Program Overview

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Economics PhD

The Economics PhD at the University of Birmingham is designed for ambitious scholars committed to advancing economic understanding and developing innovative solutions to global challenges. This program brings together leading economic research and world-class mentorship.

Course Overview

The PhD in Economics offers rigorous academic training, an internationally renowned research environment, and comprehensive professional development, preparing students to make significant contributions to the field.

Course Highlights

• High Academic Merit: The program is designed to train students to conduct research of the highest academic quality, making significant and original contributions to the field.
• International Reputation: The Department of Economics enjoys an international reputation for research excellence.
• Supportive Environment: Students benefit from a dedicated supervisory team, regular feedback, and a vibrant academic community.
• Professional Development: The program encourages participation in seminars, workshops, and conferences, both within and outside the university, enhancing students' professional network and exposure to new ideas.

Course Delivery

The doctoral journey extends far beyond individual research, immersing students in a comprehensive academic ecosystem. The program provides a rigorous academic pathway designed to build research capabilities.

Core requirements include Advanced Research Methods in Economics, with strong recommendations to complement this with Advanced Research Training in Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, and Econometrics. Recognizing the diverse needs of doctoral researchers, the program offers flexibility, allowing students to substitute one course (excluding Advanced Research Methods) from the Department's suite of MSc programs.

Students are actively integrated into the Department's intellectual community, with structured opportunities to broaden their scholarly horizons. This involves participating in departmental seminars that showcase cutting-edge research across diverse economic sub-disciplines, engaging in PhD workshops that develop critical research skills, and presenting at conferences organized by the Research Groups and prestigious external institutions.

As part of their doctoral development, students will produce a comprehensive literature survey and a detailed research proposal. This foundational work will be presented at a dedicated PhD workshop, setting the trajectory for their supervised research and culminating in a thesis.

Research Projects

At Birmingham, students can apply for an advertised PhD or propose their own research. An advertised PhD is typically part of an established research project and is usually funded by the University or another funding body.

Research Proposal

If proposing their own research topic, students will need to submit a research proposal. The proposal should be a clear and concise summary of the research, including the main research questions and the methods intended to use.

Entry Requirements

To gain a place at Birmingham, students will need to meet the general entry requirements, as well as those specific to the course.

• Good honours degree (1st or upper 2nd class)
• English language requirements: IELTS 7.0 with no less than 6.5 in any band, or equivalent qualifications.

Fees and Scholarships

• Full-time: £5,181
• Part-time: £2,591

Funding Options

• Apply for a PhD that already has funding attached.
• Self-fund, or search for funding or a studentship.

Application Process

To apply for a postgraduate research program, students will need to submit their application and supporting documents online.

Career Opportunities

Recent PhD graduates from Birmingham Business School are now working in central banks, government departments, financial institutions, accountancy firms, supranational organizations, and multinational corporations. Many also go on to forge successful academic careers at leading universities worldwide.

Careers Network

At Birmingham, researchers are prepared to make an impact across every sector of society. The Careers Network offers a range of events and support services, including networking opportunities, career coaching, one-to-one guidance, careers fairs, and links with leading graduate recruiters.

Student Experience

At Birmingham, the university experience isn’t just about studying. Students have the opportunity to discover new experiences, develop different skills, and make friends for life.

• Accommodation: A variety of choices, including dedicated postgraduate halls or private accommodation close to campus.
• Living in Birmingham: A melting pot for shopping, food and drink, nightlife, sport, culture, and industry.
• Campus Life: A green and spacious campus that is the place where the community comes together to learn, relax, and socialize.
• Student Support: Committed to providing the best possible support to all students so that they can get the most out of their university experience.