Program Overview

Overview of the PhD in Economics

The PhD in Economics at the University of Kent is a four-year program that provides rigorous training for careers in professional and academic economics. The program offers a stimulating, supportive, and structured environment in which highly-qualified graduates can develop economic research skills that will enable them to make an original contribution to economic knowledge.

Key Information

• Study mode: Full-time or part-time
• Duration: 4 years full-time
• Start date: September
• Location: Canterbury

Entry Requirements

• A typical student will have studied for an MSc in Economics (or a closely-related discipline) in the UK with an average grade of 65% or above.
• All applicants are considered on an individual basis and additional qualifications, professional qualifications, and relevant experience may also be taken into account when considering applications.
• International students: Please see the International Student website for entry requirements by country and other relevant information.

English Language Entry Requirements

• This course requires a Good level of English language, equivalent to B2 on CEFR.
• Details on how to meet this requirement can be found on the English Language requirements webpage.
• Examples:
  • IELTS 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each component
  • PTE Academic 63 with a minimum of 59 in each sub-test
  • A degree from a UK university
  • A degree from a Majority English Speaking Country

Funding

• The University will assess your fee status as part of the application process.
• If you are uncertain about your fee status, you may wish to seek advice from UKCISA before applying.
• Tuition fees may be increased in the second and subsequent years of your course.
• Detailed information on possible future increases in tuition fees is contained in the Tuition Fees Increase Policy.

Fees for Economics - PhD at Canterbury

• Full-time:
  • UK: £5,006
  • EU: £19,300
  • International: £19,300
• Part-time:
  • UK: £2,503
  • EU: £9,650
  • International: £9,650

Study Support

• We provide an environment in which you can both develop as an economist and complete a high-quality thesis, plus the appropriate resources to achieve this.
• All our PhD students are given dedicated office and computer facilities and have full access to the University’s excellent resources.
• You receive committed supervision, with regular appointments with your supervisor(s) to discuss your work, receive timely and constructive feedback on all the work that you do, and advice on how to present your work externally.

Research

• The School of Economics has a strong research culture and an international reputation in several fields, particularly applied microeconomics (labour and agri-environmental), quantitative macroeconomic theory, macro and microeconometrics, and economic development.
• The School is home to two research centres and one research group:
  • Centre for Agri-Environmental Studies (CEAS)
  • Macroeconomics, Growth and History Centre (MaGHiC)
  • Microeconomics Research Group

Your Future

• A PhD in the area of economics is a particularly valuable and flexible qualification that can open the door to exciting careers in many professions.
• Our PhD programme provides rigorous training for careers in professional and academic economics.
• Our graduates have gone on to work as economists in international organisations, the financial sector, business, UK and overseas governments, and to academic careers at Kent and UK and overseas universities.

Career Support

• Whether you want to get ahead in your current career, change lanes, or kickstart a new one – we are here to help you realise your ambition.

Application Process

• All applications should include:
  • Official transcripts of your undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.
  • References: Either provide 2 professional/academic email addresses for referees to be contacted to provide a reference direct to your application online or upload two letters of reference.
  • Evidence of proficiency in English, where applicable.
  • An up-to-date CV.
  • A research proposal - an outline of approximately 1,500 words on the research project you wish to undertake.
• Please note that students are not required to state a proposed supervisor as supervisors will be allocated during the PhD. The relevant question on your application can be left blank.