Program Overview

---

MRes/PhD Accounting (Economics of Accounting)

The Department of Accounting at LSE is one of the leading groups in the world for teaching and research on the economic, institutional and organisational aspects of accounting and financial management. Our PhD programme provides rigorous academic training aimed at preparing students to undertake research of the highest international standards.

Introduction

The PhD programme in Accounting (Economics of Accounting) is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the economic, institutional, and organisational aspects of accounting and financial management. The programme is structured in two tracks: The Accounting, Organisations and Institutions (AOI) track, and the Economics of Accounting (EoA) track. The EoA track primarily examines accounting and financial reporting issues from an economics perspective.

Key Information

• Study mode: Full-time (five years) and part-time (see "Your application" for more information)
• Programme availability: Open to home and overseas students
• Academic year: 2026/27
• Start date: Late August 2026 (EoA track students are required to begin pre-sessional course in August)
• Location: Houghton Street, London
• Application deadline: 27 May 2026

Overview

The PhD programme in Accounting (Economics of Accounting) is a five-year programme that consists of two years of coursework and three years of research. The programme is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the economic, institutional, and organisational aspects of accounting and financial management.

Entry Requirements

To be considered for admission, students should have a substantial academic background in accounting, finance, economics, or another subject with a strong quantitative component. Students are normally required to have prior training at master’s level. A GRE or GMAT is required from all applicants.

Programme Content

The PhD programme in Accounting (Economics of Accounting) consists of six coursework units, completed over two years, followed by a thesis which is usually expected to take a further three years. The programme includes courses in microeconomics, econometrics, financial economics, and accounting.

Year 1

• Introductory Course in Mathematics and Statistics (non-credit bearing)
• Microeconomics (one unit)
• Econometrics (one unit)
• Financial Economics (one unit)
• Topics in Accounting Research (EoA) (non-credit bearing)

Year 2

• Topics in Accounting Research (EoA) (one unit)
• Research Paper in Accounting (one unit)
• Accounting Work in Progress Seminars (non-credit bearing)
• Elective courses to the value of one unit in relevant fields

Years 3-5

After meeting the progression requirements, students progress to PhD registration and begin to work on their thesis. Students continue to attend seminars and workshops, including Department of Accounting Research Forums (ARFs) and Economics of Accounting (EoA) research seminars and workshops.

Why Study with Us

The Department of Accounting at LSE is recognised worldwide for the excellence of its research and teaching. The department has a long-standing research tradition and is committed to advancing and sharing knowledge through rigorous research, innovative teaching, and active engagement in professional and policy arenas.

Your Application

We welcome applications for research programmes that complement the academic interests of our staff at LSE. Students should submit a statement of academic purpose, references, CV, outline research proposal, sample of written work, and GRE/GMAT scores.

Fees and Funding

The tuition fees for the programme are:

• Home student fee: £5,131 (2026/27)
• Overseas student fee: £24,400 (2026/27) The department offers scholarships, studentships, and other funding opportunities. Students can apply for LSE PhD Studentships and Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) funding.

Learning and Assessment

The programme is taught through a combination of lectures, seminars, and individual supervision. Students are assessed through coursework, a research paper, and a thesis. Progression is monitored via bi-annual progress reviews by the departmental Research Student Assessment Review Committee.

Graduate Destinations

Students who successfully complete the programme often embark on an academic career. The department aims to give all doctoral students the opportunity to teach during the programme, developing teaching skills and experience that prepares them for future academic roles.