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PhD Economics / Overview

Year of entry: 2025

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Streams: The 1+3 stream consists of one year of PhD level teaching followed by 3 years of research. The 1+1+3 stream consists of one year of MSc teaching followed by the 1+3 stream.

High level of performance: At a minimum, applicants must achieve an average of 65% in coursework with no unit marks below 55%, for both the undergraduate and postgraduate taught degrees as well as a 65% mark for the dissertation. Typically, offer holders exceed these standards significantly. Applicants may be required to achieve higher grades and meet additional requirements (see how your application is considered).

Degree Requirement : The economics training applicants have received should be equivalent to that offered at the University of Manchester. Applicants with degrees in quantitative fields other than economics will be considered on a case-by-case basis . We do not normally consider applicants whose previous studies have been in non-quantitative fields. Our criteria are:

• 1+1+3 Stream: applicants must demonstrate high-level performance in a degree equivalent to a BSc or MA in Economics from the University of Manchester.
• 1+3 Stream: applicants must demonstrate high-level performance in a degree equivalent to the training provided in the MSc phase of our PhD programme.

Competition for places on this programme is very high and meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee an offer of admission. Additionally, we reserve the flexibility to determine the appropriate stream (1+3 or 1+1+3) for each applicant. Even if an applicant technically meets the minimum requirements for the 1+3 stream, we may choose to admit them to the 1+1+3 stream based on our academic judgment.

Full entry requirements

Apply online

Please ensure you include all required supporting documents at the time of submission, as incomplete applications may not be considered.

Application Deadlines

Admission to the PhD programme is highly competitive, so please allow as much time as possible to prepare your application, browse our research pages and academics' profiles, and familiarise yourself with the application process and any important deadlines.

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis, but you must submit your application before the deadline below to be considered. You will not be able to apply after this deadline has passed.

• For September 2025 entry: 30 June 2025

It should be noted that the deadlines for funding competitions will often be earlier than the deadline shown above. For internal studentships from the School of Social Sciences, the application deadline is the same as the programme deadline above. However, we reserve the right to close the competition at any stage if all awards have been allocated, so we recommend that you apply as early as possible. If you intend to apply for external funding sources (e.g. ESRC NWSSDTP), you must submit your programme application far enough in advance of the relevant external funding deadlines, which are usually much earlier than the programme deadline listed above.

Programme options

Programme overview

• Join a vibrant and active research hub, with weekly seminars in macroeconomics, economic theory and applied economics.
• Benefit from staff with expertise across all areas of economics.
• We host prestigious events such as the Annual Conferences of the Royal Economic Society and the Summer Meeting of the European Economic Society and the Econometric Society.

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We will be conducting our Humanities PGR virtual open week in October 2024. Find out more about future events and postgraduate research sessions by signing up for our email alerts.

Fees for entry in 2025 have not yet been set. For reference, the fees for the academic year beginning September 2024 were as follows:

• PhD (full-time) UK students (per annum): £4,786 International, including EU, students (per annum): £21,500

Further information for EU students can be found on our dedicated EU page.

Scholarships/sponsorships

There are a range of scholarships, studentships and awards available to support both UK and overseas postgraduate researchers, details of which can be found via the links below.

To apply University of Manchester funding, you must indicate in your application the competitions for which you wish to be considered .

All external funding competitions have a specified deadline for submitting your funding application and a separate (earlier) deadline for submitting the online programme application form, both of which will be stated in the funding competition details below.

You will need to be nominated by your proposed supervisor for a number of our scholarships. Therefore, we highly recommend you discuss these funding opportunities with your supervisor first, so they can advise on your suitability and ensure you meet nomination deadlines.

For more information about funding, visit our funding page to browse for scholarships, studentships and awards you may be eligible for.

• ESRC North West Social Science Doctoral Training Partnership (NWSSDTP) PhD Studentships - Competition Closed for 2024 Entry
• School of Social Sciences Economics PhD Studentships 2024 Entry
• China Scholarship Council - The University of Manchester (CSC-UoM) Joint Scholarship Programme - Competition Closed for 2024 Entry
• Trudeau Doctoral Scholarships 2024 Entry
• PhD Studentship with the Stuart Hall Foundation (Social Sciences) - Competition Closed for 2024 Entry
• Commonwealth PhD Scholarships (High Income Countries)
• Humanities Doctoral Academy Humanitarian Scholarship 2024 Entry
• Commonwealth PhD Scholarships (Least Developed Countries and Fragile States)
• President's Doctoral Scholar (PDS) Awards - Competition Closed for 2024 Entry

Contact details

See: School Subjects

Programmes in related subject areas

Use the links below to view lists of programmes in related subject areas.

• Social Sciences

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You can find regulations and policies relating to student life at The University of Manchester, including our Degree Regulations and Complaints Procedure, on our regulations website .

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PhD in Economics

• Advanced Diploma in Economics
• MPhil in Economics
• MPhil in Economic Research
• MPhil in Finance and Economics
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This is the most advanced programme of graduate studies in Economics at Cambridge. Upon its completion, candidates are awarded a PhD degree for producing a thesis of high-quality, original, and publishable research over a period of four years (full-time) and seven years (part-time).

A good number of our PhD students receive full or partial funding for their studies, from a variety of funding bodies, such as the ESRC and the Gates Foundation .

Our PhD students receive high quality training on a variety of research methods and are exposed to cutting edge research conducted by our own Faculty members, as well visitors to the Faculty (via the Cambridge-INET Institute , seminars, PhD workshops, locally organised conferences, etc.). Faculty members can supervise a wide range of topics from six broadly defined research areas: microeconomic theory, macroeconomics, econometrics, applied microeconomics, economic history and alternative approaches to economics.

PhD students in Cambridge benefit from a high faculty-to-student ratio and therefore form close relationships with many Faculty members. They also forge strong links with our post-doctoral researchers, and they actively participate in the Faculty’s vibrant research life. They have access to a wide range of facilities, such as their own desk/office space in the same building as regular Faculty members, computing equipment, a variety of software and access to a wide range of databases.

PhD students are encouraged to attend academic conferences and showcase their research work in a variety of ways. Upon completions of their studies, many of our PhD students become academics, or researchers at international or government research institutions (see recent job market placements here ).

Explore here the profiles of our current PhD students.

To obtain the degree of PhD in Economics, students need to:

1. Obtain the Certificate of Postgraduate Study (CPGS) . If accepted for the PhD degree, you will be registered initially for the Certificate of Postgraduate Study (CPGS) in Economics. Students registered for the CPGS are required to:

• Attend the 'How to do Economics' lecture course. Other postgraduate courses in research methods are organised by the Schools of Humanities and Social Sciences and the Physical Sciences, and are available to all PhD students.  
• Undertake a minimum of four courses from PhD or MPhil Modules from at least two subject areas. You must achieve a pass mark (60%) on each component of the coursework. Students who fail any examinations will be called for a viva on the coursework.

• Write a research proposal (maximum length 10,000 words) that should include a review of the relevant literature, a research question, and outline of a research design and methods. The expectation is that this proposal will be for a piece of research that could form the basis of one chapter of a PhD dissertation. You will be given an oral examination on this piece of work and must perform to a satisfactory standard.  
• Attend (a) one of the three research workshops (on microeconomics, macroeconomics or econometrics) at which research students present both their own work and recent papers in the literature - assessment of workshops will be arranged by course organisers; (b) attend at least one of the Faculty's general seminars in which papers are given both by outside speakers and Faculty members;  
• To be registered for the PhD submit an acceptable piece of research (first year chapter) of not more than 20,000 words. The piece of research submitted must be of a standard that would enable it to form the basis of one-third of your eventual PhD thesis. This means that it must contain research that could be expanded upon to constitute one-third of the PhD thesis.

2. Once upgraded to PhD status, a student concentrates on her or his PhD dissertation. In general the thesis format is either in the form of a book divided into chapters, or of three or more connected articles; in either case, the Faculty has a strict limit of 60,000 words. As research progresses, there will be opportunities to present work in progress at research workshops attended by Faculty members and research students. PhD students will also be required to attend research seminars given by outside speakers and Faculty members. 

Upon completion and submission of the PhD thesis, students do an oral examination (viva) with two examiners, one internal to the University of Cambridge (not the supervisor or research advisor), and one external (from any other University in the UK or the rest of the world).

After a successful thesis defence, the examiners recommend awarding the degree of PhD.

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PhD Economics

During your PhD programme, you’ll be guided by leading research-active academics with expertise in various fields, including macroeconomics, microeconomic theory, econometrics and applied Microeconomics. These experts will help you delve into comprehensive research and advanced study within these key areas.

Key course information

October 2024 - full-time, october 2024 - part-time, why choose this programme.

We have a reputation as a leading research-intensive department in the UK. In  the 2021 Research Excellence Framework , Economics ranked in the top 10 in the UK for world-leading research. We achieved an overall ranking of 6th for real-world impact and 8th for research environment in REF 2021.

Our doctoral programme starts with the  MRes Economics programme  in the first year, followed by the three-year PhD programme (with the possibility of a one-year extension).

During your PhD programme, you’ll learn from leading research-active academics with expertise in a wide range of areas, including:

• Macroeconomics
• Microeconomic theory
• Econometrics
• Applied microeconomics.

We belong to the South East Doctoral Training Arc (SEDarc), a consortium of six leading UK universities promoting inventive and inclusive social science research training and collaboration, as well as the possibility of funding for your studies.

When you apply to the MRes/PhD course, if you require funding, you will automatically be considered for one of our scholarships. See also  other available scholarships .

We offer generous studentships for the duration of the MRes/PhD course for outstanding candidates.

Programme details Open

What you will study.

Our PhD programme produces graduates who are sought-after by leading economics departments, business schools and research institutions around the world.

Your first year will be spent studying core modules in microeconomics, macroeconomics and econometrics, while working on your research. The final two years of your PhD will be entirely dedicated to independent research, leading to a PhD dissertation.

You’ll also have the opportunity to contribute to the teaching and research activity.

Your first year will be spent studying the core modules below whilst simultaneously working on your research.

• Topics in Empirical Microeconomics
• Topics in Macroeconomics Modelling 1
• Topics in Macroeconometrics .
• Topics in Microeconomic Theory
• Topics in Applied Theory
• Topics in Macroeconomics Modelling 2 .

These modules are correct as of August 2023.

Personal and professional development

We have a package of development opportunities that will boost your research and teaching skills and put you in the best position to secure employment at the end of your course.

In addition to our  Researcher Development Programme , which is provided to all PhD students at the University, we also offer a number of other learning opportunities.

Research assistant opportunities

During your PhD, you’ll have the opportunity to work alongside your research supervisor and other academic colleagues as a paid research assistant. You will be involved in activities such as conducting literature reviews, helping with data analysis and interpretation for current research projects, and you will play an active role in the research community. These activities will typically be more intensive during the summer months.

Graduate Certificate of Higher Education

In the first year of your PhD, you will have the opportunity to enrol on the  PG Certificate in Learning and Teaching in Higher Education  programme offered at Surrey, by our own highly regarded Department of Higher Education. You will learn about pedagogy, practise your teaching skills and receive an internationally-recognised teaching qualification that will allow you to become a member of the Higher Education Academy.

Teaching opportunities

During your PhD, and on successful completion of your teacher training, you will be offered the opportunity to take on a range of paid teaching activities, fully supported by your academic colleagues. These teaching opportunities will further reinforce your personal and academic skills and help to enhance your understanding of your subject area as well as adding significantly to your CV.

Your final assessment will be based on the presentation of your research in a written thesis, which will be discussed in a viva examination with at least two examiners. You have the option of preparing your thesis as a monograph (one large volume in chapter form) or in publication format (including chapters written for publication), subject to the approval of your supervisors.

Stag Hill is the University's main campus and where the majority of our courses are taught. 

Research areas Open

Research themes.

• Behavioural economics
• Big data and resampling techniques
• Choice under uncertainty
• Development economics
• Duration models
• Econometric identification
• Economics of crime
• Education economics
• Empirical revealed preference
• Financial economics
• Games theory
• Health economics
• Heterogeneous agents in macroeconomics
• Labour economics
• Learning and imperfect information in macroeconomics
• Mechanism design
• Models of household decision making
• Network and spatial econometrics
• Optimal taxation
• Quantile regression
• Quasi-experimental methods
• Rational choice theory
• Strategic experimentation
• Strategic voting
• Structural modelling
• The consumer choice model
• The econometrics of auctions.

Research centres and groups

• Applied Microeconomics Group
• Centre for International Macroeconomic Studies  
• Econometrics Group  
• Surrey Energy Economics Centre  
• Theory Group

Academic staff Open

See a full list of all our  economics academic staff .

Support and facilities Open

Research support.

The professional development of postgraduate researchers is supported by the Doctoral College , which provides training in essential skills through its Researcher Development Programme of workshops, mentoring and coaching. A dedicated postgraduate careers and employability team will help you prepare for a successful career after the completion of your PhD.

Hear from our students Open

Stefano Cellini

Student - Economics PhD

"As soon as I decided to apply and began to talk with possible supervisors, I understood that faculty members and PhD students thrive in such a stimulating environment."

Vedanta Dhamija

"Both of my supervisors have been very supportive in my PhD journey. Their expertise in the subject has provided me with valuable insights and I really look up to them as people and as researchers. They have always been around to guide, despite their busy schedules, and at the same time have encouraged me to work independently."

Career opportunities Open

Our PhD students have gone on to academic positions as lecturers and postdoctoral researchers in the UK and overseas, including institutions such as:

• University of Cambridge
• University of Sussex
• University of East Anglia
• European University Institute
• University of Glasgow
• London School of Economics
• University of Texas at Austin.

Our past students have also gone on to take leading positions in international institutions including:

• International Monetary Fund
• European Central Bank
• Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development
• Financial Conduct Authority
• Bank of Canada
• European Investment fund
• Leading think tanks and economic consultancy firms.

Entry requirements Open

Uk qualifications.

Students enrolled in the MRes in Economics at the University of Surrey will automatically receive a conditional offer on application to the PhD during their MRes studies. The condition to progress into the PhD will be to pass the MRes at least with merit (60%).

Applicants from other institutions are expected to hold an MRes degree in a relevant discipline, normally with a first-class honour (or equivalent). A minimum of two referees should be provided with your application. Applicants are also requested to submit a cover letter specifying their motivation to pursue a PhD in Economics at the University of Surrey and highlighting their broad research interests.

GRE criteria

Applicants should also take the GRE exam, unless they have completed a University of Surrey degree or are currently studying with us. Only the Quantitative Reasoning part of the GRE test is compulsory. Applications without evidence of GRE (Quantitative Reasoning) will not be considered.

Please note your GRE exam statement should be less than five years old at the start of the course.

You should arrange for an official certificate of your score to be sent to Admissions of the University from the Educational Testing Service (ETS), as well as entering your scores in the relevant section of the application form.

Please also select the University of Surrey as an official score recipient. You can also find instructions on how to have your scores sent to an institution. The Surrey institution code for the GRE is 3495; no department code is required as the scores are processed centrally.

For more information about the test please see the GRE website or the ETS website.

English language requirements

IELTS Academic:   6.5 or above with a minimum of 6.0 in each component (or equivalent).

These are the English language qualifications and levels that we can accept. 

If you do not currently meet the level required for your programme, we offer intensive pre-sessional English language courses , designed to take you to the level of English ability and skill required for your studies here.

Selection process

Selection is based on applicants:

• Meeting the expected entry requirements
• Being shortlisted through the application screening process
• Completing a successful interview
• Providing suitable references.

Fees and funding Open

Fees per year.

Explore  UKCISA’s website for more information if you are unsure whether you are a UK or overseas student. View the  list of fees for all postgraduate research courses.

• Annual fees will increase by 4% for each year of study, rounded up to the nearest £100 (subject to legal requirements).
• Any start date other than September will attract a pro-rata fee for that year of entry (75 per cent for January, 50 per cent for April and 25 per cent for July).

Additional costs

There are additional costs that you can expect to incur when studying at Surrey.

When you apply, if you require funding, you will automatically be considered for one of our studentships.

A Postgraduate Doctoral Loan can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate doctoral course.

How to apply

The standard entry route to this PhD programme is through the MRes Economics programme .

Application process

Applicants are advised to contact potential supervisors before they submit an application via the website. Please refer to section two of our  application guidance .

After registration

Students are initially registered for a PhD with probationary status and, subject to satisfactory progress, subsequently confirmed as having PhD status.

Apply online

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Economics PhD

Full-time, October 2024

Part-time, October 2024

About the University of Surrey

Accommodation

We have a range of housing to suit all requirements and budgets. There are more than 6,000 rooms available (en-suite, single-sex, studio flat, shared or single).

Student life

At Surrey we offer a friendly university campus set in beautiful countryside, with the convenience and social life of bustling Guildford on your doorstep.

Need more information?

Contact our Admissions team or talk to a current University of Surrey student online.

Code of practice for research degrees

Surrey’s postgraduate research code of practice sets out the University's policy and procedural framework relating to research degrees. The code defines a set of standard procedures and specific responsibilities covering the academic supervision, administration and assessment of research degrees for all faculties within the University.

Download the code of practice for research degrees (PDF) .

Terms and conditions

When you accept an offer to study at the University of Surrey, you are agreeing to follow our policies and procedures , student regulations , and terms and conditions .

We provide these terms and conditions in two stages:

• First when we make an offer.
• Second when students accept their offer and register to study with us (registration terms and conditions will vary depending on your course and academic year).

View our generic registration terms and conditions (PDF) for the 2023/24 academic year, as a guide on what to expect.

This online prospectus has been published in advance of the academic year to which it applies.

Whilst we have done everything possible to ensure this information is accurate, some changes may happen between publishing and the start of the course.

It is important to check this website for any updates before you apply for a course with us. Read our full disclaimer .

Economics PhD programme

Our PhD in Economics is designed to train students for a rewarding career in economic research. With our 5-year programme, students receive rigorous training and sufficient time for producing original research.

Admission to the PhD programme is highly competitive as we typically only admit roughly 8-10 students per year, all of whom are usually funded. We place a high value on attracting the best minds, who will become valued members of our active research environment. Our students typically go on to teaching and research careers in academia, but also to positions in government, research institutions or the private sector.

Full Economics PhD course profile

We have launched a new five-year PhD programme, which consists of two years of coursework, followed by three years of independent research. Our new programme structure is aligned with that of top institutions in the US and the UK, providing students with rigorous advanced training and sufficient time for producing independent research. Furthermore, our training centre is part of the ESRC's accredited  North West Social Science Doctoral Training Partnership (NWSSDTP) .

Over the first two semesters, students take eight courses, including compulsory units in macroeconomics, microeconomics, econometrics and mathematics. In the summer months, students then complete a dissertation, which is the first step towards the preparation of an eventual PhD thesis.

This year of the programme is equivalent to a MSc in economics. Students with a high level of performance in an equivalent degree can enter directly into year 1 of the programme.

In this year, students take advanced PhD-level courses. All students must take core units in macroeconomics, microeconomics, econometrics and research skills. Students must also choose one additional field course. Students may also be allowed to take additional units from one of our partner institutions within the NWSSDTP, from other departments at Manchester, or one of our advanced-level MSc units. There is also the option of taking units in subsequent years.

