PhD in Finance

University of Reading - Finance and Accounting, Henley Business School

Qualification Type:PhDLocation:ReadingFunding for:UK Students, EU Students, International StudentsFunding amount:£20,780 per annum, 2025/26 figureHours:Full TimePlaced On:5th December 2025Closes:13th February 2026

Shape the Future of Finance Research

Join a globally recognised programme designed to equip you with the expertise, skills, and confidence to excel in cutting-edge research in finance. As part of Henley Business School, you will work alongside world-class faculty and access exceptional resources, preparing for impactful careers in academia or industry.

We seek applications in the following areas:

• Asset Pricing and Market Microstructure
• Banking and Financial Markets
• Behavioural Finance
• Climate Finance and ESG
• Corporate Finance and Corporate Governance
• Financial Risk Management
• FinTech, Cryptocurrencies and Machine Learning

Why Choose Us?

• World-class Faculty: Learn from leading experts with publications in top-tier journals
• State-of-the-Art Facilities: Benefit from access to our bespoke dealing rooms and key databases, including WRDS, LSEG Workspace, Bloomberg, and Datastream
• Research Excellence: 100% of the research environment is considered as ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’ for research vitality and sustainability (Research Excellence Framework 2021)
• PhD Community: Be part of a vibrant PhD community at Henley Business School and the University of Reading

Programme Structure

The PhD programme lasts three to four years on a full-time basis. In the first year, students undertake taught modules covering key research methods and subject-specific topics. Years 2 and 3 focus on developing the PhD thesis, supported by additional training in academic writing and presentation skills. Throughout the programme, dedicated supervisors provide expert guidance to help you achieve academic and professional success.

Requirements

We seek applications from exceptional UK, EU and overseas graduates. Studentships will be awarded to students based on outstanding academic achievement and research potential. The key requirements for consideration are:

• Master degree with top marks (Distinction or equivalent)
• Strong quantitative and computational skills
• Relevant research proposal in finance
• Strong passion for conducting independent research

Scholarships

We offer several PhD scholarships that cover tuition fees (for both UK and non-UK applicants) and provide a three-year stipend of £20,780 per annum (2025/26 figure, it will rise in 2026/27 in line with UKRI). Additionally, recipients may receive £3,500 per annum for teaching activities. Scholarships also offer additional funding for conference attendance over the three years.

Further details are available via the above 'Apply' button.

Career Opportunities

Our graduates secure roles in academia, top financial institutions, and global regulatory bodies. Recent PhD alumni have joined leading UK universities (e.g., Oxford, Manchester, Kings College London, Liverpool, Cardiff, Bath, Sussex, Surrey) and international institutions (ESCP Europe, Hamburg, UCD, Goethe University Frankfurt). Industry and policy placements include Allianz, Bank of England, Barclays, Credit Suisse, Deloitte, Deutsche Bank, ECB, London Business Bank, NAFMII, and the World Bank.

Our award-winning careers team supports students throughout their PhD and for four years post-graduation.

Start Your Research Journey Today!

Funding Minimum

PhD scholarships that cover tuition fees (for both UK and non-UK applicants) and provide a three-year stipend of £20,780 per annum (2025/26 figure, it will rise in 2026/27 in line with UKRI). Additionally, recipients may receive £3,500 per annum for teaching activities. Scholarships also offer additional funding for conference attendance over the three years.