Program Overview

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MPhil + DPhil in Economics

The MPhil + DPhil in Economics is an integrated taught and research course. It begins with a two-year MPhil covering theory, econometrics, and applied economics, followed by a DPhil focused on original research in specialized fields.

About the Course

Students admitted to the joint MPhil + DPhil in Economics will first complete the two-year MPhil in Economics and then (subject to satisfactory performance) automatically progress to the three- to four-year DPhil in Economics. This course is suitable for students who intend to study the MPhil followed by the DPhil in Economics at Oxford, and who have had substantial economics training and exceptional results in their prior studies.

Course Structure

The first year of the MPhil in Economics starts with a non-examined preparatory course in mathematical methods. The first two terms of the academic year focus on three compulsory courses in the central areas of microeconomics, macroeconomics, and econometrics. In the second year, students take four option courses, which build on the first-year training and provide deeper and broader training in their areas of interest. The second important component of the second year is the required thesis, supervised by a member of the department.

Attendance

The course is full-time and requires attendance in Oxford. Full-time students are subject to the University's Residence requirements.

Resources to Support Your Study

As a graduate student, you will have access to the University's wide range of resources, including libraries, museums, galleries, digital resources, and IT services. The Bodleian Libraries is the largest library system in the UK, and the University's IT Services is available to all students to support with core university IT systems and tools.

Supervision

The allocation of graduate supervision for this course is the responsibility of the Department of Economics. You will be assigned a member of the economics department to act as your academic supervisor to provide advice and support for your academic studies in the first year of the MPhil. In the second year, your MPhil thesis supervisor will act as your academic advisor.

Assessment

MPhil

The three compulsory core courses in microeconomics, macroeconomics, and econometrics are examined before the start of the third term of the first year of the MPhil. The required thesis is an important component of the second year of the MPhil, and is supervised by a member of the department. You will receive numerical grades for your thesis and for most option courses.

DPhil

Once you have satisfactorily completed the MPhil component, you will be admitted to the DPhil as a Probationer Research Student. You are first required to transfer to DPhil status, which requires the completion of the Qualifying Examinations, necessary coursework, and an interview with two assessors appointed by the department. The award of the DPhil degree is based on a thesis of not more than 100,000 words in length.

Graduate Destinations

The interests and strengths of the department's doctoral students are many and diverse, and this is reflected in the positions they take up after graduation. Most take up tenure track or postdoc positions in academia; others find employment in government, international organisations, or the private sector.

Entry Requirements

• Proven and potential academic excellence: Applicants should hold or be predicted to achieve a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours in economics.
• GRE General Test scores: If you do not hold, or will not shortly hold, a UK or Republic of Ireland degree, you must submit the results of a GRE Test obtained within the last 5 years.
• English language proficiency: This course requires proficiency in English at the University's higher level.
• References: You will need to register three referees who can give an informed view of your academic ability and suitability for the course.
• Supporting documents: You will be required to supply supporting documents with your application, including a CV/résumé, personal statement, and written work.

Funding

The collegiate University expects to offer over 1,100 full or partial graduate scholarships across a wide range of graduate courses. You can use the fees, funding, and scholarship search tool to identify opportunities and find out how to apply.

Costs

• Annual course fees: The fees for this course are charged on an annual basis. During the first 2 years of the course, you will be charged course fees at the MPhil in Economics fee rate.
• Living costs: In addition to your course fees and any additional course-specific costs, you will need to ensure that you have adequate funds to support your living costs for the duration of your course.

College Preference

Students enrolled on this course will belong to both a department/faculty and a college. You can express a preference for one of the colleges listed or ask us to find a college for you.

How to Apply

You should refer to the information on the course page when completing the application form, paying attention to the specific requirements for the supporting documents. Your application will be assessed against the entry requirements detailed on this course page.