In addition to coursework, students also prepare a detailed research proposal. Since the research questions described in this proposal and the approach to addressing these questions are a significant part of the training in year 1, students are advised to start working on the research proposal as soon as possible.

Year 2 and beyond

After finishing the coursework, students have three years of independent research, with a possibility of an additional year (for writing up). In this phase, students will work on completing their job market paper, as well as other papers that will be part of their PhD thesis. Students will participate in the  PhD conferences , which consists of both the internal conference and the NWSSDTP conference. Students are also expected to attend regularly  research seminars  in their field and the  Manchester Economic Seminar series .

It is expected that during these three years, students will produce three pieces of substantive work, at least two of publishable quality. Submission to at least one international conference in economics is also expected and highly recommended.

In addition, students must present their work at least once in a weekly  seminar  related to their research area. PhD students also organise a weekly seminar series, and students are expected to attend and present in this seminar series as well.

Supervision

Normally, a student's supervisory team will consist of a main supervisor and a co-supervisor. Students are assigned a supervisory team upon entry into the programme, regardless of point of entry (i.e., year 0 or year 1).

When applying to our PhD programme, students are advised to identify  potential supervisors . Details on recent publications, ongoing projects and research interests are all available on our academics' profiles. Although guarantees cannot be made, we will do our best to match your area of research to the most suitable supervisor.

Your potential supervisor should be able to give you advice on developing your  research proposal , which must be included with your application to the programme.

Almost all of our students receive some form of funding. All of our applicants will be considered for scholarships from the University, which cover tuition fees and include a stipend. There is also the possibility to compete for ESRC funding . To search for current funding opportunities, please use our funding database search tool .

We view teaching experience as an integral part of the PhD programme. Therefore, PhD students are provided the opportunity to work as Graduate Teaching Assistants (which is paid), beginning in their second year.

In recent years, some of our students have completed internships at the European Central Bank and the Bank of England during the course of their studies.

The department provides resources to support students going on the job market. This includes practice interview sessions, as well as introductory talks on the European and American academic job markets. These talks are aimed towards year-five PhD students, but are open to all students.

In recent years, our PhD students have obtained research positions at universities, central banks and policy institutions. Please see a list of our  recent placements .

How to apply

Apply to the Economics PhD programme using the university's  online application system .

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Economics PhD

Our PhD in Economics programme aims to develop rigorous scholars who can advance both academic knowledge and practice in the area of economics.

You are currently viewing course information for entry year:

Start date(s):

• September 2025
• January 2026

Our PhD in Economics is designed to:

• give you greater depth to your professional life
• equip you with the skills necessary to succeed in a knowledge-intensive economy

We are a research-intensive and generalist economics subject group. Our members have specialisation in all three foundational areas of economics. We use both theoretical and applied methods, including:

• microeconomics
• macroeconomics
• econometrics

Our members of staff often publish on a wide range of topics in top generalist and field journals. This includes:

• Economics Journal
• International Economics Review
• Review of Economics and Statistics
• Journal of Economic Theory
• Journal of Economic Growth
• Journal of Development Economics
• Journal of Money, Credit and Banking
• Journal of Health Economics
• Journal of International Money and Finance
• Journal of Financial Stability

Members of the group are part of several funded research projects. These are awarded by research councils and international organisations.

We have a vibrant research community. They organise a rich and regular series of external and internal seminar presentations throughout the year.

As a PhD student, you'll have the opportunity to present your research to colleagues in an informal and encouraging setting.

The economics groups offer supervision across the broad range of:

We have many doctoral students in these areas.

We encourage you to examine the research interests of our Economics staff to find out more about our expertise. We welcome informal enquiries.

Important information

We've highlighted important information about your course. Please take note of any deadlines.

Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to Covid-19.

View our  Academic experience page , which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2024-25.

See our  terms and conditions and student complaints information , which gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.

Related courses

Qualifications explained.

Find out about the different qualification options for this course.

A PhD is a doctorate or doctoral award. It involves original research that should make a significant contribution to the knowledge of a specific subject. To complete the PhD you will produce a substantial piece of work (80,000 – 100,000 words) in the form of a supervised thesis. A PhD usually takes three years full time.

Find out about different types of postgraduate qualifications

How you'll learn

Depending on your modules, you'll be assessed through a combination of:

We offer a wide range of projects for the thesis. These will be provided by our academics. You can also propose your own topic.

Our mission is to help you:

• stay healthy, positive and feeling well
• overcome any challenges you may face during your degree – academic or personal
• get the most out of your postgraduate research experience
• carry out admin and activities essential to progressing through your degree
• understand postgraduate research processes, standards and rules

We can offer you tailored wellbeing support, courses and activities.

You can also access a broad range of workshops covering:

• research and professional skills
• careers support
• health and safety
• public engagement
• academic development

Find out more about our postgraduate research student support

Your development

Along with the training offered at a Faculty level (Humanities and Social Sciences), we offer a series of training and development modules to PhD students. These modules run across the two semesters and include:

• NBS8565 Applied Time Series Econometrics (semester 1)
• NBS8564 Research Practice in Economics and Finance (semester 2)
• NBS8563 Causal Inference and Applied Microeconometrics (semester 2)

The exact mix of modules depends on the research area or topic that a PhD student is focused on as well as on your training needs. The modules should be decided in consultation with your supervisory team.

Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences (HaSS) researcher development programme 

Each faculty offers a researcher development programme for its postgraduate research students. We have designed your programme to help you:

• perform better as a researcher
• boost your career prospects
• broaden your impact

Through workshops and activities, it will build your transferable skills and increase your confidence.

You’ll cover:

• techniques for effective research
• methods for better collaborative working
• essential professional standards and requirements

Your researcher development programme is flexible. You can adapt it to meet your changing needs as you progress through your doctorate.

Find out more about the Researcher Education and Development programme

Doctoral training and partnerships

There are opportunities to undertake your PhD at Newcastle within a:

• Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT)
• Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP)

Being part of a CDT or DTP has many benefits:

• they combine research expertise and training of a number of leading universities, academic schools and academics.
• you’ll study alongside a cohort of other PhD students
• they’re often interdisciplinary
• your PhD may be funded

If there are currently opportunities available in your subject area you’ll find them when you search for funding in the fees and funding section on this course.

The following centres/partnerships below may have PhD opportunities available in your subject area in the future:

• ESRC Northern Ireland/North East (NINE) Doctoral Training Partnership

Your future

Our careers service.

Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ initiative.

Visit our Careers Service website

Quality and ranking

All professional accreditations are reviewed regularly by their professional body

From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK

Check the government’s website for more information .

Newcastle University Business School is one of the largest Schools in the University. We have over 3,500 students representing over 80 nationalities. This valuable network extends beyond our current students to include:

• regional, national and international leaders
• over 34,000 alumni in our network, spanning over 150 countries
• leading professionals and practitioners from industry

The Business School is the gateway to Newcastle Helix - an innovation hub and community that brings together industry leaders, businesses and top researchers.

Our facilities include:

• flexible conference room with panoramic views across the city
• Wi-Fi enabled connectivity throughout the building, including three computer clusters housing over 120 PCs
• four large lecture theatres and over 25 seminar and teaching spaces, providing comfortable teaching and group study space
• dedicated Student Hub and Quiet Space, providing a balanced mix of study space for group work or quiet, individual study
• contemporary café
• employability hub to support your career aspirations
• Bloomberg Room to give you a real feel for the trading room floor
• Experimental and Behavioural Economics Lab, a state-of-the-art research facility for conducting studies in experimental economics and economic psychology

The  Frederick Douglass Centre  at Newcastle Helix also offers further study and learning spaces. This includes a 750 seat auditorium – the largest in the University.

Find out more about Newcastle University Business School

Fees and funding

Tuition fees for 2025 entry (per year), home fees for research degree students.

For 2024-25 entry, we have aligned our standard Home research fees with those set by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) . The standard fee was confirmed in Spring 2024 by UKRI.

For 2025-26 entry, we will be aligning our standard  Home research fees  with those set by  UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) . The standard fee will be confirmed in Spring 2025 by UKRI.

As a general principle, you should expect the tuition fee to increase in each subsequent academic year of your course, subject to government regulations on fee increases and in line with inflation.

Depending on your residency history, if you’re a student from the EU, other EEA or a Swiss national, with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you’ll normally pay the ‘Home’ tuition fee rate and may be eligible for Student Finance England support.

EU students without settled or pre-settled status will normally be charged fees at the ‘International’ rate and will not be eligible for Student Finance England support.

If you are unsure of your fee status, check out the latest guidance here .

Scholarships

We support our EU and international students by providing a generous range of Vice-Chancellor's automatic and merit-based scholarships. See  our   searchable postgraduate funding page  for more information.  

What you're paying for

Tuition fees include the costs of:

• matriculation
• registration
• tuition (or supervision)
• library access
• examination
• re-examination

Find out more about:

• living costs
• tuition fees

If you are an international student or a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland and you need a visa to study in the UK, you may have to pay a deposit.

You can check this in the How to apply section .

If you're applying for funding, always check the funding application deadline. This deadline may be earlier than the application deadline for your course.

For some funding schemes, you need to have received an offer of a place on a course before you can apply for the funding.

Search for funding

Find funding available for your course

Entry requirements

The entrance requirements below apply to 2025 entry.

Qualifications from outside the UK

English language requirements, admissions policy.

This policy applies to all undergraduate and postgraduate admissions at Newcastle University. It is intended to provide information about our admissions policies and procedures to applicants and potential applicants, to their advisors and family members, and to staff of the University.

Download our admissions policy (PDF: 201KB) Other policies related to admissions

Credit transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) can allow you to convert existing relevant university-level knowledge, skills and experience into credits towards a qualification. Find out more about the RPL policy which may apply to this course

• How to apply

Using the application portal

The application portal has instructions to guide you through your application. It will tell you what documents you need and how to upload them.

You can choose to start your application, save your details and come back to complete it later.

If you’re ready, you can select Apply Online and you’ll be taken directly to the application portal.

Alternatively you can find out more about applying on our applications and offers pages .

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Find out about how you can visit Newcastle in person and virtually

Overseas events

We regularly travel overseas to meet with students interested in studying at Newcastle University.

Visit our events calendar for the latest events

• Get in touch

Questions about this course?

If you have specific questions about this course you can contact:

Dr Martí Lopez Andreu - Degree Programme Director

Newcastle University Business School

Telephone: +44 (0)191 208 1709

Contact Newcastle University Business School

For more general enquiries you could also complete our online enquiry form.

Fill in our enquiry form

Our Ncl chatbot might be able to give you an answer straight away. If not, it’ll direct you to someone who can help.

You'll find our Ncl chatbot in the bottom right of this page.

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• How You'll Learn
• Your Development
• Your Future
• Quality and Ranking
• Fees and Funding
• Entry Requirements
• Open days & events

• Schools & departments

Economics PhD with Integrated Study

Awards: PhD with Integrated Study

Study modes: Full-time

Funding opportunities

Programme website: Economics

Introduction to Postgraduate Study at the University of Edinburgh

Join us online on 25 September to learn more about Scotland, the city of Edinburgh and postgraduate study at the University.

Find out more and register

Research profile

Our PhD programme enables you to pursue your academic interests, and learn the latest methods in research, while providing you with thorough training in modern economics.

Research rankings

We have an impressive history of high rankings for our research.

In the most recent Research Assessment Exercise, 25% of our research was judged world-leading in its originality, significance and rigour. A further 45% was judged internationally excellent.

Academic staff profiles

There are 34 staff members and around 30 PhD students. Profiles of all our economics staff and students are available on the economics website:

• Staff and students at the School of Economics

Programme structure

Find out more about compulsory and optional courses.

We link to the latest information available. Please note that this may be for a previous academic year and should be considered indicative.

Training and support

Academic support.

You will be supervised by two faculty members from the School, who will provide academic support and advice on the subject area, methodology and structure of your thesis.

What will I study?

The PhD programme is principally a research degree, but modern economics requires substantial training that exceeds the level of an MSc or other masters study.

In Year 1, you will take 120 credits of advanced research-oriented coursework, with the opportunity to take field courses at the frontier of areas relevant to your research.

Review and progression

Subject to passing an annual review at the end of Year 1, you will proceed to three further years of research, with the possibility of taking a fourth “writing-up” year.

As a postgraduate student at the School of Economics you will be immersed in a rich academic environment and supportive community of staff and students.

You with have all the practical facilities to ensure success in your chosen programme of learning or research.

Career opportunities

Employment opportunities.

While many of our PhD graduates choose to remain in academia as lecturers and researchers, some pursue careers in other sectors.

Recent PhD graduates have found employment as researchers and analysts with:

• Behavioural Insights Team
• Danmarks Nationalbank
• Bank of England
• other private and public organisations

Post-doctoral opportunities

Recent graduates have successfully attained post-doctoral positions at:

• University of Oxford
• King's College London
• London School of Economics and Political Science
• European University Institute

As well as faculty positions at:

• Heriot-Watt University
• Penn State University
• University of St Andrews
• Aarhus University
• Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf

Practical careers support

Our PhD students benefit from the help of our Placement Director in looking for academic jobs.

As well as offering advice and running information sessions, the Placement Director organises practical preparation sessions tailored to the academic job market, such as practice interviews and job talks.

Entry requirements

These entry requirements are for the 2024/25 academic year and requirements for future academic years may differ. Entry requirements for the 2025/26 academic year will be published on 1 Oct 2024.

A UK masters degree with distinction, or its international equivalent, in analytical economics. This degree should be equivalent to that offered by the Scottish Graduate Programme in Economics .

If you do not hold a masters, or if your masters is in another subject, you will not normally be admitted directly to the PhD.

Our programme is designed to enable you to pursue your academic interests, and learn the latest methods in research, while providing thorough training in modern economics. As important as your topic is the ability to match your topic with our supervision team. We will not admit a student, where we cannot provide the very best supervision. Therefore, you should think carefully about whether your topic matches our research interests.

During the application process, you will be asked to provide a research summary that briefly outlines your research interests and why you feel they fit with those of the School.

The criteria we will use to decide upon admission will include:

the quality and rigour of your training in core economics areas.

your performance at undergraduate and postgraduate level

our ability to offer supervision in your chosen area of research

the quality of your research summary and the strength of the match to the research priorities of the School

our assessment of any previous independent work (such as your masters dissertation or extended project)

In exceptional cases, we may consider prior independent research experience as a positive factor for admission.

International qualifications

Check whether your international qualifications meet our general entry requirements:

• Entry requirements by country
• English language requirements

Regardless of your nationality or country of residence, you must demonstrate a level of English language competency at a level that will enable you to succeed in your studies.

English language tests

We accept the following English language qualifications at the grades specified:

• IELTS Academic: total 7.0 with at least 6.5 in reading and listening, and 6.0 in all other components. We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements.
• TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition): total 100 with at least 23 in reading and listening, and 20 in speaking and writing. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
• C1 Advanced ( CAE ) / C2 Proficiency ( CPE ): total 185 with at least 176 in reading and listening, and 169 in speaking and writing.
• Trinity ISE : ISE III with passes in all four components.
• PTE Academic: total 70 with at least 62 in reading and listening, and 59 in each other component.

Your English language qualification must be no more than three and a half years old from the start date of the programme you are applying to study, unless you are using IELTS , TOEFL, Trinity ISE or PTE , in which case it must be no more than two years old.

Degrees taught and assessed in English

We also accept an undergraduate or postgraduate degree that has been taught and assessed in English in a majority English speaking country, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration:

• UKVI list of majority English speaking countries

We also accept a degree that has been taught and assessed in English from a university on our list of approved universities in non-majority English speaking countries (non-MESC).

• Approved universities in non-MESC

If you are not a national of a majority English speaking country, then your degree must be no more than five years old* at the beginning of your programme of study. (*Revised 05 March 2024 to extend degree validity to five years.)

Find out more about our language requirements:

Fees and costs

Scholarships and funding, featured funding.

We offer funding for high quality applicants, although we would encourage you to try and obtained your own funding sources in the first instance.

• School of Economics scholarships
• University of Edinburgh Scholarship Search

Other funding opportunities

Search for scholarships and funding opportunities:

• Search for funding

Further information

• Postgraduate Administrator
• Phone: +44 (0)131 651 1795
• Contact: [email protected]
• School of Economics
• 30/31 Buccleuch Place
• Central Campus
• Programme: Economics
• School: Economics
• College: Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences

Select your programme and preferred start date to begin your application.

PhD with Integrated Study in Economics - 4 Years (Full-time)

Application deadlines.

We encourage you to apply at least one month prior to entry so that we have enough time to process your application. If you are also applying for funding or will require a visa then we strongly recommend you apply as early as possible.

• How to apply

You must submit two references with your application.

See our supervisors and their areas of research:

• Economics staff

Before applying for a PhD with us, please send us an enquiry email so we can assist you and give you the best advice.

Find out more about the general application process for postgraduate programmes:

Department of Economics and Related Studies

iPhD in Economics

Join an internationally-recognised and vibrant community, and develop key skills for your future career in economics research.

Take an integrated research degree in Economics and make your mark on the field through original research, supported by taught modules and training.

Your research

This is a four-year postgraduate programme that combines taught modules in Year 1 with an independent research project from Year 2. Your research project includes a written dissertation with original work adding new knowledge.

Postgraduate research provides opportunities to develop your academic, creative and practical skills. You'll work independently, supported by a vibrant department that balances innovation and scholarship.

As part of your application, you'll be interviewed by one or two academic staff members, including your prospective supervisor(s) . The interview will last around 30 minutes to an hour, with plenty of time for you to ask questions and find out what York has to offer.

You’ll receive support from leading academics in the discipline, ensuring you feel part of our community from the start. 

[email protected]

Related links

• Research degree funding
• Accommodation
• International students
• Life at York
• How to apply

We're joint 14th in the UK

for research in the Times Higher Education ranking of the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021.

Committed to equality

We hold an Athena Swan Bronze Award, in recognition of our continued commitment to gender equality.

Pioneering academics

making groundbreaking contributions in areas including economic theory, econometrics, finance and macroeconomics.

Taught modules

In your first year, you’ll take a range of assessed modules. Taught modules will challenge you to use advanced knowledge of economic theory within and across specialist fields. You’ll learn how to develop and apply research methods, and engage critically with research literature. You must pass these taught modules in order to progress to the second year of your PhD.

You'll study a range of core and optional modules:

Core modules

• Microeconomics for Research
• Econometrics for Research
• Mathematical Research Methods
• Quantitative Research Methods
• Macroeconomics for Research

Option modules

• Health Economics for Research
• Asset Pricing

You'll also have the opportunity to study other option modules from our MSc programmes .

From Year 2, you will begin to pursue your research project, culminating in the submission of a doctoral thesis. This course includes an additional, optional ‘write up’ year following the end of the formal registration period.

