The Economics PhD is designed to train you to conduct research of high academic merit and to make important and original contributions to the subject. The Department of Economics enjoys an international reputation for research of the highest quality.
The commitment to research that exists within the Department of Economics has been underlined by the results of the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2014 exercise. Economics placed 6th out of 28 institutions in the REF 2014 subject ranking on intensity. Research is integral to the School strategy with 90% of academic colleagues in the Department of Economics having research submitted for review.
Doctoral researchers are expected to participate to the fullest possible extent in the life of the Department. Amongst other things this means attending seminars organised by the Department thereby helping expose doctoral researchers to new ideas emanating from outside their own area of specialisation. It also requires actively participating in PhD workshops and conferences organised by Research Groups and institutions outside the University of Birmingham.
Ultimately all doctoral researchers will have the ability to identify and pursue cutting edge research questions, characterise and solve economic problems using advanced mathematical tools, and test hypotheses using highly sophisticated statistical techniques. They should be able to derive policy implications from their research and communicate these to policy makers in a manner which is comprehensible. They will also be able to peer review others’ research and offer constructive criticism, and to extend the frontiers of the discipline through their own innovative research.
Doctoral researchers may choose to become academics, work in Government, supranational organisations or in the research arms of major financial institutions. They are expected to achieve a substantial understanding of contemporaneous economic issues enabling them to take a lead in ongoing debates within society. They will be aware of and understand the function of key economic institutions and be capable of explaining stylised economic facts to diverse audiences.
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Fees
Standard fees apply.
Learn more about fees and funding
Scholarships and studentships
A limited number of scholarships may be available to outstanding applicants. International students can often gain funding through overseas research scholarships, Commonwealth scholarships or their home Government.
For further information contact the School directly or visit our helpdesk.
How To Apply
When clicking on the Apply Now button you will be directed to an application specifically designed for the programme you wish to apply for where you will create an account with the University application system and submit your application and supporting documents online. Further information regarding how to apply online can be found on the How to apply pages
Economics
PhD
The School of Business offers supervision for the degree of:
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Economics – full-time campus based study
Supervision and research areas
We offer PhD supervision in Economics in areas compatible with the research interests of our academic staff including:
- Microeconomic Theory
- Applied Microeconomics
- Macroeconomic Theory
- Applied Macroeconomics
- Financial Economies
- Experimental and Behavioural Economics
Interested in a different research area?
It is important that the area you want to work in is broadly compatible with our research interests – otherwise we may not be able to accept your application.
However, please do not feel we will not be interested if there is not an exact match. It is sometimes possible to be flexible, so please contact us.
Entry requirements
You must hold a UK undergraduate (Bachelor’s) degree with at least First-Class or Upper Second-Class honours or an equivalent qualification from a recognised overseas institution. A Master’s degree in a relevant subject is also normally required.
See academic entry requirements and the English language entry requirements.
How to apply
- Make sure we offer PhD supervision in the area in which you want to work – search our staff research interests above.
- Download and save the Research Proposal Form and prepare your proposal. Complete all sections and make sure that tells us what you want to research, how you intend to do it, and why it is worth doing. You might be interested in signing up for our 5 week online course Discovering Your PhD Potential: Writing a Research Proposal. The course is offered through FutureLearn where you can register your interest for the next available course.
- Prepare your supporting documents, with your application you need to include proof that you meet the academic entry requirements and the English language entry requirements:
- include all relevant certificates/diplomas and transcripts
- international applicants must provide official copies of their entire course transcripts including explanations of the mark schemes used
- supporting documents not in English must be provided with a certified English translation
- CV
- In addition to uploading the above documents please enter contact details for two academic (not personal) referees who can comment on your suitability for the research degree programme or upload letters of reference if already available
- Personal Statement
Submit your online application using the Apply button at the bottom of this page. Upload your supporting documents and your completed Research Proposal Form.
When to apply
We have an intake in September each year.
You should try to submit your application as far in advance of your preferred start date as possible. If you are an international applicant and require a visa to study in the UK you should submit your application at least three-to-four months before the proposed start date.
After you have submitted your application, it will take a minimum of six weeks for you to receive a decision about your application.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees vary according to your fee status (whether you live in the UK, EU, or international). For clarification please contact pgradmissions@le.ac.uk.
UK/EU Campus-based
Full-time
- Starting in 2020/21 academic year: £4,407 per year
International Campus-based
Full-time
- Starting in 2020/21 academic year: £15,520 per year
The normal duration of a PhD programme is three years (full-time). PhD students may use the fourth year as a ‘writing-up’ year for which a reduced fee is payable if active research has been completed – currently £100. (Maximum registration permitted is 4 years full-time).
Funding
For a list of our available scholarships/studentships, please visit our funded opportunities pages.
PhD description
Economics
| Awards available | PhD |
|---|---|
| Programme length | Four years full-time (minimum period of study three years); seven years part-time. |
| Location of programme | Clifton campus |
| Part-time study available | Yes |
| Start date | Most students will start in October 2020, however other dates can be considered. |
Programme overview
The Department of Economics carries out research into most of the major fields of economics. It has a distinctive focus and reputation, combining high-level advances in economic theory, structural modelling and econometrics with innovative research in public policy.
The quality of the department’s research has been evident in the most recent research assessments. In the Times Higher Education analysis of the latest Research Excellence Framework (2014), the Department of Economics was ranked sixth in the UK, with a high proportion of its research activity rated in the top category.
Fees for 2020/21
We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2020/21 are as follows:UK/EU: full-time£4,365UK/EU: part-time£2,183Overseas: full-time£18,300Channel Islands/Isle of Man: full-time£9,365
Fees are subject to an annual review. For programmes that last longer than one year, please budget for up to a five per cent increase in fees each year. Find out more about tuition fees.
Alumni scholarship
University of Bristol students and graduates can benefit from a ten per cent reduction in tuition fees for postgraduate study. Check your eligibility for an alumni scholarship.
Funding for 2020/21
The Faculty of Social Sciences and Law has an allocation of 1+3 and +3 ESRC scholarships. Please visit the school website for more information.
Further information on funding for prospective UK, EU and international postgraduate students.
Entry requirements
The standard entry route into the PhD is from the MRes Economics programme, conditional on academic results and the availability of supervision. Candidates with an MRes or MPhil Economics degree from another institution, or a very strong MSc Economics or equivalent degree, can also be considered for direct entry into the PhD programme. Applicants whose master’s-level studies have been outside Europe, the US and Canada are strongly recommended to provide GRE scores.
See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website.
English language requirements
If English is not your first language, you need to meet this profile level:
Profile B
Further information about English language requirements and profile levels.
Admissions statement
Read the programme admissions statement for important information on entry requirements, the application process and supporting documents required.
Research groups
Most research is carried out within five main research areas:
- econometrics
- economic theory
- labour economics
- macroeconomics, growth and development
- public organisation and applied microeconomics
Further details of the current research and supervision interests of individual members of staff are available on the school website.
Careers
Many of our PhD graduates pursue careers in research, in academia or elsewhere. The programme also provides you with a sound basis for careers in finance, business management, public service or teaching. More information on graduate destinations can be found on the school website.
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