Magnetic hybrid photocatalysts containing TiO2 nanotube as outer catalytic layer and Fe3O4 as the core, with an amorphous carbon intermediate layer, were synthesised, characterised and applied to degradation of phenol under Xenon lamp irradiation. For the composite, Fe3O4/C microspheres were surrounded by anatase TiO2 nanotubes with a diameter of ∼8–10 nm. Photocatalytic performance of the Fe3O4/C/TiO2 nanotube (FCT-NT) composites was also evaluated and showed enhanced activity superior to commercial P25 and homemade TiO2 particles. The outstanding photocatalytic performance of FCT-NT sample could be attributed to its improved surface area and enhanced capability of optical absorption. Notably, the novel photocatalyst showed excellent magnetic behaviour and could be efficiently separated and collected from the wastewater.