• Advanced Macroeconomics 1
• Advanced Microeconomics
• Applied Microeconometrics
• Clinical Decision Analysis
• Continuous Time Finance & Derivative Assets
• Corporate Finance
• Dissertation
• Econometrics 1
• Emerging Markets Macroeconomics
• Evaluation of Health Care
• Financial Engineering
• Financial Markets
• Financial Risk Management
• Health & Development
• Health Economics
• Advanced Macroeconomics 2: International Finance and Trade
• Management Decision Analysis
• Development Economics: Theory & Evidence
• Investment & Portfolio Management
• Public Sector Economics: Microeconomic Applications
• Statistics & Econometrics
• Public Policy Analysis
• Theory of Finance
• Time Series
• Topics in Financial Econometrics
• Econometric Methods of Research
• Applied Microeconomics 1
• Econometrics 1 & 2
• Design & Analysis of Mechanisms & Institutions
• Fixed Income Securities
• Applied Microeconomics 2
• Evaluation of Health Policy
• Applied Quantitative Research Methods
• Money & Banking

Please note these modules may be subject to change at any time.

iPhD Health Economics Pathway

We offer a Health Economics variant of the iPhD in Economics.

The programme runs in the same way, but in Year 1 you'll take Health Economics for Research as a core module. Macroeconomics for Research will be available as an option module rather than core module for students on this pathway.

If you are interested in the Health Economics variant, please state this within your application.

Explore funding for postgraduate researchers and wider postgraduate support.

Supervision

We'll help match your research interests to our supervisory expertise. You'll have regular meetings with your supervisor(s) during each semester.

Training and support

When you study with us, you’ll be asked to join at least one of our  research clusters and become a student associate. You’ll play an active role in the meetings, seminars and workshops, developing transferable skills for your future career. You’ll be assigned either one or two personal supervisors throughout your research degree, with support from a Thesis Advisory Panel (TAP).

We provide training which will equip you with the skills to support your growing expertise. You’ll have access to department-run training workshops, previous examples of which have included:

• Academic Writing (Professor Cheti Nicoletti)
• Conferences (Professor Andrew Jones)
• PhD Exams/Viva (Professor Peter Smith)
• Presentations (Dr Jorgen Kratz)
• Publishing in Economics Journals (Professor Zaifu Yang)
• The PhD Job Market (Dr Peter Wagner)

Teaching opportunities

We offer our PhD students the chance to become paid graduate teaching assistants (GTAs). The role can provide you with financial support towards the completion of your degree and develop your communication and teaching skills.

All offer holders and current students are invited to apply for GTA positions via email each July.

Course location

This course is run by the Department of Economics and Related Studies.

You’ll be based in the Department of Economics and Related Studies on Campus West. You'll need to be on campus regularly during your first year to attend taught assessments.

Your PhD can be studied through distance learning from Year 2 onwards, subject to supervisory approval. If you would like to be considered for distance learning, please inform your prospective supervisor(s) during your online interview, and our Postgraduate Research Administrator, Maigen Savory ( [email protected] ).

Entry requirements

Applicants to the iPhD in Economics are usually required to hold a Bachelors degree in Economics with a 2:1 or 1st class honours (or overseas equivalent), and an MSc in Economics or a closely related discipline, with a high average mark (60% or above, including at least 60% in the dissertation component).

English language requirements

If English is not your first language you must provide evidence of your ability.

Check your English language requirements

Apply for the iPhD

Take a look at the supporting documents you may need for your application.

Find out more about how to apply .

Research proposal

You’ll submit a research proposal alongside your application. Your research proposal should be no longer than 2,000 words, and provide details on:

• Your main research question
• The relevant literature and your planned contribution to the current research in the area
• The econometric and/or theoretical modelling methods you plan to use
• Your data source(s) if you plan on conducting empirical research

Before submitting your proposal, we advise you to check that your research fits the Department’s research interests. As part of your application, please nominate at least one preferred supervisor. 

Visit our research page

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We offer a range of campus accommodation to suit you and your budget, from economy to deluxe.

Discover more about our researchers, facilities and why York is the perfect choice for your research degree.

Graduate Research School

Connect with researchers across all disciplines to get the most out of your research project.

Meet us online or on campus

Find out all you need to know about applying to York

Scholarships

Find scholarships to support your studies

• Durham University
• Student Gateway
• Staff Gateway

PhD in Economics

The Economics PhD program at Durham offers a rigorous research training program and provides you with the opportunity to become an expert in your chosen field in economics.

Our experts in the Economics Department work on exceptionally diverse areas of economics, and publish in top journals such as The Review of Economic Studies , Economic Journal , Journal of Economic Theory or Science . We, therefore, offer you the opportunity to pursue your PhD research on various economics topics, including (but not limited to) microeconomics, econometrics, experimental economics or climate and environmental economics.

You will spend three years of supervised research (full-time), followed by one additional writing-up year, if needed. You will receive close guidance and mentorship from a team of supervisors who are experts in their field. You will be an integral part of the Department’s research activities, including attending our weekly departmental seminars that attract internationally renowned speakers. We also encourage and support you to present your PhD research at national and international conferences, and submit for journal publications.

Funding opportunities

We offer a range of scholarships for our PhD students. Please regularly check this website as details of new scholarship opportunities will be frequently updated throughout the academic year.

Apply for a fully funded PhD in Economics, Durham University

The Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) NINE DTP studentships .

The ESRC offers a range of studentships available for a 3-year PhD, or a Masters by Research and PhD (1+3 year), or a 3.5-year PhD plus research training.

Durham-Chinese Scholarships Council (CSC) studentships .

The scholarships are open to applicants from Mainland China wishing to study for a PhD at Durham. There are 20 awards available in all disciplines.

Durham Doctoral Teaching Fellowship (DDTF)

The Economics Department at Durham University Business School is very pleased to offer a Durham Doctoral Teaching Fellowship (DDTF) for those who qualify as home fee paying students. We encourage applications from PhD candidates aspiring an academic career. 

The purpose of the DDTF is to support the successful Fellow in producing a high-quality PhD thesis while at the same time acquiring teaching skills that will enhance the Fellow’s career progression. For more information, please contact our PhD Coordinator at [email protected]  

For further enquiries, please contact us via email at [email protected] . 

Economics PhD

Most students complete this programme in 4 years full-time.

Undertake original research in a department with a strong international reputation and develop your qualitative and quantitative research skills.

Department of Economics research activities cover all the mainstream fields of economics, such as:

• economic theory
• econometrics

Graduate prospects

Our graduates have gone on to work in places as diverse as:

• Barclays Bank
• Guandong University of Technology
• Office for National Statistics
• Imperial College London
• Indonesian Central Bank
• Ford Motor Company in Shanghai
• Plymouth Marine Laboratory

Find out what our research graduates go on to do

Department of Economics

• Programme structure

Most students complete this programme in 4 years. You cannot take less than 2 years to finish your research and the maximum time you are allowed is normally 4 years.

You may start this programme at any time. Most students start in September.

Occasionally we make changes to our programmes in response to, for example, feedback from students, developments in research and the field of studies, and the requirements of accrediting bodies. You will be advised of any significant changes to the advertised programme, in accordance with our Terms and Conditions.

Your academic progress and general welfare will be monitored by your supervisor.

Academic milestones

• Registration
• Candidature
• Confirmation
• Give notice of intention to submit a thesis / portfolio
• Submission for examination
• Examination (Viva Voce)
• Examiners report
• Final submission of thesis / portfolio
• Programme content
• Doctoral skills online
• Doctoral skills workshop
• Research project
• Supervisory team

Research content

The department has an active PhD community and team of academic staff, with their own individual research topic areas.

As a department, we aim to involve PhD students in our areas of expertise. This provides you with a strong environment in which to pursue your research, and receive encouragement and help with publication. You will also be encouraged to present your work both within the department and, when possible, at international conferences.

Here are some topics our current students are researching

Professional Development

Professional development is a crucial element of doctoral study, not only in supporting your research but also as part of your longer term career development. Our DoctoralSkills workshops and courses will help you build your skills and help you succeed in your doctorate.

Read more about professional development support

Assessment methods

Assessment description.

Students are expected to carry out supervised research at the leading edge of their chosen subject, which must then be written-up as a substantial thesis.

The final stage of the PhD degree is the viva voce examination, in which students are required to defend their thesis to a Board of Examiners.

• Entry requirements

Academic requirements

A strong academic background in a field relevant to the proposed research - specifically, a 2:1 or higher Bachelor degree with honours (or equivalent). Applicants should also have, or expect to have by the beginning of the course, a Masters degree (or equivalent) with Merit or higher, in economics or in a related area.

A strong performance at the Masters level may compensate for a weaker one at the Bachelor’s level. Students may apply to one of the department’s Masters programmes prior to commencing a research degree.

English Language requirements

You will normally need one of the following:

• IELTS: 7.0 overall with no less than 6.5 in all components
• The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): 69 with no less than 62 in any element
• TOEFL IBT: 100 overall with a minimum 24 in all 4 components

You will need to get your English language qualification within 24 months prior to starting your course.

If you need to improve your English language skills before starting your studies, you may be able to take a pre-sessional course to reach the required level.

Two references are required. At least one of these should be an academic reference.

• Fees and funding

Fees and funding information for Economics PhD

Your tuition fees and how you pay them will depend on whether you are a Home or Overseas student.

Learn how we decide fee status

Tuition fees are liable to increase annually for all University of Bath students. If you aren't paying your fees in British pounds, you should also budget for possible fluctuations in your own currency.

Find out more about student fees

Funding options

Find funding for doctoral research

Payment options

You can pay your tuition fees by Direct Debit, debit card, credit card or bank transfer.

Paying your tuition fees

• Application information
• Programme title Economics PhD
• Final award PhD
• Mode of study Full-time
• Course code RHES-AFM02
• Department Department of Economics
• Location University of Bath Claverton Down, Bath BA2 7AY

3 months prior to the intended start date (for international applicants) or 2 months prior to the intended start date (for home applicants). For example, for an end of September start, the deadline is 30 June (international) and 31 July (home).

• Regulator The Office for Students (OfS)

Applicant profile

We are looking for individuals who have a Masters degree with a strong component in Macroeconomics/Finance, Microeconomics and Econometrics.

In order to do a PhD you must have a clearly identified research topic. Ideas for research topics can come from journals, books, etc. It should be in an area which interests you. It might be something of considerable current concern, a new aspect of something on which a lot of work has been done, or a completely new idea. In any case, your work should provide some new insights. It should eventually prove publishable, either as a book or a series of journal articles.

Your project outline should lay out in depth the topic you wish to study, refer to any existing literature on the subject and emphasise why you feel it an important and interesting area. If there are any data requirements, you should specify exactly how you intend acquiring the data, and subsequently what techniques you intend to apply to the data. Vague generalities (such as 'I intend to use modern econometric techniques to analyse the data') are not sufficient. Specify exactly what techniques you intend to use.

There is some flexibility to change the direction of your research once here, indeed this is quite common. Nonetheless, the clearer the ideas are at the outset, the more rapid your progress will be to successful completion.

See our guide about how to apply for doctoral study

Selection process

The selection process is done via vetting an applicant's academic background (where and on which subject the candidate obtained their undergraduate and Masters degree), plus a telephone interview with at least one member of the candidate's potential supervisory team.

Immigration requirements

If you are an international student, you can find out more about the visa requirements for studying in the UK .

For additional support please contact the Student Immigration Service for matters related to student visas and immigration.

• Programme enquiries

Doctoral Admissions

• Apply for this programme
• Related programmes
• Economics PhD part-time

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PhD in Economics

Applicants who wish to be considered for a department of economics scholarship need to apply before april 15th,  2023., structure of the phd programme.

In the first year of the Programme students are required to take Advanced Research Methods in Economics and strongly recommended to take Advanced Research Training in Microeconomics, Advanced Research Training in Macroeconomics and Advanced Research Training in Econometrics. Depending on their needs doctoral researchers could substitute one course (other than Advanced Research Methods in Economics) with another from the Department’s suite of  MSc Programmes .

Students are required to achieve a high standard in the examinations held at the end of the first semester in order to proceed to the research phase of their PhD.  

• Economics PhD details

By the end of the second semester first year PhD students will have completed, as part of the course in Advanced Research Methods, a 10,000 word research proposal that they will present at a PhD workshop. This research proposal forms the basis for supervised research over the remaining two years of the Programme and ultimately, the production of the 80,000 word PhD thesis. Full time students must finish all substantive research within three years and submit their thesis within four years (the end of the ‘writing up’ year).

View Doctoral Researcher profiles  for the Department of Economics, as well as other departments within the Business School.

Supervision

As a research student your key relationship will be with your supervisors. You will be allocated a main supervisor, a second supervisor and a mentor who can give you independent advice on a range of matters. You will meet with your supervisors regularly to discuss your PhD. Your supervisory team will provide timely oral and written feedback on your research. As a PhD student you can expect to meet with your supervisors at least once every four weeks and to meet your mentor whenever required.

How to apply

You are encouraged to apply online. You will be required to supply a covering letter, your academic transcript, evidence of English Language ability (if applicable), two academic references and a short research proposal 3 to 4 pages in length. The objective of the research proposal is to ensure that suitable PhD supervisors are available to supervise you in your chosen field and also to assist the selection committee in identifying candidates who are already able to structure a Programme of research and who can demonstrate an awareness of the key research papers. The PhD proposal should be your own work and is subject to checking.  

The decision process can take up to four weeks if, for example, your PhD applications is thought to be promising but a particular supervisor is for whatever reason unable to accept you as a student and an alternative has to be found. In such instances the Department will write to you and explain the delay.  

It is now the policy of the Department to interview all candidates before making them an offer of a place on the PhD Programme. In most cases this will take the form of a telephone interview or an email exchange intended to clarify aspects of the student’s application or explore further the student’s research interests and discuss sources of funding. The Department wishes to make sure that Birmingham is the appropriate choice for any students to whom it makes an offer. 

The Department accepts PhD applications throughout the year. However, students who apply later than the middle of August may find that there is insufficient time for the Department to evaluate the application and, if we make an offer, for the student to complete all the necessary formalities (particularly if the student is from outside the EU). Late applicants are likely to be offered admission to the PhD Programme in the following year. Note that students must commence the PhD Programme at the beginning of the first semester i.e. at the end of September. PhD students are not permitted to start their studies at any other time of the year.

PhD students are expected to participate to the fullest possible extent in the life of the Department. This means taking part in the Department’s regular internal and external seminars, as well as miscellaneous events organised by the various research groups. All students are required to attend the weekly PhD workshop. Once a year students are required to present their work to the PhD workshop and can expect to receive lively feedback from members of staff not directly involved in the student’s supervision. 

PhD students are expected to stay informed about the activities of professional bodies and societies. As a PhD student you should be prepared to take advantage of relevant workshops and conferences in other Universities since these provide an excellent opportunity to network and meet leading international researchers. Generous funding is available to all PhD students to promote participation in external activities. 

If appropriate for their research PhD students have the opportunity to spend part of their studies in top Chinese and Korean University as part of a formal exchange agreement, as well as to participate with the Universitas 21 network of research led universities, of which Birmingham is a member. 

Entry requirements

Admission to the PhD Programme requires an MSc degree in Economics, or some closely related discipline e.g. Finance, from a respected academic institution and with an average mark of at least 65 percent. In some instances the Department will make its offer of admission to the PhD Programme conditional on an applicant’s exam results. This offer is then made firm as soon as the terms of the offer have been met.

Fees and Scholarships

PhD students in Economics pay standard fees over the course of the 3 year Programme. 

Scholarships

It is likely that the Department will have at least two fully funded ESRC scholarships. These offer the payment of fees and generous maintenance grants of circa £16,500 per annum. These are available to students from both inside and outside the EU. There are moreover no restrictions on the area of research. There are however strict deadlines regarding the application process. Applications must be received by 9 December 2013. Competition for these scholarships is intense and those hoping to obtain one of these awards will need to have an outstanding academic transcript. 

At the time of writing it also appears likely that the Department will be in a position to offer a number of PhD scholarships tied to research in a particular area. These also offer the payment of fees and generous maintenance grants of circa £16,500 per annum. When these have been finalised they will be posted on the website (please keep checking – we anticipate that further information will be available by the middle of November). 

The Business School also offers a number of student bursaries offering the payment of fees but without maintenance. The precise deadline for applications is yet to be announced but is likely to be in March (please keep checking the website). 

You must explicitly state that you wish to be considered for scholarships otherwise we will assume that you have private means of support. The Department will automatically shortlist candidates on the basis of academic merit and submit these applications to a panel for further evaluation. We will inform you if you have been successful (no further action is required on your part). If in the meantime you decide to take up the offer of another institution it is important that you inform the Department at the earliest possible opportunity, otherwise you risk depriving another student of financial support. 

Finally, the University of Birmingham itself also offers a number of scholarships to PhD students through the Graduate School. Competition for these scholarships is similarly intense. To obtain further information on these scholarships applicants should visit the Graduate School website.

Teaching opportunities

The Department relies heavily on its PhD students to serve as class teachers. PhD students are permitted to teach undergraduate and taught postgraduate courses up to an average of 6 hours per week. A student teaching up to the permitted maximum can expected to defray a considerable proportion of their annual fees. PhD students are however not normally permitted to teach in the first year of the PhD Programme. Furthermore class teachers are required to undergo training and are screened for suitability as class teachers. Although the majority of PhD students serve as class teachers the availability of teaching cannot therefore be guaranteed. For this reason applicants to the PhD Programmes must not rely on class teaching in order to cover their fees or maintenance.

Visiting students

Apart from admitting its own PhD students the Department occasionally accepts visits from PhD students enrolled at other Universities. Applications which are not targeted to specific members of staff and which are not supported by existing links between members of staff between Birmingham and the host institution are however unlikely to succeed. Applications for visitor status should send a detailed research proposal to the Director of the PhD Programme. Visitors are liable to pay a bench fee whose value is linked to the duration of the visit. .

Frequently asked questions

Does the Department offer part time PhDs or part time external PhDs?

Because of the existence of the taught component the first year of the PhD Programme is open only to full time students. It may however be possible to transfer to part time status for the second and third year of the PhD Programme. There are now strict requirements about part time external PhD students. Please contact the Director of the PhD Programme for details. 

How should I structure my research proposal?

The research proposal should extend to no more than 3 or 4 pages. It should pinpoint a number of closely related research questions, identify the relevant literature and provide an explanation of the manner in which the research will contribute to the stock of knowledge (a fundamental requirement for a PhD). The research proposal should further explain what techniques and / or data you anticipate using and also provide a plan for completion within three years. The PhD proposal should be your own work and is subject to checking. It might be helpful to explain in a covering letter precisely why you feel that Birmingham is a suitable place for your proposed PhD e.g. you wish to study under the supervision of a particular member of staff. 

Can I change my research or am I tied to studying what I said I would in my PhD research proposal?

Unless your source of funding specifically binds you it is possible to change your research topic at up to the end of the first semester subject to approval and being able to find suitable supervisors. 

Can I defer admission? 

Once you have been accepted onto the PhD Programme it is normally possible to defer admission to the next academic session. This is subject to the approval of both the Director of the PhD Programme and the two supervisors. .

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• Entry year 2024 or 2025
• Duration Full time 4 - 5 years

Top reasons to study with us

11th for Research Quality for Economics

The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide (2024)

11th for Economics in the UK

QS World University Rankings (2023)

Lancaster University is top 10 in The Complete University Guide 2025

As the most research-intensive business school in the UK, according to the latest Research Excellence Framework , there really is no better place to gain a deeper insight into economics.

