research on topics including, among others, health economics, the economics of crime, development economics, public economics, behavioural/experimental economics, microeconomic theory, macroeconomics, and finance. We also have strong links with other departments and research centres in the School of Policy and Global Affairs, offering potential for interdisciplinary research in politics, sociology, or criminology.
About the programme
Upon joining our PhD programme, you will become part of a close-knit community of like-minded researchers. Our PhD researchers actively participate in our research activities by collaborating with faculty and fellow PhD students, presenting their research at seminars, and interacting regularly with our academics. Over the three years of the programme, you will take PhD-level courses to enhance your research skills, get the opportunity to participate in advanced training programmes and summer schools, attend research seminars delivered by leading international researchers, and receive regular feedback from both your supervisory team and the rest of the department. You will also get opportunities to work as a teaching assistant to receive additional funding, develop your teaching skills and prepare for your future career. Our graduates have pursued careers both in academia, at top departments including UCL, LSE, King’s College or the University of Nottingham, and outside of academia at world-leading institutions including the IMF and central banks world-wide.
Funding opportunities
Four fully funded scholarships are available: two departmental studentships, one school studentship, and one SENSS scholarship through the SENSS Doctoral Training Partnership. Each covers full student fees, a generous stipend, and research expenses across the first three years of study. The department will support applicants applying for the SENSS scholarship.
Applicants who do not secure a full scholarship will be considered for a partial studentship including a full tuition fee waiver (covering both UK and international fees) for three years, a guaranteed offer of paid teaching experience of up to 180 hours per year (conditional on a competence-based interview), and a total of £1,500 in research expenses across the first three years of study.
How to apply
We offer full-time (3 years) and part-time (7 years) PhD programmes, starting in October of every year. Applicants should have an MSc in Economics or a related field. For information about the application process, please consult our PhD programme webpage or apply directly at this link. Before applying, you should carefully review the research carried out by our faculty and contact potential supervisors to discuss your research project. To be considered for funding, you should submit your application no later than the 30th of November 2026. Self-funded candidates can apply until the 30th of June 2027.
Fully funded scholarships
