Economics PhD by research

As one of the top Economics departments in the UK, we are highly respected worldwide and internationally recognised in many fields. We offer an active and stimulating research environment in which our postgraduate research students plaY a crucial part.

We have approximately 30 full-time faculty members, and our Ph.D. programme is small enough (between 5 and 10 new students admitted each year) to provide detailed PhD supervision, but large enough to offer expertise in a wide range of fields. Supervision is offered in all the main areas of economics and econometrics.

Microeconomics

Research in microeconomics focuses on game theory, the economics of information, labour economics, industrial organisation, public economics, environmental and resource economics.

Macroeconomics

In macroeconomics, the main areas of research relate to open economy macroeconomics, international trade, economic growth and business cycles, game-theoretic models of macroeconomic policy and transition economics.

Econometrics

The econometrics group has particular interests in econometric methodology, econometric modelling and time-series analysis. In addition, many of the group are actively involved in applied econometric research in macroeconomics, labour economics and finance.

Programme information

Support and training

Our programme is designed to provide you with extensive support and training. All our PhD students take advanced units designed specifically for doctoral level.

Facilities

There is a dedicated office suite for PhD students, so that all students have their own desk and personal computer with internet access.

Seminar and workshop programmes

There is an extensive programme of seminars with visiting speakers and research workshops where staff and students present their work in a more informal atmosphere. We also encourage students to attend conferences and research workshops elsewhere.

In recent years, our research students have participated in the Jerusalem Summer School on Economic Theory, the European Economic Association Summer Workshop, and the Royal Economic Society Easter Workshop. A Research Support Fund provides financial assistance to students who wish to attend such events. The Faculty Graduate School offers a programme of more than 40 one day and half day courses for research students.

Integrated PhD programme

Our integrated PhD programme is intended for students with a strong background in economics and quantitative methods at the first degree level; or those with a Master’s level qualification in economics but who lack the advanced training necessary to proceed directly to research. It is a rigorous four year programme, consisting of three strands:

  • advanced courses in economics and econometrics
  • professional skill development through workshops and seminars
  • supervised research.

Further information

Further information is available on our PhD entry requirements, programme structure, and fees.