In our quadruple-accredited, world-ranked Management School, you can benefit from excellent academic supervision, interact with respected economists and be part of a thriving research community of staff and students. We aim to prepare you for a successful research-driven career in academia, government, research organisations, or business.

Our main specialisms are Behavioural and Experimental Economics; Labour, Education and Health Economics; Macroeconomics and Financial Markets; Political Economy and International Trade, and Industrial Organisation and Economic Theory. We also host LExEL (a modern experimental lab) and the UK Housing Market Observatory . Please read our research and supervisor pages to match your research interests to available supervisors.

As well as a traditional four-year PhD programme, we also offer an integrated PhD of a one-year Master's followed by four years of doctoral study. Management School and Economic and Social Research Council scholarships are available.

As a student in our department, you will have access to advanced research training courses delivered by us and the ESRC-funded North West Social Science Doctoral Training Partnership (NWSSDTP). These courses are continually updated to remain at the forefront of research.

You will benefit from close research supervision and feel an active member of the department’s research environment by attending a vibrant weekly seminar series, research workshops and conferences. You will also have access to state-of-the-art databases, dedicated office space, scientific computing facilities and IT support. In addition to your thesis, an oral examination will form an integral part of the assessment of your doctoral research.

Programme Structure

This is a four-year programme. The first year includes a range of advanced modules, which are delivered by the Department or by our ESRC NWSSDTP partners at the Universities of Manchester and Liverpool.

The final three years of the PhD programme are dedicated to full-time research for the completion of the doctoral thesis. Upon completion of the programme, you should have a thorough understanding of economic theory and its applications, as well as an ability to think critically about, and apply quantitative methods to, economic problems.

Typical PhD Modules

• Research Skills for Economists
• Microeconometrics
• Applied Macroeconomics
• Microeconomics

After completing the taught component of the programme, those students who perform well and pass qualifying coursework and examinations proceed to develop a substantive research proposal (ECON880) under the guidance of their supervisory team. The research proposal is essentially a preliminary draft of the student’s first research paper, which builds upon the advanced research training undertaken throughout the year (especially the Research Skills module). Students defend their research proposal in an upgrade/confirmation panel that takes place in September.

Research Focus

During your final three years, you will focus almost entirely on research and work on your research papers/chapters. You will be encouraged and financially supported to present your work in seminars, conferences and workshops to obtain feedback, interact with other researchers and establish research networks. If deemed beneficial by the supervisory team, you can also participate in NWSSDTP Economics modules, which you didn't take in the first year, and attend courses, masterclasses and workshops outside the NWSSDTP Economics pathway.

In your final year, you will be expected to complete your main research paper, the job market paper, and start preparing for the following year’s job market. The Department supports you during this stage through introductory talks, mock interviews and job market presentations.

Research activities

Departmental Seminars, Workshops and Conferences

The Department runs three weekly seminar series: an internal, a PhD, and an external. These seminar series provide an invaluable opportunity for PhD students to be exposed to cutting-edge research in their field, present their work and obtain feedback. The Department also organises conferences and workshops that PhD students are invited to attend. Visit our events for more information .

NWSSDTP PhD Conference in Economics

Every year in May, the Departments of Economics of the Universities of Lancaster, Liverpool and Manchester organise the NWSSDTP PhD Conference in Economics. This two-day event consists of keynote speeches by prominent economists, presentations from PhD students from the three institutions, and a conference dinner. Past keynote speakers include Professor Jeffrey Wooldridge from Michigan State University, Professor Daniel S. Hamersmesh from the University of Texas at Austin, Professor Rachel Griffith from the University of Manchester, and Professor Ed Karni from Johns Hopkins.

NWSSDTP Summer School in Economics

The NWSSDTP Summer School is an intensive, one-week event that consists of a series of lectures and seminars/labs taught by world-leading academics. It provides an excellent opportunity for PhD students to further enhance their skills and knowledge in a specific area of economics/econometrics, and it facilitates interactions across PhD students, faculty and course lecturers.

Research partnerships

The Department has strong links with non-Higher Education Institutions (HEI) and several of our PhD students have worked on research projects in collaboration with these organisations. Below is a list of our non-HEI partners together with current and past PhD projects.

• Department of Work and Pensions, “Child Support and Separation: Effects on Parents and Children”
• Bank of England, “Housing Markets and the Macroeconomy”
• Gambling Commission, “Understanding Gambling”
• Department of Business Innovation and Skills, “Drivers of Efficiency in Higher Education”
• Office of Manpower, Economics “Labour Supply and Incentives in the Medical Profession”
• RAND Europe, “Alcohol, Habits and Prices”
• Department of Business Innovation and Skills, “The Returns to Higher Education: Some Further Analysis”
• The Work Foundation, “Transitions from Schools and Youth Unemployment”

Research Training Seminars

There are two compulsory seminars in the first term, which include an online test:

• Ethics and Research

Your department

• Economics Lancaster University Management School
• Make an enquiry form
• Telephone +44 (0)1524 592938

Entry requirements

Academic requirements.

A relevant UK Master's degree with the minimum of 65% overall and 65% in the dissertation, or a non-UK Master's degree, graded at the equivalent level.

We may also consider non-standard applicants, please contact us for information.

If you have studied outside of the UK, we would advise you to check our list of international qualifications before submitting your application.

Additional Requirements

As part of your application you also need to provide a viable research proposal of up to 5000 words which has potential to make a significant contribution to prior literature. Guidance can be found on our writing a research proposal webpage.

English Language Requirements

We may ask you to provide a recognised English language qualification, dependent upon your nationality and where you have studied previously.

We normally require an IELTS (Academic) Test with an overall score of at least 7.0, and a minimum of 6.0 in each element of the test. We also consider other English language qualifications .

If your score is below our requirements, you may be eligible for one of our pre-sessional English language programmes .

Contact: Admissions Team +44 (0) 1524 592032 or email [email protected]

Fees and funding

General fees and funding information

Additional fees and funding information accordion

There may be extra costs related to your course for items such as books, stationery, printing, photocopying, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits. Following graduation, you may need to pay a subscription to a professional body for some chosen careers.

Specific additional costs for studying at Lancaster are listed below.

College fees

Lancaster is proud to be one of only a handful of UK universities to have a collegiate system. Every student belongs to a college, and all students pay a small College Membership Fee which supports the running of college events and activities. Students on some distance-learning courses are not liable to pay a college fee.

For students starting in 2024, the fee is £40 for undergraduates and research students and £15 for students on one-year courses. Fees for students starting in 2025 have not yet been set.

Computer equipment and internet access

To support your studies, you will also require access to a computer, along with reliable internet access. You will be able to access a range of software and services from a Windows, Mac, Chromebook or Linux device. For certain degree programmes, you may need a specific device, or we may provide you with a laptop and appropriate software - details of which will be available on relevant programme pages. A dedicated IT support helpdesk is available in the event of any problems.

The University provides limited financial support to assist students who do not have the required IT equipment or broadband support in place.

For most taught postgraduate applications there is a non-refundable application fee of £40. We cannot consider applications until this fee has been paid, as advised on our online secure payment system. There is no application fee for postgraduate research applications.

For some of our courses you will need to pay a deposit to accept your offer and secure your place. We will let you know in your offer letter if a deposit is required and you will be given a deadline date when this is due to be paid.

The fee that you pay will depend on whether you are considered to be a home or international student. Read more about how we assign your fee status .

If you are studying on a programme of more than one year’s duration, tuition fees are reviewed annually and are not fixed for the duration of your studies. Read more about fees in subsequent years .

Scholarships and bursaries

You may be eligible for the following funding opportunities, depending on your fee status and course. You will be automatically considered for our main scholarships and bursaries when you apply, so there's nothing extra that you need to do.

Unfortunately no scholarships and bursaries match your selection, but there are more listed on scholarships and bursaries page.

If you're considering postgraduate research you should look at our funded PhD opportunities .

We also have other, more specialised scholarships and bursaries - such as those for students from specific countries.

Browse Lancaster University's scholarships and bursaries .

Similar courses

• Economics MSc
• Economics PhD (Integrated)
• Money, Banking and Finance MSc

Find a PhD topic

Discover the research interests of our academics to find a synergy with your desired area of research.

Studentships and funding

Find out more about our range of options to help you fund your postgraduate studies.

Departmental scholarships

Economics phd scholarship accordion.

The Department of Economics invites applications for a funded PhD studentship within the nascent field of Neuroeconomics.

The post-holder will engage in 4-year, full-time Economics PhD training from October 1, 2024, under the primary supervision of Professor Carlos Alós-Ferrer . The studentship covers tuition fees for four years and includes a generous living allowance. The successful candidate will need to be familiar with data analysis or formal-analytical modelling. Programming skills are a plus. Applicants should typically have or be on track to obtain an MSc in Economics, Psychology, Mathematics, or a related field, but candidates with other quantitative backgrounds could be considered.

The PhD project is interdisciplinary and will require the post-holder to work across disciplines (economics, psychology, decision neuroscience, or mathematics, depending on the post-holder’s background and qualifications). The project is concerned with why and how humans make mistakes in their economic decisions, from the psychological and neural roots of persistent errors to the economic consequences of cognitive failures. It requires a willingness to work with process data, including response times and, potentially, eye-tracking and neural data. The project specifics will be further tailored to the post-holder’s skills and interests and can be more experimental/applied or more analytical/mathematical.

The Economics PhD programme at Lancaster is aimed at high-calibre students who wish to pursue a research career. The Department has a strong Behavioural and Experimental Economics group and hosts a modern experimental lab ( LExEL ).

The successful applicant will acquire knowledge and skills in economics and psychology through initial coursework, continuing training, and co-authoring research papers. As a PhD student, the post-holder will be supervised by Professor Alós-Ferrer and other faculty members and have access to advanced research training courses at LUMS and nearby institutions. The post-holder will also be expected to participate in research activities such as the department’s internal/external/PhD seminar series, as well as interdisciplinary workshops and conferences, both national and international.

How to apply

Informal enquiries can be addressed to [email protected] .

Applications should be made through the Lancaster University postgraduate application portal .

To apply, please provide a Personal Statement outlining your background, suitability, motivation, and any previous experience relevant to the project. Please mention that you are applying for the PhD position in Neuroeconomic Decision Theory. In addition, please submit a research statement outlining your research interests, including any ideas YOU have that relate to the project. If you have participated in any research projects, please explain your role in those. In the application portal, please submit this Research Statement in lieu of a Research Proposal.

Applicants must also submit a CV, Academic transcripts (bachelor's and master's), two academic references (names and contact data—no letters), and evidence of English language proficiency (if necessary). Applicants might also submit a sample of research work, e.g. a Master Thesis (or draft thereof). Applications will be reviewed as they arrive, and the post will be filled as soon as possible (but no earlier than June 30 2024).

Ranked in the Top 100 worldwide

Lancaster is ranked =99th worldwide for Business and Economics in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings by subject 2024.

Alumni profiles

Emma Gorman

PhD Economics , 2019

Xingzhi Yao

PhD Economics, 2018

PhD Economics, 2016

Anwen Zhang

PhD Economics, 2015

Vasilis Pappas

PhD Economics, 2013

Franz Buscha

PhD Economics, 2007

PhD Economics, 2003

Nahed Taher

PhD Economics, 2001

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Important Information

The information on this site relates primarily to 2025/2026 entry to the University and every effort has been taken to ensure the information is correct at the time of publication.

The University will use all reasonable effort to deliver the courses as described, but the University reserves the right to make changes to advertised courses. In exceptional circumstances that are beyond the University’s reasonable control (Force Majeure Events), we may need to amend the programmes and provision advertised. In this event, the University will take reasonable steps to minimise the disruption to your studies. If a course is withdrawn or if there are any fundamental changes to your course, we will give you reasonable notice and you will be entitled to request that you are considered for an alternative course or withdraw your application. You are advised to revisit our website for up-to-date course information before you submit your application.

More information on limits to the University’s liability can be found in our legal information .

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PhD Economics

Economics at Southampton has been awarded Doctoral Training Status by the ESRC. Full funding is available for strong applicants wishing to undertake frontier research.

All research students are registered for a PhD, and progress is conditional on successful completion of compulsory training and satisfactory progress in research, assessed through an annual review.

The third year of study is devoted to full-time research and preparation of your doctoral thesis. Research students in their final year are expected to participate fully in our programme of research workshops and seminars. This includes a formal presentation of a completed research paper in our programme of research seminars. The formal duration of the programme is three years, and the maximum allowable duration of candidacy is 48 months.

To apply, please complete the online application form .

The entry requirement for research students for the PhD is a Master’s degree in economics or econometrics or an equivalent qualification. Students without a master’s-level qualification may wish to consider studying one of our master’s programmes or our integrated PhD programme if their previous training and experience are unsuitable.

PhD proposal If you are applying for a PhD degree, please enclose a short statement (1,000–2,000 words) describing your proposed area of research. This helps us ensure that your research interests match with those of a member of our Division. Before you submit your application, you may find it useful to discuss your proposal with a member of staff with research expertise in your area.

View the doctoral programme profile for this course

Tution Fees

Programme administered by

Economics MRes + MPhil/PhD

London, Bloomsbury

UCL Economics is a world-class academic department with a commitment to research excellence. The Economics MRes and MPhil/PhD programmes attract, educate and develop students of the highest academic calibre. Our graduates are employed by the world's foremost academic, international and governmental institutions.

UK tuition fees (2024/25)

Overseas tuition fees (2024/25), programme starts, applications accepted.

Applications closed

• Entry requirements

Applicants must have a Master’s degree in Economics or closely related subject with distinction-level performance. Applicants must demonstrate that they are qualified to proceed to research work. The GRE General Test is a required part of the application, except for applicants with an Economics MSc from UCL or those currently enrolled on the UCL Economics MSc programme.

The English language level for this programme is: Level 2

UCL Pre-Master's and Pre-sessional English courses are for international students who are aiming to study for a postgraduate degree at UCL. The courses will develop your academic English and academic skills required to succeed at postgraduate level.

Further information can be found on our English language requirements page.

Equivalent qualifications

Country-specific information, including details of when UCL representatives are visiting your part of the world, can be obtained from the International Students website .

International applicants can find out the equivalent qualification for their country by selecting from the list below. Please note that the equivalency will correspond to the broad UK degree classification stated on this page (e.g. upper second-class). Where a specific overall percentage is required in the UK qualification, the international equivalency will be higher than that stated below. Please contact Graduate Admissions should you require further advice.

About this degree

The MRes programme is designed to train and prepare you to conduct research in pursuit of a PhD degree. In joining this programme, you are embarking on a career as a research-focused academic. 

Who this course is for

The programme is suitable for applicants with a master’s degree in economics or related subject who wish to undertake independent research.

What this course will give you

UCL Economics has an outstanding international reputation in key areas of current research. The research excellence demonstrated in the Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021) result is matched by the department's provision of a stimulating, intellectual and supportive research environment.

The department will provide all new MRes students with the opportunity to attend a Maths Camp course to help you prepare for the programme.

Our doctoral students often take up visiting research posts in leading economics departments worldwide, participate in the European Network for Training in Economic Research (ENTER) exchange programme and gain valuable teaching experience as departmental teaching assistants.  

The foundation of your career

In recent years, our PhD students have been appointed to posts in leading universities and research centres including University of Oxford, Princeton University, Stanford University, UCLA, University of Chicago, Carlos III University of Madrid, Pompeu Fabra University, Stockholm University and Sogang University. Graduate destinations also include policy institutions including the Bank of England, EBRD, IFS, McKinsey, RAND Corporation and the World Bank.

Employability

The community of postgraduate and academic economists is well connected and close. Many of our PhD students continue to work with their supervisors and academic faculty on collaborative research projects and visit the department for research meetings and events.

UCL Economics has several active research seminar series in which leading scholars from around the world present their research. Our graduate students attend and participate in seminars, workshops and conferences in the department and interdisciplinary research centres across UCL, providing opportunities to network with leading academics across a variety of research fields. We encourage PhD students to visit and study at prominent research institutions on a temporary basis (for up to one year) to experience different research environments and form new research partnerships. UCL Economics has several active research seminar series in which leading scholars from around the world present their research. Our graduate students attend and participate in seminars, workshops and conferences in the department and interdisciplinary research centres across UCL, providing opportunities to network with leading academics across a variety of research fields. We encourage PhD students to visit and study at prominent research institutions on a temporary basis (for up to one year) to experience different research environments and form new research partnerships.

Teaching and learning

Through Terms 1 and 2, the main teaching methods are conventional lectures and classes in Macro, Micro theory, Econometrics and Real Analysis.

The dissertation encourages students to consider the topic they plan to write a PhD thesis on by surveying the literature and forming a research plan.

Students benefit by being taught by faculty staff actively researching in the areas they will write a thesis on.  

Term 1 modules are assessed by the submission of coursework for microeconomics and mid-term written examinations for Real Analysis, Macroeconomics and Econometrics.

Term 2 modules are assessed by written examinations.

Term 3 is assessed by the dissertation.

Module Credits 15 UCL credits = 7.5 ECTS and 150 learning hours

Research areas and structure

UCL Economics is host to, and affiliated with, numerous research centres conducting cutting-edge research of national and international importance. These include:

• Centre for Research and Analysis on Migration (CReAM)
• Centre for Finance (CfF )
• Centre for Macroeconomics (CfM)
• The Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS)
• Centre for Microdata, Methods and Practice (Cemmap, Institute for Fiscal Studies)
• Centre for Microeconomic Analysis of Public Policy (CPP, Institute for Fiscal Studies)
• Centre for the Evaluation of Development Policies (EDePo, Institute for Fiscal Studies)
• New Opportunities for Research Funding Agency Co-operation in Europe (NORFACE)

Research environment

The Department of Economics placed #1 for research environment and outputs in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF) and ranked #3 overall. UCL Economics was first for 4* world-leading research outputs and research environments, with scores of 72% and 100% respectively. The doctoral programme at UCL aims to teach economists to conduct research of high academic merit and make original contributions to the subject. The department has a lively and active research environment, with a strong emphasis on team research, based around a number of major research groups and centres. With close ties to several research centres, students are surrounded by some of the best researchers in their field.

The MRes programme is one year of full-time study.

The MRes programme will provide you with training in research methods in Real Analysis and Probability, Microeconomics, Macroeconomics and Econometrics.

You will be required to write a dissertation. The dissertation is an individual research project, supervised by a faculty member, to assess your self-reliance and capacity for independent research in preparation for the subsequent MPhil/PhD years.

The subsequent years (for students who are admitted to the MPhil/PhD programme) will focus on the skills you will need to conduct your own research projects and present research findings to specialised audiences. Teaching skills will also be developed.

MPhil/PhD The MPhil/PhD programme is normally three years of full time study; however, students typically take four years to complete it.

MPhil Year One: On successful completion of the MRes year, you will start working on your thesis and undertaking research as an MPhil student. You will continue taking advanced training and methodology courses.

You can find a list of field courses here.

At the end of this year, you will present your research at an Upgrade Seminar and a panel of faculty members will determine your progression to PhD status.

PhD Year Two: You will continue to work on your research and thesis. 

PhD Year Three: You will work on your Econ Job Market paper. By the end of this year, you will be expected to take up Completing Research Status (CRS).  

