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Postgraduate Study

The BusD is an advanced and ambitious programme that creates impactful research by leveraging the seniority, unique access to context and data, and exceptional experience of its students.

The programme enables students with significant experience at senior executive level to demonstrate an intellectual achievement at the highest level and thereby become better, more effective and more reflective leaders. Students will carry out high-calibre impact-orientated research that is of particular relevance for experienced senior managers at the highest level of the management profession. The degree is relevant to practice, facilitating transformational leadership in organisations. The BusD also emphasises continuing, life-long education.

The workload of the programme is substantial and demanding, as students will carry out their research while embedded within the work environment. Total workload is equivalent to that of a full-time PhD programme.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the programme, students will have:

  • developed a strong awareness of the current academic debates related to their chosen research programme;
  • gained in-depth knowledge of the relevant underlying theories of management;
  • gained practical knowledge of management research through close supervision of their thesis project; and
  • developed strong methodological expertise across a spectrum of research methods and will have applied these methodologies as part of the thesis research project.

Open Days

The University hosts and attends fairs and events throughout the year, in the UK and across the world. We also offer online events to help you explore your options.

Discover Cambridge: Master’s and PhD study webinars

Practical, step-by-step information about preparing a strong application for postgraduate study. Find out more on the Discover Cambridge webpage.

Virtual Postgraduate Open Days

The November Open Days focus on subject and course information. Webinar recordings are available until May.

Events for international students

Join us for Q&A webinars, funding webinars or get in touch with our regional managers. Find out more about events for international students.

For more information about all upcoming events visit our events pages.

Apply Now

Key Information


Michaelmas 2027
Applications open
Sep. 9, 2026
Application deadline
Mar. 25, 2027
Course starts
Oct. 1, 2027
Some courses can close early. See the Deadlines page for guidance on when to apply.
Funding Deadlines
Gates Cambridge US round only
Oct. 14, 2026

These deadlines apply to applications for courses starting in Michaelmas 2027, Lent 2028 and Easter 2028.