data collection approach; a statement on the policy relevance of the proposed research
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) detailing academic and professional experience
- Degree transcripts and certificates
- Two academic or professional references