Edge Hotel School

Research Degrees

Uncovering experiences to help businesses

The hospitality and tourism sectors are not exempt from the challenges of the 21st century.

From sustainability to visitor experience, and staff wellbeing to problematic tourism, our academics are ready to supervise you in your field of interest.

By carrying out your research degree with us you will contribute solutions towards these issues.

Why do your PhD with us?
  • Utilise our University of Essex facilities and our ‘living laboratory’, Wivenhoe House Hotel
  • Gain your degree at the Best Hospitality School in Europe 2025 (EMCup, 2025)
  • Every PhD student receives £2500 of Proficio funding for skills development and conference attendance.

Areas of research

Our research spans both theoretical and practice-oriented work across hospitality, tourism, and events.

Our research is characterised not only by its thematic diversity but also by the wide range of methodological approaches we employ. Colleagues draw on:

  • Quantitative approaches: statistical and econometric modelling, forecasting simulations, behavioural experiments
  • Qualitative approaches: interviews, ethnography, cultural and textual analysis
  • Mixed-methods: combining surveys, community-based research, and participatory designs
  • Creative/practice-based methods: digital and visual media, event/venue case studies, heritage-based inquiry.

Markets, behaviour & analytics

Our academics can supervise PhD candidates with interests in the following areas:

  • Demand modelling, forecasting, and applied economics
  • Behavioural economics and decision-making in tourism/hospitality
  • Business analytics and data-driven insights
  • Digital marketing and consumer engagement
  • Global market dynamics and competitiveness in events

Service, technology & workforce innovation

Academics in our department have expertise in a range of themes in this area, including:

  • Service innovations and sustainable practices
  • Digital and technological advancements in services and HR
  • Employee and customer experiences in hospitality
  • Workforce skills, qualifications, and professional standards
  • Risk awareness and management in service delivery

Place, culture, sustainability & inclusion

We're working on some of the key challenges of 21st century tourism, with our academics keen to supervise PhDs in the following areas:

  • Tourism development, destination planning, and community-based tourism
  • Poverty reduction and social inclusion through tourism
  • Events, festivals, and venue management as cultural and economic drivers
  • Sustainable tourism: sociocultural, physical, and citizenship dimensions

Supervisors

Next steps

Find out more

To find out more about our research degrees and discuss potential supervisors please email our Director of Postgraduate Research, Dr Mostafa Marghany (mostafa.marghany@essex.ac.uk), to book a consultation meeting held on Fridays between 4pm and 5pm (GMT).

Alternatively you can book a place on one of our open days, where our academic staff will be available to discuss your plans.

Applying

Once you have contacted Mostafa and found a supervisor you can apply online. You will need to include various documents including:

  • A research proposal
  • A CV
  • A personal statement
  • References

Your application will be reviewed by postgraduate admissions and the Director of Postgraduate Research. You may be invited to an interview, held on Zoom, to discuss your research proposal and background.

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Get in touch
Dr Mostafa Marghany Director of Postgraduate Research
Consultation hours: Fridays, 16:00 - 17:00 GMT.