All candidates should hold the equivalent of a UK First or Upper Second Class Honours undergraduate degree from an approved university or higher education institution. They should also hold the equivalent of a UK masters degree in business, management, or the social sciences (or related disciplines) from an approved university or higher education institution, with a significant research/dissertation component, having achieved an overall grade of Merit. While neither degree needs to be directly related to your proposed subject/topic of research, you must be able to demonstrate your ability to undertake research, at an advanced level, in this field. Where candidates have successfully completed a masters degree that does not contain a significant research/dissertation component, they may be required to provide alternative evidence of their ability to undertake research at an advanced level.