Program Overview

Queen's University Belfast - PhD in Finance

Overview

The finance group is an energetic and enterprising research cluster that continuously strives for excellence in both its teaching and its scholarship. The group's research strengths cover finance and financial history, financial markets and institutions and not-for-profit financial institutions. Research students benefit from attending courses and tailor-made reading groups to complete their background preparation in finance.

Entry Requirements

• Normally a UK 2.1 Honours degree (or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University) and a UK Master's degree in a relevant discipline with a final result of 60% (or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University).
• In cases where applicants have not completed a Master's degree, applications may be considered where applicants hold a 1st class Honours undergraduate degree from a high-ranking, research focus university and have demonstrated an ability to conduct academic research.

International Students

• For information on international qualification equivalents, please check the specific information for your country.

English Language Requirements

• Evidence of an IELTS* score of 7.0, with not less than 6.0 in any component, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University is required (*taken within the last 2 years).

Tuition Fees

• Northern Ireland (NI): £5,006
• Republic of Ireland (ROI): £5,006
• England, Scotland or Wales (GB): £5,006
• EU Other: £20,500
• International: £20,500

Research Themes

• Asset Pricing and Financial markets
• Financial History
• Computational finance
• Household finance, housing and pensions

Career Prospects

• The School has a proven track-record of placing its PhD graduates in tenure-track research and teaching posts at top universities in the UK and elsewhere.

Learning Outcomes

• A research degree offers students an opportunity to foster their capacity for independent research and critical thought.
• It also allows students to explore an area of interest and so understand and solve theoretical and practical problems within the field.

Course Structure

• There is no specific course content as such. You are expected to carry out your research under the guidance of your supervisor.
• You are expected to take research training modules that are identified by your supervisor and supported by the School.

Assessment

• Assessment processes for the Research Degree differ from taught degrees.
• Students will be expected to present drafts of their work at regular intervals to their supervisor who will provide written and oral feedback; a formal assessment process takes place annually.

Facilities

• Full time PhD students will have access to a shared office space and access to a desk with personal computer and internet access.

Funding and Scholarships

• The Funding & Scholarship Finder helps prospective and current students find funding to help cover costs towards a whole range of study related expenses.

Additional Course Costs

• There are no specific additional course costs associated with this programme.
• Students can borrow books and access online learning resources from any Queen's library.
• If students wish to purchase recommended texts, rather than borrow them from the University Library, prices per text can range from £30 to £100.
• Students should also budget between £30 to £100 per year for photocopying, memory sticks and printing charges.
• Students may wish to consider purchasing an electronic device; costs will vary depending on the specification of the model chosen.
• There are also additional charges for graduation ceremonies, and library fines.
• In undertaking a research project students may incur costs associated with transport and/or materials, and there will also be additional costs for printing and binding the thesis.