Students wishing to study the MRes programme on a part-time basis will be required to register for two core modules in the first year, one of which must be the Real Analysis module. In your second year, you will complete the remaining compulsory modules and write your dissertation.

Several of our PhD students undertaking research in applied fields have successfully applied for funds to conduct their own fieldwork, while many others have done so through collaborations and research assistance work with their supervisors.

Accessibility

Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble accessable.co.uk . Further information can also be obtained from the UCL Student Support and Wellbeing team .

Fees and funding

Fees for this course.

The tuition fees shown are for the year indicated above. Fees for subsequent years may increase or otherwise vary. Where the programme is offered on a flexible/modular basis, fees are charged pro-rata to the appropriate full-time Master's fee taken in an academic session. Further information on fee status, fee increases and the fee schedule can be viewed on the UCL Students website: ucl.ac.uk/students/fees .

Additional costs

There are no additional costs for this programme.

For more information on additional costs for prospective students please go to our estimated cost of essential expenditure at Accommodation and living costs .

Funding your studies

For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the Scholarships and Funding website .

UCL Research Opportunity Scholarship (ROS)

Deadline: 12 January 2024 Value: UK rate fees, a maintenance stipend, conference costs and professional development package (3 years) Criteria Based on both academic merit and financial need Eligibility: UK

The GRE General Test is a required part of the application, except for applicants with an Economics MSc from UCL or those currently enrolled on the UCL Economics MSc programme.

Please note that you may submit applications for a maximum of two graduate programmes (or one application for the Law LLM) in any application cycle.

Got questions? Get in touch

[email protected]

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Economics PhD

Key information.

• 4th  in the UK in the field of Energy Economics (Research Papers in Economics 2021)
• =6th  in the UK  for Economics   (ShanghaiRanking Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2023)
• =6th  in the UK for our research impact   in Economics and Econometrics   in  REF 2021   (Times Higher Education)

Join an active academic community with a range of seminar activities and research groups. You’ll have access to training opportunities at Sussex, and in collaboration with the SeNSS South East Network for Social Sciences  and other Economics departments in the UK. You’ll have two supervisors, working in a relevant area.

A PhD with us opens a range of careers opportunities in academia, as well as in policy and the private sector.

Accreditation

You’ll join the EQUIS and AMBA-accredited University of Sussex Business School. Learn more about all of our course accreditations here. Find out more

Areas of study

Economics research at Sussex draws on the latest research methods, has an applied focus, and contributes to academic and policy debates in the following areas, where we invite research proposals:

• empirical microeconomics in developed and developing countries, including labour economics, education and human capital, family economics, crime and law. We have advised the UK government on policies on the minimum wage, school inspections, and the salaries and contracts of teachers and military personnel. The Digital Futures at Work Research Centre  is based in the University of Sussex Business School
• international economics, and trade and industrial policy, in developed and developing countries. The Department is home to the UKTPO UK Trade Policy Observatory , which conducts analysis on UK trade policy post Brexit, and trains and advises trade policy-makers
• development economics, where you’ll benefit from our expertise in topics such as migration, conflict, poverty and agriculture. We are affiliated with the Sussex Centre for Migration Research
• environmental and resource economics
• behavioural and experimental economics and economic theory.

Find out more about research at the University of Sussex Business School

We expect successful applicants to be admitted to the Integrated PhD. This provides the rigorous research training you need to become a skilled practitioner. If you’re unsure which route to apply for, please apply for the Integrated PhD .

We understand that deciding where and what to study is a very important decision. We’ll make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the courses, services and facilities described in this prospectus. However, if we need to make material changes, for example due to government or regulatory requirements, or unanticipated staff changes, we’ll let you know as soon as possible.

Masters and P h D events

Meet us on campus or online

Book your place

Entry requirements

• UK requirements
• International requirements

Please select your country from the list.

Philippines

Saudi Arabia

South Africa

South Korea

Switzerland

United Arab Emirates

My country is not listed

If your country is not listed, you need to contact us and find out the qualification level you should have for this course. Contact us

English language requirements

Ielts (academic).

High level (6.5 overall, including at least 6.0 in each component).

IELTS scores are valid for two years from the test date. You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test. Your score must be valid when you begin your Sussex course.  Find out more about IELTS

We accept IELTS One Skills Retake.

We do not accept IELTS Online.

Check full details of our English Language requirements and find out more about some of the alternative English language qualifications listed below

Alternative English language qualifications

Proficiency tests, cambridge advanced certificate in english (cae).

169 overall, including at least 162 in each skill.

We would normally expect the CAE test to have been taken within two years before the start of your course.

You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test. Find out more about Cambridge English: Advanced

Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE)

We would normally expect the CPE test to have been taken within two years before the start of your course.

You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test. Find out more about Cambridge English: Proficiency

LanguageCert Academic SELT

High level (70 overall, including at least 65 in each component).

LanguageCert Academic SELT scores are valid for two years from the test date. Your score must be valid when you begin your Sussex course.  Find out more about LanguageCert Academic SELT

We only accept LanguageCert when taken at SELT Test Centres.

We do not accept the online version.  We also do not accept the non-SELT version.

LanguageCert International ESOL SELT

High level (International ESOL SELT B2 with a minimum of 39 in each component)

LanguageCert International ESOL scores are valid for two years from the test date. Your score must be valid when you begin your Sussex course. Find out more about LanguageCert SELT

We only accept LanguageCert when taken at SELT Test Centres. We do not accept the online version.

Pearson PTE Academic

High level (62 overall, including at least 59 in all four skills)

PTE (Academic) scores are valid for two years from the test date. You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test. Your score must be valid when you begin your Sussex course. Find out more about Pearson (PTE Academic)

We do not accept the PTE Academic Online test.

TOEFL (iBT)

High level 88 overall, including at least 20 Listening, 19 in Reading, 21 in Speaking, 23 in Writing.

TOEFL (iBT) scores are valid for two years from the test date. You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test. Your score must be valid when you begin your Sussex course. Find out more about TOEFL (iBT)

We do not accept TOEFL (iBT) Home Edition.

The TOEFL Institution Code for the University of Sussex is 9166.

English language qualifications

As/a-level (gce).

Grade C or above in English Language.

Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination (HKALE)/ AS or A Level: grade C or above in Use of English.

GCE O-level

Grade C or above in English.

Brunei/Cambridge GCE O-level in English: grades 1-6.

Singapore/Cambridge GCE O-level in English: grades 1-6.

GCSE or IGCSE

Grade C or above in English as a First Language (Grade 4 or above in GCSE from 2017).

Grade B or above in English as a Second Language.

Ghana Senior Secondary School Certificate

If awarded before 1993: grades 1-6 in English language.

If awarded between 1993 and 2005: grades A-D in English language.

Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE)

 Level 4, including at least 3 in each component in English Language.

Indian School Certificate (Standard XII)

The Indian School Certificate is accepted at the grades below when awarded by the following examination boards:

Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) – English Core only: 70%

Council for Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) - English: 70% 

International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB)

English A or English B at grade 5 or above.

Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education

Grades A - C in English language

Malaysian Certificate of Education (SPM) 1119/GCE O-level

If taken before the end of 2008: grades 1-6 in English Language.

If taken from 2009 onwards: grade C or above in English Language.

The qualification must be jointly awarded by the University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate (UCLES).

West African Senior School Certificate

Grades A1-C6 (1-6) in English language when awarded by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) or the National Examinations Council (NECO).

Country exceptions

Select to see the list of exempt english-speaking countries.

If you are a national of one of the countries below, or if you have recently completed a qualification equivalent to a UK Bachelors degree or higher in one of these countries, you will normally meet our English requirement. Note that qualifications obtained by distance learning or awarded by studying outside these countries cannot be accepted for English language purposes.

You will normally be expected to have completed the qualification within two years before starting your course at Sussex. If the qualification was obtained earlier than this, we would expect you to be able to demonstrate that you have maintained a good level of English, for example by living in an English-speaking country or working in an occupation that required you to use English regularly and to a high level.

Please note that this list is determined by the UK’s Home Office, not by the University of Sussex.

List of exempt countries: 

• Antigua and Barbuda
• New Zealand
• St Kitts and Nevis
• St Vincent and the Grenadines
• The British Overseas Territories
• Trinidad and Tobago
• United Kingdom

** Canada: you must be a national of Canada; other nationals not on this list who have a degree from a Canadian institution will not normally be exempt from needing to provide evidence of English.

English language support

If you don’t meet the English language requirements for your degree, you may be able to take a pre-sessional course

• Visas and immigration

Admissions information for applicants

If your qualifications aren’t listed or you have a question about entry requirements, contact us

• How to apply

If you’d like to join us as a research student, there are two main routes:

• browse funded projects in this subject area
• browse our potential supervisors and propose your own research project.

Find out how to apply for a PhD at Sussex

Full-time and part-time study

Choose to work on your research full time or part time, to fit around your work and personal life. For details about part-time study, contact us at [email protected]

PhD or MPhil?

You can choose to study for a PhD or an MPhil. PhD and MPhil degrees differ in duration and in the extent of your research work.

• For a PhD, your research work makes a substantial original contribution to knowledge or understanding in your chosen field.
• For an MPhil, your work is an independent piece of research but in less depth than for a PhD. You’ll graduate with the degree title Master of Philosophy. You might be able to change to a PhD while you study for an MPhil.

Our supervisors

Prof Sambit Bhattacharyya

Professor of Economics

[email protected]

View profile of Sambit Bhattacharyya

Dr Ingo Borchert

Reader in Economics

[email protected]

View profile of Ingo Borchert

Prof Amalavoyal Chari

[email protected]

View profile of Amalavoyal Chari

Dr Rocco d'Este

Senior Lecturer in Economics

[email protected]

View profile of Rocco d'Este

Prof Richard Dickens

[email protected]

View profile of Richard Dickens

Prof Richard Disney

Emeritus Professor

[email protected]

View profile of Richard Disney

Prof Peter Dolton

[email protected]

View profile of Peter Dolton

Dr Pawel Dziewulski

[email protected]

View profile of Pawel Dziewulski

Dr Matthew Embrey

[email protected]

View profile of Matthew Embrey

Dr Sonja Fagernas

[email protected]

View profile of Sonja Fagernas

Prof Michael Gasiorek

[email protected]

View profile of Michael Gasiorek

Dr Iftikhar Hussain

[email protected]

View profile of Iftikhar Hussain

Dr Julie Litchfield

[email protected]

View profile of Julie Litchfield

Dr George Mackerron

Senior Lecturer in The Economics of Environment, Energy & Climate Change

[email protected]

View profile of George Mackerron

Prof Annemie Maertens

[email protected]

View profile of Annemie Maertens

Prof Andy McKay

Professor of Development Economics

[email protected]

View profile of Andy McKay

Dr Panu Pelkonen

[email protected]

View profile of Panu Pelkonen

Dr Tom Potoms

Senior Lecturer

[email protected]

View profile of Tom Potoms

Prof Barry Reilly

Professor of Econometrics

[email protected]

View profile of Barry Reilly

Prof Shqiponja Telhaj

[email protected]

View profile of Shqiponja Telhaj

Prof Richard Tol

[email protected]

View profile of Richard Tol

Dr Selma Walther

[email protected]

View profile of Selma Walther

Prof L. Alan Winters

[email protected]

View profile of L. Alan Winters

Funding and fees

How can i fund my course, funded projects and scholarships.

Our aim is to ensure that every student who wants to study with us is able to despite financial barriers, so that we continue to attract talented and unique individuals. Don’t miss out on scholarships – check the specific application deadlines for funding opportunities. Note that funded projects aren’t available for all our PhDs.

Details of our scholarships are not yet set for entry in the academic year 2025/26.

Applying for USA Federal Student Aid?

If any part of your funding, at any time, is through USA federal Direct Loan funds, you will be registered on a separate version of this degree which does not include the possibility of distance learning which is prohibited under USA federal regulations. Find out more about American Student Loans and Federal Student Aid .

Part-time work

We advertise around 2,500 part-time jobs a year so you can make money and gain work experience. We have a special scheme to employ students on campus, wherever possible.

Find out more about careers and employability

How much does it cost?

Fees for self-funding students.

Home students: Fees are not yet set for entry in the academic year 2025/26. Fees will become available once set by United Kingdom Research and Innovation.

Channel Islands and Isle of Man students: Fees are not yet set for entry in the academic year 2025/26. Fees will become available once set by United Kingdom Research and Innovation.

International students: £22,575 per year for full-time students

Home PhD student fees are set at the level recommended by United Kingdom Research and Innovation (UKRI) annually, rising in line with inflation. Overseas fees are subject to an annual increase - see details on our tuition fees page

Additional costs

Note about additional costs.

Please note that all costs are best estimates based on current market values. Activities may be subject to unavoidable change in response to Government advice. We’ll let you know at the earliest opportunity. We review estimates every year and they may vary with inflation. Find out how to budget for student life .

Empirical research costs

On top of your PhD fees and living costs, you may also need to cover some research and training costs, relevant to your research project. These costs will depend on your research topic and training needs, but may include: - travel (to archives, collections or scientific facilities) - a laptop - overseas fieldwork costs (travel and accommodation, and language training) - conference costs (travel, registration fees and accommodation) - laboratory consumables and workshop materials - participant costs - transcription or translation costs - open-access publication costs. If you have a scholarship from one of the UK Research Councils, your scholarship should cover these types of costs. You'll receive details of how to claim this additional funding. If you're self funded, or if your scholarship doesn’t cover these costs, check with the Research and Enterprise Co-ordinator in your School for details of School or Doctoral School funding that may be available.

• Living costs

Find out typical living costs for studying at Sussex

Find out about our terms and conditions

Explore our campus

Experience Sussex life in our virtual tour.

Start your virtual tour

PhD Information Sessions

Visit campus and chat to staff and students. Book your place

Online PhD Sessions

Join a live webchat. Book your place

International

Meet us in your country

Course enquiries

+44 (0)1273 876787

Send us a message

Admissions enquiries

If you haven’t applied yet:

+44 (0)1273 678169 business-researchstudents@​sussex.ac.uk

Find out about the University of Sussex Business School

After you’ve applied:

+44 (0)1273 877773 [email protected]

Find out how to apply

Quick links

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• Open Days and events
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• Order a printed prospectus

What do you want to do next?

• Courses Browse our courses by subject area
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PhD/MPhil Economics

Postgraduate research degree

Your Economics PhD/MPhil programme will focus on rigorous economic and econometric modelling and its practical applications in the private and public sectors.

Research centres and groups

• Applied Microeconomics
• Theory and Experiments
• Health Economics (CHEC)
• Competition and Regulatory Policy
• Macroeconomics and Finance

Key information

Affiliations

City, University of London is part of the South East Network for Social Sciences, an ESRC Doctoral Training Partnership.

Economics Postgraduate research degrees PhD/MPhil course Overview

Our Economics research programme will develop your knowledge of advanced economic theory and econometric methods. Enabling you to produce pioneering research papers. We provide expert academic support and supervision alongside a commitment to your economics research. You can apply for funding to attend specialised training courses and research conferences. Most research undertaken here at City involves internal and external collaboration. You will join one of our research groups in the following:

• Financial Economics
• Health Economics
• Behavioural Economics
• Political Economy
• Decision Making and Behavioural Economics
• Competition and Regulation

We are part of the South East Network for Social Sciences (SeNSS) Doctoral Training Program Partnership . A consortium of ten leading UK universities offering cutting-edge social science research, training and collaborative projects.

All research students are initially registered as MPhil students. Students can study both full-time and part-time. Full-time students will be required to take four taught modules in their first year. This includes Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, Econometrics, and one elective module.

Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, and Econometrics modules are jointly taught by City, Birkbeck, and Royal Holloway.

The upgrade to the PhD will be conditional on passing the compulsory modules. Part-time students will be expected to pass these modules during their first two years.

Course Outlines

Econometrics

• ARMA and VAR processes
• Kalman filter and Markov switching processes
• Financial econometrics topics
• Models for discrete and limited variables
• Panel data models

Macroeconomics

• Fiscal and monetary policies
• Bayesian Estimation of DSGE Models
• Simulation and estimation of models using Dynare Data, parameter, and model uncertainty
• Macroeconomics and Medium Run

Microeconomics

• Individual decision making
• Demand, production, choice under uncertainty
• Equilibrium and its basic welfare properties
• Game theory

After 18 months on the programme you will be upgraded to PhD subject to satisfactory progress and approval by the Research Committee. In order to get upgraded to PhD, you need to demonstrate progress on your dissertation by submitting a written piece of academic staff.

Following the Upgrade, your progress on the dissertation will be evaluated annually. Full-time (Part-time) students will be expected to complete their dissertations within four (seven) years from the date of registration. A dissertation usually consists of three chapters / papers.

For full details about the City PhD programme structure, please see the Guide for Research Students .

Requirements

Entry requirements.

Applicants should have a track record of high academic achievement as demonstrated by at least a 2.1 honours degree and a merit-level Master’s degree in a relevant subject (or international equivalent).

English requirements

Students whose first language is not English should hold one of the following qualifications:

A degree from a UK university or from the Council for National Academic Awards.

A degree from an overseas institution recognised by City as providing adequate evidence of proficiency in the English language, for example, from institutions in Australia, Canada or the USA. An overall score of 6.5 in the English Language Testing System (IELTS) with a minimum of 6.0 for each subtest.

For more information see our English language proficiency requirements at City.

Visa requirements

• If you are not from the European Economic Area / Switzerland and you are coming to study in the UK, you may need to apply for a visa or entry clearance to come to the UK to study.
• The way that you apply may vary depending on the length of your course. There are different rules for:
• Students on courses of more than six months
• Students on courses of less than six months
• Students on a pre-sessional English language course.

For more information see our main Visa page .

Fees and funding

Full-time Home/UK: £5,110 per year

Part-time Home/UK: £2,560 per year

Full-time International: £13,630 per year

Part-time International: £6,810 per year

Fees for doctoral candidates are charged annually and cover registration, supervision and examination.

Fees are subject to review each year and may vary during your period of registration. Where applicable, fees for City's programmes will be subject to inflationary increases in each academic year of study commencing in September . Our policy for these increases is set out in our terms and conditions of study .

We will confirm any change to the annual tuition fee to you in writing prior to you commencing each subsequent year of study (where applicable).

Support for PhD study

Prospective students are encouraged to explore doctoral Grants and funding opportunities such as:

• SeNSS Doctoral Training Partnership
• The National Institute of Health Research offers doctoral fellowships in health economics. These fellowships enable individuals with the potential to become future health research leaders to undertake a PhD in an area of NIHR research.
• Research Council studentship awards , if available.

Our bursaries are non-repayable sums of money granted by the University, usually based on need.

Our loans are repayable sums of money granted by the University or other body.

Our scholarships are when the University pays towards your Study fees. You may also be eligible for further funding.

Postgraduate Doctoral Loans

The Government has introduced a new Postgraduate Doctoral Loans scheme which can provide a loan of up to £25,000.

This will be over three years to support study for a doctoral degree.

A Postgraduate Doctoral Loan can help with course fees and living costs while you study. It can be used alongside any other forms of support you may be able to receive.

For more information, please see our Postgraduate Doctoral Loans page .

