The Leadership, Management and Strategic Capability (LMSC) group at ÂãÁÄÖ±²¥ 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 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 that are 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.

Our doctoral candidates benefit from supportive supervision by experienced faculty, including both primary and associate supervisors. Your 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. This an ideal pathway for those committed to driving innovation and reform in defence and security leadership and management at the highest levels.

Research thematics

This PhD programme covers a wide mix of areas that matter in defence and security today. It gives you the chance to look into problems that are grounded in the real world, whether that is managing public money, dealing with complex security threats, or understanding how leadership works in difficult environments.

The research themes listed below are not strict categories — they are starting points. There is flexibility to shape your project in a way that reflects your research interests. Your supervisors bring a mix of academic and practical insight, and who are used to working across government, military, and industry settings.

Research Students

Find out more about our current research students and their areas of research.

Mode of study

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. They could undertake their doctoral studies while in full-time employment, either in the United Kingdom or overseas.

How to apply

  1. Initial Contact Interested applicants should first contact Dr Irfan Ansari (i.ansari@cranfield.ac.uk) to discuss potential supervision and research topics before submitting a formal application.
  2. Prepare Application Documents Applicants are required to submit the following as part of their application package:
    • Completed online application form (available via the ÂãÁÄÖ±²¥ applications portal).
    • 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.
  3. 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.

For further application information, please access more details about