Additional expenses

Some of our degrees may involve additional expenses which are not covered by your tuition fees. Find out more about additional expenses .

Academic support

City has a well-established structure and processes to support your research .

Supervision

Your main contact person within the Department will be your principal supervisor whom you will meet on a regular basis. You will also be allocated a secondary supervisor(s).

Your Supervisor will provide guidance to in the writing of the dissertation. They can also assist with the acquisition of additional training, presenting at conferences, searching for jobs, and other matters.

Research support

The Department of Economics is committed to providing support to our research students for the facilitation and dissemination of their research. This includes presenting at conferences, payments to experimental subjects, attending training courses, and purchasing software (subject to approval).

Additional doctoral training opportunities for postgraduate research students are offered by the School of Policy & Global Affairs and the South East Network for Social Sciences Doctoral Training Partnership.

Research students may take modules in this Programme free of charge if they are relevant to their research.

The City Doctoral College offers City-wide research and teaching related activities, which contribute to research student development.

Research Environment

The Department of Economics comprises of close to 30 academic staff members, visiting lecturers, and undergraduate, postgraduate and research students.

Our academic staff members are experienced economists. They in addition to teaching, undertake research and lead research projects in a wide range of topics. They also act as consultants to public institutions and private companies.

You can approach all staff members, not only your supervisors, to talk about your research or career planning.

Department seminars

The Department of Economics runs two active seminar series – one external and one internal. Both seminar series run in Autumn and Spring terms. The attendance of both seminar series by full-time research students is compulsory, and active participation in discussions is encouraged.

How to apply

Preliminary enquiries.

When considering potential applicants, we attach great importance both to the applicant's academic profile. We also consider the fit between their research proposal and the expertise of the academic staff.

Before submitting an application, you may want to approach an academic staff member to enquire if they would be willing to supervise you. Send them your CV, degree transcripts, and Research Proposal in your introductory email. If the academic staff member expresses interest in supervising you, indicate so in your application.

Applications

We accept applications until the end of June for entry in October. To apply, you should submit the following:

• Your research proposal.
• Reference letters from at least two academic referees.
• Copies of your degree transcripts and certificates (originals or certified copies). If your application is successful we will need to verify the original hard copies before a final offer is made.
• Proof of your English language proficiency (if English is not your first language).

Please note that we will not consider incomplete applications. You can find general information about the applications at City here .

For further information please see how to prepare your research proposal .

If you have any questions about the application process or scholarships, please contact the Director of PhD Programme Dr Xiaogang Che .

For more information please see How to prepare your application at City .

• Full-time 30 th Sep 2024
• Part-time 30 th Sep 2024
• 30 th Sep 2024

For further application enquiries please contact our PGR enquiries team .

Find a supervisor

See our full list of academic staff and potential supervisors in Department of Economics.

Professor Giulia Iori

Professor in Economics

• Department of Economics

Dr Alice Mesnard

Reader in Economics

Professor Michael Ben-Gad

Professor of Economics

Useful links

• Doctoral College
• School of Policy & Global Affairs
• Student wellbeing
• Terms and conditions

Contact details

School of policy & global affairs.

[email protected]

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PhD opportunities

Why study with us?

Join a Department with where you will be guided by expert academics in their field, pushing you to achieve your highest potential.

How you'll study

Gain economics research skills through a structured training programme and many other opportunities.

Fees and funding

Find a supervisor

Our staff will support and guide you through the development of your research. Find  a supervisor whose interests align with yours.

How we support you

Our PhD students

As a postgraduate research student in Economics at Reading you will be part of a vibrant community, working alongside a thriving group of young and established researchers.

Our research

PhD stories

Take the next step.

• How to Apply
• Get a prospectus
• Ask us a question
• Learn about the Doctoral and Researcher College

DPhil in Economics

• Entry requirements
• Funding and costs

College preference

• How to apply

About the course

Oxford has a thriving group of research students studying for the DPhil in Economics. The DPhil, which is the equivalent to a PhD at most other institutions, is similar in structure to a PhD at leading economics graduate schools worldwide.

The majority of students on the DPhil at Oxford have first completed the two-year Oxford MPhil in Economics . You can also apply for the DPhil if you hold, or will hold a Master’s degree or equivalent in Economics from other universities.

All students starting the DPhil are admitted with Probationer Research Student status (PRS) in the first instance. You will take additional courses from the MPhil menu to deepen and broaden your economic training, while starting to work on your first research project. The PRS status allows for a smooth transition from learning about economic research to producing new economic insights yourself. If you haven’t completed the MPhil in Economics at Oxford, you will usually be required to take a year of coursework taking papers from either the first and/or second year of the MPhil programme. Students progressing from the MPhil in Economics at Oxford will usually complete their coursework by taking additional advanced courses from the MPhil. 

You will join one or more of the department's research groups, becoming part of a vibrant educational research community with a large number of doctoral student-led events, seminars and conferences.

You will have opportunities to present your work at a variety of seminars and sessions in the department.

Further information about part-time study

The department is able to offer the DPhil in Economics as a part-time mode. Although there is no requirement to reside in Oxford, part-time research students must attend the University on a regular basis (particularly in term-time: October and November, mid-January to mid-March, and late April to mid-June) for supervision, study, research seminars and skills training.

The department understands that part-time research students will have non-standard attendance and work patterns. To ensure a comprehensive integration into the faculty's and University's research culture and with their full-time peer groups a pattern of attendance at MPhil courses, training events and research seminars would form part of the general part-time study agreement.

Supervision

The allocation of graduate supervision for this course is the responsibility of the Department of Economics and it is not always possible to accommodate the preferences of incoming graduate students to work with a particular member of staff. Under exceptional circumstances a supervisor may be found outside the Department of Economics. In those cases, the expectation is that a co-supervisor or secondary supervisor from within the Department of Economics will also be appointed.

DPhil students will work closely with their supervisors and will be expected to meet face-to-face on at least two occasions per term with additional contact through online meetings and email exchanges.

Full-time students admitted to Probationer Research Student status are first required to transfer to DPhil status. The Transfer of Status requires the completion of the Qualifying Examinations, necessary coursework, and an interview with two assessors appointed by the department, at which the candidate presents an outline of their proposed thesis and a piece of written work relevant to the thesis. The transfer is normally expected to be completed by the end of the fourth term, and no later than six terms from admission to Probationer Research Student status. In exceptional circumstances, where a student has already successfully completed advanced coursework as part of the MPhil in Economics at Oxford, the department may waive the requirement for Transfer of Status and students may progress directly to DPhil status. Upon a successful transfer to DPhil status, students are required to confirm their DPhil status no later than nine terms after admission to Probationer Research Student status. 

Candidates for Confirmation of Status are required to present a research paper at a workshop or seminar, present a detailed outline of the complete thesis and some complete draft chapters, and will be interviewed by an assessor.

Part-time students admitted to Probationer Research Student status are normally expected to transfer to DPhil status during the first two to three years of study. Upon a successful transfer to DPhil status, students are required to confirm their DPhil status no later than eighteen terms after admission as a Probationer Research Student.

The award of this degree is based on a thesis of not more than 100,000 words in length. It should constitute a significant and substantial piece of research, of a kind which might reasonably be expected of a diligent and competent student in three years of full-time study. The maximum time allowed for completion of the DPhil is four years (eight years for part-time).

Graduate destinations

The interests and strengths of the department's doctoral students are many and diverse and this is reflected in the positions they take up after graduation: most take up tenure track or postdoc positions in academia; others find employment in government, international organisations, or the private sector. The international reputation of Oxford’s doctoral programme also means that its DPhil graduates can be found making a contribution in many different parts of the world.

The department recognises the importance of helping doctoral students find suitable employment and its placement efforts are directed by a senior member of the faculty. The department provides advice and help on all aspects of the job application process, including limited financial assistance to cover travel and conference expenses.

Changes to this course and your supervision

The University will seek to deliver this course in accordance with the description set out in this course page. However, there may be situations in which it is desirable or necessary for the University to make changes in course provision, either before or after registration. The safety of students, staff and visitors is paramount and major changes to delivery or services may have to be made in circumstances of a pandemic, epidemic or local health emergency. In addition, in certain circumstances, for example due to visa difficulties or because the health needs of students cannot be met, it may be necessary to make adjustments to course requirements for international study.

Where possible your academic supervisor will not change for the duration of your course. However, it may be necessary to assign a new academic supervisor during the course of study or before registration for reasons which might include illness, sabbatical leave, parental leave or change in employment.

For further information please see our page on changes to courses and the provisions of the student contract regarding changes to courses.

Entry requirements for entry in 2024-25

Proven and potential academic excellence.

The requirements described below are specific to this course and apply only in the year of entry that is shown. You can use our interactive tool to help you  evaluate whether your application is likely to be competitive .

Please be aware that any studentships that are linked to this course may have different or additional requirements and you should read any studentship information carefully before applying. 

Degree-level qualifications

As a minimum, applicants should hold or be predicted to achieve the following UK qualifications or their equivalent:

• an outstanding performance in a rigorous master's course in economics;  and
• a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours in economics or another approved subject (such as mathematics).

Applicants must demonstrate a strong quantitative preparation. 

Offers will usually be made conditional on obtaining a distinction grade (or an equivalent level of performance where a distinction grade is not officially awarded) at master's level. 

Please note:

• a master's qualification that is only partially in economics would not be considered a suitable background: for example, a master's course in development studies, public administration, or in finance lacks the required level of economics content, even if there are economics courses as part of the training;
• a master's qualification in a specialised field within economics (eg development economics, applied economics, or financial economics) may also be insufficient background. Candidates with these qualifications should provide a written statement as part of their research proposal to demonstrate that the courses on which they have been examined covered all the core material of a rigorous master's course in economics.

Applicants with an insufficient master's background in economics who wish to proceed to DPhil are encouraged to first apply to the joint MPhil+DPhil in Economics.

For applicants with a degree from the USA, the minimum cumulative GPA sought is 3.7 out of 4.0.

If your degree is not from the UK or another country specified above, visit our International Qualifications page for guidance on the qualifications and grades that would usually be considered to meet the University’s minimum entry requirements.

GRE General Test scores

If you do not hold, or will not shortly hold, a UK or Republic of Ireland degree, you must submit the results of a GRE Test obtained within the last 5 years. However, we recommend applicants from UK or Republic of Ireland universities also submit a GRE score. Entrance is very competitive and most successful applicants will have a GRE score of Verbal 160, Quantitative 164, Analytical 4.5.

Other qualifications, evidence of excellence and relevant experience

• All candidates are expected to have working knowledge in one programming language (of the candidate’s choice) at the start of the DPhil. The department will provide advice to accepted candidates on how to acquire such knowledge.
• Part-time applicants will also be expected to show evidence of the ability to commit time to study and, if applicable, an employer's commitment to make time available to study, to complete coursework, and attend programme and University events and modules. Where appropriate, evidence should also be provided of permission to use employers’ data in the proposed research project.
• Publications are not expected.

English language proficiency

This course requires proficiency in English at the University's  higher level . If your first language is not English, you may need to provide evidence that you meet this requirement. The minimum scores required to meet the University's higher level are detailed in the table below.

*Previously known as the Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English or Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) † Previously known as the Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English or Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE)

Your test must have been taken no more than two years before the start date of your course. Our Application Guide provides  further information about the English language test requirement .

Declaring extenuating circumstances

If your ability to meet the entry requirements has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic (eg you were awarded an unclassified/ungraded degree) or any other exceptional personal circumstance (eg other illness or bereavement), please refer to the guidance on extenuating circumstances in the Application Guide for information about how to declare this so that your application can be considered appropriately.

You will need to register three referees who can give an informed view of your academic ability and suitability for the course. The  How to apply  section of this page provides details of the types of reference that are required in support of your application for this course and how these will be assessed.

Supporting documents

You will be required to supply supporting documents with your application. The  How to apply  section of this page provides details of the supporting documents that are required as part of your application for this course and how these will be assessed.

Performance at interview

Interviews are not normally held as part of the admissions process.  

How your application is assessed

Your application will be assessed purely on your proven and potential academic excellence and other entry requirements described under that heading.

References  and  supporting documents  submitted as part of your application, and your performance at interview (if interviews are held) will be considered as part of the assessment process. Whether or not you have secured funding will not be taken into consideration when your application is assessed.

An overview of the shortlisting and selection process is provided below. Our ' After you apply ' pages provide  more information about how applications are assessed . 

Shortlisting and selection

Students are considered for shortlisting and selected for admission without regard to age, disability, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy and maternity, race (including colour, nationality and ethnic or national origins), religion or belief (including lack of belief), sex, sexual orientation, as well as other relevant circumstances including parental or caring responsibilities or social background. However, please note the following:

• socio-economic information may be taken into account in the selection of applicants and award of scholarships for courses that are part of  the University’s pilot selection procedure  and for  scholarships aimed at under-represented groups ;
• country of ordinary residence may be taken into account in the awarding of certain scholarships; and
• protected characteristics may be taken into account during shortlisting for interview or the award of scholarships where the University has approved a positive action case under the Equality Act 2010.

Processing your data for shortlisting and selection

Information about  processing special category data for the purposes of positive action  and  using your data to assess your eligibility for funding , can be found in our Postgraduate Applicant Privacy Policy.

Admissions panels and assessors

All recommendations to admit a student involve the judgement of at least two members of the academic staff with relevant experience and expertise, and must also be approved by the Director of Graduate Studies or Admissions Committee (or equivalent within the department).

Admissions panels or committees will always include at least one member of academic staff who has undertaken appropriate training.

Other factors governing whether places can be offered

The following factors will also govern whether candidates can be offered places:

• the ability of the University to provide the appropriate supervision for your studies, as outlined under the 'Supervision' heading in the  About  section of this page;
• the ability of the University to provide appropriate support for your studies (eg through the provision of facilities, resources, teaching and/or research opportunities); and
• minimum and maximum limits to the numbers of students who may be admitted to the University's taught and research programmes.

Offer conditions for successful applications

If you receive an offer of a place at Oxford, your offer will outline any conditions that you need to satisfy and any actions you need to take, together with any associated deadlines. These may include academic conditions, such as achieving a specific final grade in your current degree course. These conditions will usually depend on your individual academic circumstances and may vary between applicants. Our ' After you apply ' pages provide more information about offers and conditions . 

In addition to any academic conditions which are set, you will also be required to meet the following requirements:

Financial Declaration

If you are offered a place, you will be required to complete a  Financial Declaration  in order to meet your financial condition of admission.

Disclosure of criminal convictions

In accordance with the University’s obligations towards students and staff, we will ask you to declare any  relevant, unspent criminal convictions  before you can take up a place at Oxford.

Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS)

Some postgraduate research students in science, engineering and technology subjects will need an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate prior to applying for a  Student visa (under the Student Route) . For some courses, the requirement to apply for an ATAS certificate may depend on your research area.

With more than 60 academics in permanent posts and 30+ postdoctoral research fellows, the Department of Economics is a large and vibrant international community of researchers. In the 2021 REF, Oxford was ranked first in terms of overall research ‘power’ and funding market share.

The department hosts research centres such as the Centre for the Study of African Economies (CSAE), which is internationally recognised as a hub for innovative research and outreach to the academic and policy-making communities world-wide through their seminars, workshops and annual conferences.

Within the department, specialised research groups play a key role in bringing together faculty and graduate students working in particular sub-fields, supporting and mentoring doctoral students and postdoctoral research fellows, and promoting research of the highest international standard.

The research groups provide an important interface between the research centres and the department, for example, econometrics and the INET programme on Economic Modelling (EMOD); development economics and CSAE. Other research groups facilitate collaboration across departments, as in the case of the economic history group and economic historians in the Faculty of History. Each research group runs a regular seminar series with external presenters, plus a more informal workshop in which members, including DPhil students, present their research in progress.

Students can access a range of internship programmes through the University Careers Office as well as the RCUK Policy Internship scheme for ESRC-funded students. In addition, the Bank of England and Goldman Sachs each provide a short summer internship for a doctoral student specialising in macroeconomics or finance and the Department of Economics is accredited by the Asian Development Bank to nominate candidates for their internship programme. In recent cohorts, students have benefited from an internship with organisations including the EBRD, European Central Bank, UK Home Office, as well as those identified above.

The Department of Economics is located in the Manor Road Building in central Oxford, alongside the Department of Politics and International Relations. The department contains faculty offices and open-plan workspaces for DPhil students and postdoctoral research, with access to Wi-Fi and print services. A BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) policy is in place within the Economics department, enabling you to access data shares, printing, software and for some, a full Windows desktop via the department's Virtual Desktop environment. The Manor Road IT team support all IT-related infrastructure and systems within the department, including desktops, laptops and tablets, and all associated peripherals (printers, scanners, webcams etc) and software provision.

The Manor Road Building also houses the Bodleian Social Sciences Library (SSL), a first-class research library open to all members of the University. The SSL holds over 250,000 printed books, over 1,000 printed journal titles, as well as statistical publications, working papers, dissertations, pamphlets and reports. Online resources include almost 100,000 e-journals and an extensive collection of databases and archives in the social sciences. Graduate teaching and most seminars take place within the Manor Road Building, where there is also a cafeteria and common room for students' use.

Oxford's Department of Economics is one of Europe's leading research departments and its members include some of the world's most distinguished academic economists.

The department offers its community of around 300 graduate students a rigorous and relevant training in economics, providing a setting in which debate and research can flourish. The department’s graduate courses prepare students for a wide range of careers in academia, government and business.

The department is committed to excellence in teaching and the MPhil and DPhil in Economics are internationally recognised for the quality of the training provided. The University of Oxford is ranked 2nd in Europe in the most recent Tilburg University ranking of Economics departments, based on research contribution for the period between 2016-2020. In the 2021 Research Excellence Framework exercise, that evaluated research output of UK Universities, Oxford was first for overall research strength in Economics and Econometrics, with more research ranked as ‘world-leading’ than any other participating institution.

In a submission of 84 FTE academics, which was the largest number of researchers submitted in the Economics and Econometrics Unit of Assessment, 94% of the department's research output was assessed as ‘internationally excellent’ or ‘world-leading’ (3* or 4*). The scale and breadth of the Department’s research is a product of a vibrant and well-connected community, with particular attention on supporting early career researchers. The Department maintains world-class expertise in the core discipline areas of microeconomics, macroeconomics and econometrics, while building clusters of research strength in more specialist subfields – notably applied microeconomics; behavioural economics and game theory; the economics of climate change and sustainability; machine learning; economic history; development economics.

Oxford has one of the strongest, largest, and most varied groups of economists in the world. Our objective is to engage in innovative research that extends the frontiers of the discipline, deepening our understanding of the operation of modern economies. Research spans almost all the major sub-fields of economics with particular strengths in microeconomic theory, including behavioural economics; econometrics, both micro-econometrics and time series; economic history and development and international economics. Research activity is focused within smaller, specialised groups, with each group holding regular workshops at which research by faculty and graduate students is presented and discussed. Many distinguished researchers from outside Oxford also visit to present their work at seminars.

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The University expects to be able to offer over 1,000 full or partial graduate scholarships across the collegiate University in 2024-25. You will be automatically considered for the majority of Oxford scholarships , if you fulfil the eligibility criteria and submit your graduate application by the relevant December or January deadline. Most scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic merit and/or potential. 

For further details about searching for funding as a graduate student visit our dedicated Funding pages, which contain information about how to apply for Oxford scholarships requiring an additional application, details of external funding, loan schemes and other funding sources.

Please ensure that you visit individual college websites for details of any college-specific funding opportunities using the links provided on our college pages or below:

Please note that not all the colleges listed above may accept students on this course. For details of those which do, please refer to the College preference section of this page.

Further information about funding opportunities for this course can be found on the department's website.

Annual fees for entry in 2024-25

Full-time study.

IMPORTANT : Please note that while most of the content of these pages relates to the course starting in 2024-25, this information about course fees and the additional information section on this page relate to entry in 2025-26 . The remaining content will be updated for 2025-26 entry later in September.

Part-time study

Information about course fees

Course fees are payable each year, for the duration of your fee liability (your fee liability is the length of time for which you are required to pay course fees). For courses lasting longer than one year, please be aware that fees will usually increase annually. For details, please see our guidance on changes to fees and charges .

Course fees cover your teaching as well as other academic services and facilities provided to support your studies. Unless specified in the additional information section below, course fees do not cover your accommodation, residential costs or other living costs. They also don’t cover any additional costs and charges that are outlined in the additional information below.

Continuation charges

Following the period of fee liability , you may also be required to pay a University continuation charge and a college continuation charge. The University and college continuation charges are shown on the Continuation charges page.

Where can I find further information about fees?

The Fees and Funding  section of this website provides further information about course fees , including information about fee status and eligibility  and your length of fee liability .

Additional information

There are no compulsory elements of this course that entail additional costs beyond fees (or, after fee liability ends, continuation charges) and living costs. However, please note that, depending on your choice of research topic and the research required to complete it, you may incur additional expenses, such as travel expenses, research expenses, and field trips. You will need to meet these additional costs, although you may be able to apply for small grants from your department and/or college to help you cover some of these expenses.

Please note that you are required to attend in Oxford for a minimum of 30 days each year, and you may incur additional travel and accommodation expenses for this. Also, depending on your choice of research topic and the research required to complete it, you may incur further additional expenses, such as travel expenses, research expenses, and field trips. You will need to meet these additional costs, although you may be able to apply for small grants from your department and/or college to help you cover some of these expenses.

Living costs

In addition to your course fees, you will need to ensure that you have adequate funds to support your living costs for the duration of your course.

For the 2024-25 academic year, the range of likely living costs for full-time study is between c. £1,345 and £1,955 for each month spent in Oxford. Full information, including a breakdown of likely living costs in Oxford for items such as food, accommodation and study costs, is available on our living costs page. The current economic climate and high national rate of inflation make it very hard to estimate potential changes to the cost of living over the next few years. When planning your finances for any future years of study in Oxford beyond 2024-25, it is suggested that you allow for potential increases in living expenses of around 5% each year – although this rate may vary depending on the national economic situation. UK inflationary increases will be kept under review and this page updated.

If you are studying part-time your living costs may vary depending on your personal circumstances but you must still ensure that you will have sufficient funding to meet these costs for the duration of your course.

Students enrolled on this course will belong to both a department/faculty and a college. Please note that ‘college’ and ‘colleges’ refers to all 43 of the University’s colleges, including those designated as societies and permanent private halls (PPHs). 

If you apply for a place on this course you will have the option to express a preference for one of the colleges listed below, or you can ask us to find a college for you. Before deciding, we suggest that you read our brief  introduction to the college system at Oxford  and our  advice about expressing a college preference . For some courses, the department may have provided some additional advice below to help you decide.

If you are a current Oxford student and you would like to remain at your current Oxford college, you should check whether it is listed below. If it is, you should indicate this preference when you apply. If not, you should contact your college office to ask whether they would be willing to make an exception. Further information about staying at your current college can be found in our Application Guide. 

The following colleges accept students for full-time study on this course:

• Balliol College
• Blackfriars
• Brasenose College
• Campion Hall
• Christ Church
• Corpus Christi College
• Exeter College
• Harris Manchester College
• Hertford College
• Jesus College
• Keble College
• Kellogg College
• Lady Margaret Hall
• Linacre College
• Lincoln College
• Magdalen College
• Mansfield College
• Merton College
• New College
• Nuffield College
• Oriel College
• Pembroke College
• The Queen's College
• Regent's Park College
• Reuben College
• St Anne's College
• St Antony's College
• St Catherine's College
• St Cross College
• St Edmund Hall
• St Hilda's College
• St Hugh's College
• St John's College
• St Peter's College
• Somerville College
• Trinity College
• University College
• Wadham College
• Wolfson College
• Worcester College
• Wycliffe Hall

The following colleges accept students for part-time study on this course:

Before you apply

Our  guide to getting started  provides general advice on how to prepare for and start your application. You can use our interactive tool to help you  evaluate whether your application is likely to be competitive .

If it's important for you to have your application considered under a particular deadline – eg under a December or January deadline in order to be considered for Oxford scholarships – we recommend that you aim to complete and submit your application at least two weeks in advance . Check the deadlines on this page and the  information about deadlines and when to apply  in our Application Guide.

Application fee waivers

An application fee of £75 is payable for each application to this course. Application fee waivers are available for the following applicants who meet the eligibility criteria:

• applicants from low-income countries;
• refugees and displaced persons; 
• UK applicants from low-income backgrounds; and 
• applicants who applied for our Graduate Access Programmes in the past two years and met the eligibility criteria.

You are encouraged to  check whether you're eligible for an application fee waiver  before you apply.

Readmission for current Oxford graduate taught students

If you're currently studying for an Oxford graduate taught course and apply to this course with no break in your studies, you may be eligible to apply to this course as a readmission applicant. The application fee will be waived for an eligible application of this type. Check whether you're eligible to apply for readmission .

Do I need to contact anyone before I apply?

You do not need to make contact with the department before you apply but you are encouraged to visit the relevant departmental webpages to read any further information about your chosen course.

Completing your application

You should refer to the information below when completing the application form, paying attention to the specific requirements for the supporting documents . 

If any document does not meet the specification, including the stipulated word count, your application may be considered incomplete and not assessed by the academic department. Expand each section to show further details.

Referees: Three overall, academic and/or professional

Whilst you must register three referees, the department may start the assessment of your application if two of the three references are submitted by the course deadline and your application is otherwise complete. Please note that you may still be required to ensure your third referee supplies a reference for consideration.

It is recommended that you provide three academic references, however the department will accept one professional reference of the three required overall. Your references will support intellectual ability, academic achievement, and motivation.

Official transcript(s)

Your transcripts should give detailed information of the individual grades received in your university-level qualifications to date. You should only upload official documents issued by your institution and any transcript not in English should be accompanied by a certified translation.

More information about the transcript requirement is available in the Application Guide.

A CV/résumé is compulsory for this course. Most applicants choose to submit a document of one to two pages highlighting their academic achievements and any relevant professional experience.

Research proposal: A maximum of 1,500 words

You should submit a detailed outline of your proposed research, written in English, covering areas such as the background to the research, methodology, expected results and the contribution to the field of learning.

It is not necessary to include your bibliography in the overall word count. 

If possible, please ensure that the word count is clearly displayed on the document.

This will be assessed for:

• your reasons for applying;
• the coherence of the proposal;
• the originality of the project;
• evidence of motivation for and understanding of the proposed area of study;
• the ability to present a reasoned case in English;
• the feasibility of successfully completing the project in the time available for the course (a maximum of 4 years);
• commitment to the subject, beyond the requirements of the degree course;
• preliminary knowledge of research techniques;
• capacity for sustained and intense work;
• reasoning ability; and
• ability to absorb new ideas, often presented abstractly, at a rapid pace.

Written work: One essay of a maximum of 2,000 words

An academic essay or other writing sample from your most recent qualification, written in English, is required. An extract of the requisite length from longer work is also permissible. The written work should be related to the subject you propose to study.

The written work should be typed and in English. The word count does not need to include any bibliography or brief footnotes.

• a comprehensive understanding of the subject area;
• understanding of problems in the area;
• ability to construct and defend an argument;
• powers of analysis; and
• powers of expression.

GRE General Test results

If you do not hold, or will not shortly hold, a UK or Republic of Ireland degree, you must submit the results of a GRE Test obtained within the last 5 years. However, we recommend that applicants from UK or Republic of Ireland universities also submit a GRE score. Entrance is very competitive, and most successful applicants have a GRE score of at least 160 for verbal, 164 for quantitative and 4.5 for analytical.

Start or continue your application

You can start or return to an application using the relevant link below. As you complete the form, please  refer to the requirements above  and  consult our Application Guide for advice .

Application Guide   Apply - Full time Apply - Part time

ADMISSION STATUS

Closed to applications for entry in 2024-25

Register to be notified via email when the next application cycle opens (for entry in 2025-26)

12:00 midday UK time on:

Tuesday 28 January 2025

Latest deadline for most Oxford scholarships Final application deadline for entry in 2025-26

*Three-year average (applications for entry in 2021-22 to 2023-24)

Further information and enquiries

This course is offered by the Department of Economics

• Course page on the department's website
• Funding information from the department
• Academic and research staff
• Departmental research
• Social Sciences Division
• Residence requirements for full-time courses
• Postgraduate applicant privacy policy

Course-related enquiries

Advice about contacting the department can be found in the How to apply section of this page

✉ e [email protected] ☎ +44 (0)1865 281290

Application-process enquiries

See the application guide

Other courses to consider

You may also wish to consider applying to other courses that are similar or related to this course:

MPhil + DPhil in Economics

You can study this course as part of our five-year integrated  MPhil+DPhil in Economics  which enables students to first study for the two-year MPhil in Economics and then automatically switch to the DPhil in Economics.

Visa eligibility for part-time study

We are unable to sponsor student visas for part-time study on this course. Part-time students may be able to attend on a visitor visa for short blocks of time only (and leave after each visit) and will need to remain based outside the UK.

Study Postgraduate

Mres/phd in economics (2024 entry).

Course code

16 September 2024

2 + 4 years full-time

Qualification

University of Warwick

Applications for 2024 entry are now open and will close on 15th January 2024.

Find out more about our Economics Master of Research (MRes/PhD).

The MRes/PhD course is an integrated Master of Research in Economics, from which students progress to PhD in Economics. You will be taught and guided by top class researchers, at the forefront of their field, and will receive comprehensive support for your entry to the job market. Warwick's Department of Economics, ranked 1st in the UK ( The Good University Guide 2023 ) and 22nd the World ( The QS World University Subject Rankings 2023 ), will provide you with exceptionally high-quality training, skills and techniques in advanced economics.

* Please note that, for Visa purposes, this is considered a Taught course which means that students requiring Student Visa sponsorship will not be able to bring dependants to the UK unless they are government sponsored.

Course overview.

Our comprehensive 2+4 MRes/PhD research programme offers a unique training opportunity in advanced economics. We aim to provide you with professional training in modern economics, including tools and techniques of analysis at the forefront of the discipline, and opportunities to apply this in extended research.

We offer a two-week Mathematics and Statistics pre-sessional programme, which starts two weeks before the official start of term. The pre-sessional course will provide a thorough grounding in the mathematical techniques required throughout the programme and attendance is highly recommended, although not compulsory.

Warwick Economics was ranked 2nd in the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021 and 99% of our research was deemed to be world leading or internationally excellent. We have five separate seminar series running on a weekly basis (term time), with invited eminent speakers from around the world. MRes and PhD students are welcome and encouraged to attend. 

Skills from this degree

You will focus on developing a range of important skills, including:

• Advanced knowledge and understanding of comparative and interdisciplinary approaches.
• Ability to identify and process data to produce original results.
• Knowledge of contemporary theoretical and empirical debates and research outcomes in your chosen specialised areas of economics.
• Sound ability to formulate hypotheses and viable explanations based on received ideas and in combination with other comparable data.
• Ability to critically evaluate existing models with a view to formulating revised or new models.
• Understanding the role of the researcher in policy making and policy analysis.

General entry requirements

Minimum requirements.

First Class undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in a related subject and/or Distinction at Master’s level. A GRE General Test quantitative section score would be useful but not essential. Scores of around 800/166 are typical for previously successful applicants.

English language requirements

You can find out more about our English language requirements Link opens in a new window . This course requires the following:

• IELTS overall score of 7.0, minimum component scores of two at 6.0/6.5 and the rest at 7.0 or above.

International qualifications

We welcome applications from students with other internationally recognised qualifications.

For more information, please visit the international entry requirements page Link opens in a new window .

Additional requirements

There are no additional entry requirements for this course.

Our research

99% of the Department's research was rated world-leading (4*) or internationally excellent (3*) in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF), placing the Department second in the UK.

Areas for PhD supervision  

We have active research groups in:

• Applied Economics
• Economic History
• Development Economics
• Economic Theory
• Econometrics
• Industrial Economics
• International Economics
• Labour Economics
• Macroeconomics
• Political Economy
• Public Economics
• Experimental and Behavioural Economics Modules

Core modules

Advanced Microeconomic Theory

The module aims to develop your skills and knowledge of, microeconomics necessary for a career as an academic economist and in all areas where advanced research skills in economics are required. Specifically, it aims to teach you the ability to understand, appreciate, and ultimately contribute to, frontier research. You will develop a thorough understanding of the main techniques of modern microeconomic theory; a detailed knowledge of recent research in key areas of microeconomic theory and be able to apply these to develop microeconomic models in your own research.

Advanced Macroeconomic Analysis

In this module you will focus on the development of the skills and knowledge of advanced macroeconomics, which are fundamental for a career as an academic economist. You will develop a thorough understanding of modern macroeconomic theory; and the ability to read and understand ground-breaking research in macroeconomics published in top journals. For those intending to pursue a career in macroeconomics, the course provides the basic tools required to pursue their own research agenda.

Advanced Econometric Theory

In this module you will focus on another important area of advanced research skills: advanced econometrics. You will develop an advanced understanding of the main aspects of modern econometric theory and techniques used in research at the forefront of the field.

The Practice of Economics Research

The principal aim of this module is to serve as a bridge between theoretical material taught in other year-one core modules and the practical application of theory and methods to concrete research questions, informed by other considerations (such as institutional structures). The focus is on development of the skills needed to conduct research, including identifying and formulating research questions informed by current debates both in academia and outside it (for example in public policy). You will learn to identify appropriate sources and methods, deal with the practical aspects of deploying those methods, and communicate/disseminate research results effectively.

By comparison with the other core modules taken by students in the first year of the MRes programme, this module is distinctive in its emphasis on learning by example and on learning by doing.

MRes Dissertation

This module aims to provide you with the opportunity to demonstrate your ability to autonomously investigate and carry out novel research in your chosen area of economics, at PhD level.

Optional modules

Optional modules can vary from year to year. Example optional modules may include:

• Advanced Economic Theory
• Political Economic Theory and Experiments
• Empirical Political Economy
• Advanced Econometrics
• Industrial Organisation and Data Science

You will be taught by leading academics in the major fields of Economics using a combination of lectures and classes.

You will also be heavily involved in developing your own research under the supervision of one of our leading academics in the form of your MRes dissertation.

Class sizes

Lectures and classes typically have 15-25 students in year one.

In year two class sizes vary between 3 and 15 students.

Typical contact hours

In year one you will have 9 hours of lectures per week and 4-5 hours of seminars. In year two, teaching is mainly on a seminar basis (6 hours per week).

Your timetable

Your personalised timetable will be complete when you are registered for all modules, compulsory and optional, and you have been allocated to your lectures, seminars and other small group classes. Your compulsory modules will be registered for you and you will be able to choose your optional modules when you join us.

Pre-Sessional Advanced Mathematics

You are recommended to attend the pre-sessional course in Advanced Mathematics which will be taught in the two weeks before the University’s main term begins. The course is designed to ensure that your maths knowledge and skills are at the standard required for you to succeed on the MRes/PhD course.

Assessment is a mixture of class tests, exams, presentations, and referee reports and the MRes dissertation (maximum of 20,000 words).

Progression Criteria

If you pass the MRes at a sufficiently high level of performance, you will then proceed to the PhD programme. You will have a maximum of four years to complete the PhD, but are expected to be ready to go on the job market at the beginning of your fourth year and to be ready to submit your thesis in the following spring. We aim to provide you with professional training in modern economics, including tools and techniques of analysis as well as knowledge, and an opportunity to apply this in extended research. Our objective is to produce doctoral students who are able to pursue driven careers at the highest level in academia, government agencies or consultancies.

Find a supervisor

Please do not write to members of faculty regarding supervision or entry to the PhD, as we do not recruit PhD students in this way.

All of our PhD students must either complete the MRes Economics at Warwick or demonstrate they have completed a two-year MRes at another institution (with a syllabus closely matching that taught at Warwick) and achieved excellent results.

Tuition fees

Tuition fees are payable for each year of your course at the start of the academic year, or at the start of your course, if later. Academic fees cover the cost of tuition, examinations and registration and some student amenities.

Find your research course fees

Fee Status Guidance

We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Students will be classified as Home or Overseas fee status. Your fee status determines tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available. If you receive an offer, your fee status will be clearly stated alongside the tuition fee information.

Do you need your fee classification to be reviewed?

If you believe that your fee status has been classified incorrectly, you can complete a fee status assessment questionnaire. Please follow the instructions in your offer information and provide the documents needed to reassess your status.

Find out more about how universities assess fee status

Additional course costs

As well as tuition fees and living expenses, some courses may require you to cover the cost of field trips or costs associated with travel abroad.

For departmental specific costs, please see the Modules tab on the course web page for the list of core and optional core modules with hyperlinks to our  Module Catalogue  (please visit the Department’s website if the Module Catalogue hyperlinks are not provided).

Associated costs can be found on the Study tab for each module listed in the Module Catalogue (please note most of the module content applies to 2022/23 year of study). Information about module department specific costs should be considered in conjunction with the more general costs below:

• Core text books
• Printer credits
• Dissertation binding
• Robe hire for your degree ceremony

Departmental Scholarship  

The majority of students offered a place on the programme will also be offered a Departmental Scholarship consisting of a fee waiver and a maintenance award. You are not required to apply for a scholarship at the time of application for the MRes/PhD programme.  

Departmental Scholarship

The majority of students offered a place on the programme will also be offered a Departmental Scholarship consisting of a fee waiver and a maintenance award. You are not required to apply for a scholarship at the time of application for the MRes/PhD programme.

Scholarships and bursaries

Scholarships and financial support

Find out about the different funding routes available, including; postgraduate loans, scholarships, fee awards and academic department bursaries.

Living costs

Find out more about the cost of living as a postgraduate student at the University of Warwick.

Your career in Economics

Most of our Economics PhD job market candidates are successful in finding academic placements at prestigious universities across the world.

The most recent cohort of students secured academic positions as Lecturers, Assistant Professors or Post-doctoral Fellows at the following Higher Education Institutions: Bocconi University in Milan, the European University Institute in Florence, University College Dublin, University of Bristol, Ashoka University in India, Stockholm University, Tilburg University and the University of Tübingen.

Some of our PhD graduates choose jobs in non-academic fields which require advanced research skills, for example, central banks, regulators, think tanks or international organisations, including:

• The Institute for Government
• Government Economic Service
• The United Nations
• The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development
• World Trade Organisation
• International Monetary Fund
• The World Bank Group

Economics at Warwick

We are committed to rigorous training of the next generation of economists in the tools and techniques of the discipline, producing cutting-edge research that has wide and deep impact on society and the economy, and creating strong collaborations. Our work has established Warwick Economics as one of the leading centres of economic research internationally.

We hold regular live chats for prospective students and offer holders. Please see the live chat schedule for Economics.

Visit the Economics website to find out more

Our Postgraduate courses

• Behavioural and Economic Science (Economics) (MSc)
• Economics (Diploma plus MSc)
• Economics (MSc)
• Economics and International Financial Economics (MSc)
• MRes/PhD in Economics

Academic Resources Portal

The Department of Economics have put together a portal of academic resources recommended by faculty members for anyone who may be considering studying economics at postgraduate level.

Economics Academic Resources Portal

How to apply

Please do not write to members of faculty regarding supervision or entry to the PhD.

We do not recruit PhD students in this way. All of our PhD students must either complete the MRes Economics at Warwick or demonstrate they have completed a two-year MRes at another institution (with a syllabus closely matching that taught at Warwick) and achieved excellent results. If you are interested in direct entry to the PhD, please apply for the MRes/PhD in the first instance. If you are selected for an interview, you should at this stage make clear to the admissions committee that you are seeking direct entry to the PhD.

Applications for 2024 entry will open on 1 November 2023 and will close on 15 January 2024.

How to apply for a postgraduate research course  

After you’ve applied

Find out how we process your application.

Applicant Portal

Track your application and update your details.

Admissions statement

See Warwick’s postgraduate admissions policy.

Join a live chat

Ask questions and engage with Warwick.

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Postgraduate fairs.

Throughout the year we attend exhibitions and fairs online and in-person around the UK. These events give you the chance to explore our range of postgraduate courses, and find out what it’s like studying at Warwick. You’ll also be able to speak directly with our student recruitment team, who will be able to help answer your questions.

Join a live chat with our staff and students, who are here to answer your questions and help you learn more about postgraduate life at Warwick. You can join our general drop-in sessions or talk to your prospective department and student services.

Departmental events

Some academic departments hold events for specific postgraduate programmes, these are fantastic opportunities to learn more about Warwick and your chosen department and course.

See our online departmental events

Warwick Talk and Tours

A Warwick talk and tour lasts around two hours and consists of an overview presentation from one of our Recruitment Officers covering the key features, facilities and activities that make Warwick a leading institution. The talk is followed by a campus tour which is the perfect way to view campus, with a current student guiding you around the key areas on campus.

Connect with us

Learn more about Postgraduate study at the University of Warwick.

We may have revised the information on this page since publication. See the edits we have made and content history .

Why Warwick

Discover why Warwick's Department of Economics is one of the best in the UK and renowned globally.

1st for Economics in the Good University Guide 2024 (Published by the Times and Sunday Times September 2023) Link opens in a new window

4th for Economics in the Complete University Guide 2024 (Published by the Complete University Guide in June 2023) Link opens in a new window

22nd in the QS World Subject Rankings 2023 (For Economics and Econometrics) Link opens in a new window

About the information on this page

This information is applicable for 2024 entry. Given the interval between the publication of courses and enrolment, some of the information may change. It is important to check our website before you apply. Please read our terms and conditions to find out more.

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PhD Programs in Economics in the United Kingdom

Study economics in the united kingdom.

If you are looking to do your PhD degree in economics abroad, the United Kingdom is a great international destination. The UK is home to many of the best universities for economics in the world, all engaged in cutting-edge economics research. A doctoral degree in economics in the UK only takes 3-4 years to complete making it a quick and affordable option. Graduates from UK economics colleges also have excellent career prospects, while teaching here encourages individual research alongside group discussions and assignments.

Pursue your research interests, be it economics theory, macroeconomics, econometrics, health economics, financial economics, behavioral economics, applied economics or development economics. Start your postgraduate training in the UK and enjoy the cosmopolitan atmosphere of British Universities.

Key Information

• Academic year: September – May • Study length: 3-4 years • Type of degrees: Doctor of Philosopy (Ph.D or D.Phil.), Doctor of Science (D.Sc.), Postgraduate Certificate (PgCert), Professional Doctorate, e.g. Doctor of Business Administration (D.B.A.) • Fees: between £15,000 and £25,000/year (funding usually covers most or all costs) • Scholarships: The Chevening Scholarships , The Royal Society Grants , The Commonwealth Scholarhips , scholarships from UK universities • Living costs: £700 – £1300 (London most expensive) • Average starting salary: £52,000 for economists with a PhD degree ( INOMICS Salary Report )

Highlighted PhD courses in economics in the United Kingdom

• PhD Program

Doctoral programme in Economics (MRes+PhD)

• PhD Program, Master's Program

MRes and PhD research programme in Economics

• PhD Program, Program, Postgraduate Scholarship

PhD Scholarships at Exeter Economics

Cardiff Business School - Wales Graduate School for the Social Sciences (WGSSS) (ESRC DTP) FULLY FUNDED GENERAL STUDENTS

Best universities to study economics uk.

The University of Cambridge , Oxford , and The London School of Economics all rank in the Top 10 of the Times Higher Education World Rankings for Economics . Indeed, the United Kingdom is the only country to rank institutions in the Top 10 outside the United States. Other World Top 100 UK universities for PhD in economics include UCL , Warwick , Manchester , Edinburgh , Surrey , Leeds , Sussex and Lancaster .

Best Universities in London for Economics

A global financial centre and cultural giant, London boasts more highly rated economics schools than perhaps any other city in the world. Economics colleges in London include the London School of Economics , UCL and City, University of London . Pursuing an economics doctoral degree in London opens the door to one of the liveliest job markets for economists after graduation and the chance to live in the political and cultural hub of the UK.

Browse courses by city

PhD programs in London

PhD programs in Edinburgh

PhD programs in Glasgow

PhD programs in Liverpool

Browse all economics courses in the UK

INOMICS advice articles for postgraduate research students

Why do a PhD?

10 Most Affordable Countries in Europe to Do Your Economics PhD

Top PhD Programs in Economics

Sample Motivation Letter For Your Economics PhD Application

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Know your options: Discover top PhD programs in economics - on campus and online.

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I have been a member of INOMICS community for over 8 years. I came across the platform when I was looking for a summer school in Europe to prepare myself for my Master’s studies, so I decided to give it a shot. As soon as I found my summer course on INOMICS (which I enjoyed a lot), I started to explore the website more and realized that I can also use it for finding great PhD programs, academic jobs, conferences and professional courses. I think it is the most complete source of information for students or career seekers in the field of economics. Gökhan, PhD Student in Economics at Ankara University

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PhD Programs in UK: Top Universities, Duration, Application Process 

• Updated on  
• Sep 2, 2024

The UK is known for its diverse academic PhD courses in subjects such as Mathematics, Accounting, Management, Science, Law, and Economics. Infact, there are more than three thousand PhD programs in UK, providing students with top-quality education in their preferred field of study. The average duration of these courses is 3-5 years full-time and 2-8 years part-time. Whereas, their average fees can range between £20,000 to £40,750. The best part is that international students can relieve some of their financial burden through PhD scholarships in UK . Sounds interesting? 

There is more to it. In this blog, you will find a complete list of PhD programs in UK, their duration, fees, and the list of best universities to study in UK . Let’s begin.

This Blog Includes:

Phd programs in uk – education, phd accounting & finance program in uk, phd economics program in uk , phd mathematics in uk, phd in science, chemistry, and physics in uk, phd engineering programs in uk , phd english and literature in uk, phd management in uk, phd law in uk, phd in nursing and pharmacy in uk, phd in psychology and philosophy, top 10 universities to study phd programs in uk, entry requirements, list of documents required, application process.

List of Popular PhD Programs in UK for International Students

The UK allows students to pursue a PhD degree in various subjects, according to their field of interest and academic background. In this blog, you will find a compiled list of the best and most popular PhD programs in UK for international students.

Additionally, you will read about their part-time and full-time durations as well as their yearly fees. Each of these programs offers students a chance to conduct advanced research and development. Here is a list of all the PhD subjects covered in this blog: 

• Accounting and Finance
• Mathematics
• Physics 
• Engineering 
• English and Literature
• Philosophy 

PhD in Education is offered as a full-time and part-time course in the UK. It prepares students for research and teaching roles in the field of education by providing them with theoretical knowledge and relevant skills. The average duration of PhD in Education in UK is 3-5 years whereas the average fee is £17,550 –  £25,290.

A PhD in Accounting and Finance provides students with in-depth knowledge and understanding of finance, accounting, taxation, and other related subjects. The average duration of courses in this field is 3-6 years, depending on whether you are pursuing it full-time or part-time.

Also Read: Cost of Studying in UK for Indian Students

A PhD in Economics or Doctor of Philosophy in Economics is a postgraduate research program. It is the highest qualification in the field of economics which grants students a doctor-level degree. Moreover, it is a great option for students who wish to pursue a career as an economist. The average duration of PhD in Economics in UK is around 3-5 years in full-time and 5-6 years in part-time.

PhD in Mathematics in UK is a doctorate program. It is designed to equip students with the relevant skills and knowledge in the field of mathematics. Moreover, it may include courses in applied and pure mathematics such as computation methods, statistics, and mathematical analysis. 

Also Read: Unique Courses to Study in UK for Indian Students

In this table, you will find a list of PhD courses in Science, Chemistry, and Physics in the UK. The average duration of these courses in part-time is 4-8 years whereas the duration in full-time is between 3-4 years. The exact duration and fee of these courses also depend on your university and other factors.

A PhD degree in Engineering in UK is a doctoral degree, specifically created to provide students with expertise and knowledge in different engineering fields. It is a 3-5 years Doctorate degree for candidates who have completed their graduation and postgraduate studies in the same field. The common subjects covered in such courses include computing, software systems, and other specialised areas.  

Also Read: Study Abroad Packing List for UK for International Students

If you want to work in academia or research, you may pursue a PhD in English and Literature. It can be a 3 to 8 years long degree, depending on whether you pursue it full-time or part-time. Moreover, it may include a wide range of topics such as literary criticism, African-American literature, Renaissance literature, and more. 

Students who want to pursue a PhD in Management in UK spend about 3-4 years studying business management and administration. Depending on the university, course, and mode of study, the average cost of PhD Management can range from £18,600 to £28,250.

Also Read: How Much Does it Cost to Study in the UK in 2024?

A PhD degree in Law is the highest academic degree in the field of law. Students who wish to pursue this degree must prepare themselves to conduct intensive research under faculty guidance. The average duration of this course in UK can be 3-4 years full-time and 5-6 years part-time. 

A PhD in Nursing prepares students to pursue careers in academic settings, research, and pharmaceutical science. Similarly, a PhD in Pharmacy is an advanced degree that prepares students to work in the public sector and examine different aspects of healthcare management. 

Also Read: UK Student Visa Interview Questions

Students can find a combined PhD degree in Psychology and Philosophy or individual courses as well. This doctoral degree may provide students with knowledge of both or individual disciplines. Their duration is generally 3-7 years, depending on the university and course shortlisted. 

Here is a list of the top 10 universities in UK to study PhD programs along with their QS Rank and average fee. If the vast number of options are confusing you, then this table might help. 

Also Read: Best Cheapest Universities In UK for Indian Students

Admission Process for PhD Programs in UK

The exact admission requirements to study PhD in England can vary depending on your course, university, and mode of study. This is because different universities may have different requirements for admitting international students. Therefore, you must check the official website of their preferred university and course to get the exact details. Here are the general admission requirements to study PhD in UK.

Some universities such as the University of BATH also compensate a strong performance at the Master’s level for a weaker one at the Bachelor’s level.

• You must have a 2:1 or higher Bachelor’s degree with honours or its equivalent in the relevant subject
• You must have a Master’s degree in the relevant subject area
• You must also demonstrate English proficiency in IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE.

Also Read: What are the Requirements to Study in UK?

Along with satisfying the minimum entry requirements, you must also provide the following documents to gain admission to any of the PhD programs in UK. These documents help the admission department of your preferred university to evaluate your academic background. Here is a list of documents required to study abroad for international students:

• A filled-out application form
• Academic transcripts of all educational institutions attended 
• A detailed research proposal
• Proof of English Proficiency  
• 2-3 referrals or recommendation letters
• A comprehensive CV or Resume

The exact application process to study PhD courses in UK varies from university to university. Below we have provided a general outline of the same to help you understand the process better.

Step 1: Find the university and course

Te first step while applying for any of the PhD programs in UK is to identify the right university and course. Make sure to consider the faculty expertise and university reputation, and that the course aligns with your interests.

Step 2: Find a potential supervisor

Many top universities in the UK require students to find a potential supervisor whose research aligns with their study. Reach out to the supervisor to ensure the availability of opportunities, research areas, and their availability to supervise your project. 

Step 3: Review entry requirements

Once you have shortlisted the university, course, and supervisor, move on to reviewing entry requirements. Ensure that you meet the minimum academic requirements including the level of study required, English language proficiency, and other additional requirements. 

Step 4: Prepare a research proposal

Next, write a detailed research proposal outlining your research question, objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes. You must remember that your research proposal is a critical part of your application as it can highlight your academic achievements. 

Step 5: Gather your documents

Make sure that you have all the documents required to apply to UK universities . It will help the university admission committee assess your candidacy for admission. 

Step 6: Start your Application

Once you have all the required documents, you can start your application process in no matter of time. 

• Visit the official website of your preferred university.
• Find and select the PhD course.
• Complete your personal information as per the official academic transcripts and documents.  
• Upload the necessary documents 
• Pay the required application fee.

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The duration of a PhD program in the UK depends on the country, university, course shortlisted, and funding arrangements. Nonetheless, the general duration of PhD programs in UK is 3-4 years full-time and 6-8 years part-time.

The average cost to study PhD in UK can range between £26,500 to £38,400. The exact cost depends on various factors such as your university, course, and whether you are pursuing the course full-time or part-time. Apart from this, international students will also have to bear additional charges such as accommodation and cost of living in UK.

The minimum qualifications to study PhD in UK include that students must have a 2:1 bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 60% in aggregate. Additionally, international students will also have to demonstrate their proficiency in the English language through IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE.

This was all about PhD programs in UK. Still not sure how to go about it? Let the professionals at Leverage Edu take care of your academic journey! You may enlist the assistance of Leverage Edu specialists to assist you with the application process so that you can realize your goals. Call us immediately at 1800 57 2000 for a free 30-minute counselling session.

Parul Sharma

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Best universities in the UK 2024 - University Rankings

The university of oxford is top in a list of the best universities in the uk 2024, which includes institutions in england, wales, scotland and northern ireland.

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Top 10 universities in the UK 2024

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Which are the top universities in the UK? If you want to study in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland, which universities should you consider?

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This league table reveals the best UK universities and colleges, according to the trusted Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024.

The University of Oxford takes the first place position, with the University of Cambridge following in second place, while two of London’s best universities and a Scottish university complete the top five.

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Three universities in Scotland appear in the top 25 – the University of Edinburgh , the University of Glasgow and the University of St Andrews – while Cardiff University is the top-ranked Welsh university, sitting in 24th place.

For students looking to study in Northern Ireland, the best university in the ranking is Queen’s University Belfast .

Of the top universities in the UK, about 20 are in London, including well-known institutions such as Imperial College London and King’s College London.

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5.  university of edinburgh.

Founded in 1583, the University of Edinburgh is the sixth-oldest university in the English-speaking world and one of Britain and Ireland’s seven ancient universities.

It is made up of three colleges: arts, humanities and social sciences; science and engineering; and medicine and veterinary medicine. Within these colleges are 20 academic schools.

A range of student clubs and societies is on offer, including a music society, a theatre society and a variety of sports teams including football, rowing, judo and rugby.

The student newspaper, The Student , is one of the oldest student newspapers in the UK. It was founded by the author Robert Louis Stevenson.

UCL’s main campus is in the central London area of Bloomsbury. Nearly half of all UCL students are from outside the UK, with significantly more from Asia than from continental Europe.

UCL was the first university in England to admit students irrespective of class, race or religion, and the first to admit women on equal terms with men, following the educational philosophy of Jeremy Bentham, the university’s “spiritual founder”.

For admission, undergraduate students are required to have achieved top grades in their high school exams. The most competitive degree is the BSc in philosophy, politics and economics, which receives 30 applicants for every place.

Famous alumni include Mahatma Gandhi; Alexander Graham Bell, the inventor of the telephone; and Coldplay’s Chris Martin, who met the other members of his band at the university.

3. Imperial College London

Imperial’s main campus is near Kensington Palace in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, with other campuses around the city. The student cohort is extremely international and is made up of more than 125 nationalities.

Imperial College London is consistently ranked among the best universities in the world for science, technology, engineering, medicine and business.

It was formed in 1907 from a merger of three colleges in London and now has 17,000 students and 8,000 staff.

In addition to top scientists, Fields medallists and Nobel prizewinners, Imperial also produces influential government advisers and policymakers. Many graduates go on to achieve breakthrough innovations in industry and business, and are highly sought after by blue-chip companies and start-ups.

The author H. G. Wells and Sir Alexander Fleming, who discovered penicillin, are among Imperial’s famous alumni.

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2. University of Cambridge

In total, 117 Nobel laureates are affiliated with the University of Cambridge , and Cambridge-linked mathematicians have won 11 Fields medals. Notable alumni include actors, athletes, politicians, royals and cultural figures, including biologist Charles Darwin, broadcaster David Attenborough, conservationist Jane Goodall and actress Olivia Colman.

Like Oxford, the University of Cambridge is fundamentally collegiate and is also one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious universities. The town is just an hour from London.

The university is home to more than 19,000 students and 9,000 staff. There are 31 colleges, some of which date back to the 13th century, and more than 100 academic departments.

Cambridge is particularly renowned for excellence in mathematics and has educated some of the most famous British scientists.

Undergraduates are taught via lectures and supervisions – intimate tutorials with only a couple of other students at most. The workload is heavy but terms are shorter than at many other UK universities.

Cambridge libraries are home to extensive collections of medieval manuscripts, and the university museums display collections of archaeological artefacts and zoological specimens.

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1. University of Oxford

More than 30 world leaders, 27 British prime ministers, 50 Nobelists and 120 Olympic medallists were educated at Oxford. Stephen Hawking, Hugh Grant and Indira Gandhi are some of its famous graduates.

Undergraduates and postgraduates belong to one of its 44 colleges and often live in the college building or college-owned accommodation.

One of the world’s oldest and most prestigious universities, the University of Oxford attracts top scholars and students. Entry standards are high and admission is competitive; on average, the institution receives five applications for each available place.

Social life and recreational activities – such as rowing, cultural events and societies – also revolve around the college. Undergraduates are taught almost exclusively by tutors in their college, while postgraduate students are primarily served academically by a centralised faculty.

There are more than 100 libraries at Oxford, the most famous of which is the Bodleian, built in 1602. The city also has a number of museums, including the Oxford University Museum of Natural History, which houses the remains of a dodo, and the Museum of the History of Science, which displays a blackboard used by Albert Einstein.

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