DPhil in Economics

The DPhil in Economics is a research-based doctoral degree during which students will explore topics like econometrics, development economics, economic history, and modelling. It begins with coursework and transitions into original research.

About the Course

Oxford has a thriving group of research students studying for the DPhil in Economics. The DPhil, which is the equivalent to a PhD at most other institutions, is similar in structure to a PhD at leading economics graduate schools worldwide.

The majority of students on the DPhil at Oxford have first completed the two-year Oxford MPhil in Economics. Students can also apply for the DPhil if they hold, or will hold, a masters degree or equivalent in Economics from another institution.

All students starting the DPhil are admitted with Probationer Research Student status (PRS) in the first instance. Students will take additional courses from the MPhil menu to deepen and broaden their economic training, while starting to work on their first research project.

Attendance

The course can be studied full-time or part-time with both modes requiring attendance in Oxford. Full-time students are subject to the University's Residence requirements. Part-time students are required to attend course-related activities in Oxford for a minimum of 30 days each year.

Resources to Support Study

As a graduate student, students 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. It includes the main Bodleian Library and libraries across Oxford, including major research libraries and faculty, department, and institute libraries.

Supervision

The allocation of graduate supervision for this course is the responsibility of the Department of Economics and it is not always possible to accommodate the preferences of incoming graduate students to work with a particular member of staff.

DPhil students will work closely with their supervisors and will be expected to meet face-to-face on at least two occasions per term with additional contact through online meetings and email exchanges.

Assessment

All students are initially admitted with Probationer Research Student status, and are required to transfer to DPhil status. The Transfer of Status requires the completion of the Qualifying Examinations, necessary coursework, and an interview with two assessors appointed by the department.

Upon a successful transfer to DPhil status, students are required to confirm their DPhil status no later than nine terms after admission to Probationer Research Student status.

The award of this degree is based on a thesis of not more than 100,000 words in length. It should constitute a significant and substantial piece of research, of a kind which might reasonably be expected of a diligent and competent student in three years of full-time study.

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.

Research Areas

The following examples of topics researched by past students illustrate the themes that may be explored in this course:

Applied Microeconomics
Behavioural Economics
Development Economics
Econometrics
Economic History
Macroeconomics
Microeconomic Theory
Political Economy
Environment and Resource Economics
Trade and Spatial Economics

Entry Requirements

The requirements described below are specific to this course and apply only in the year of entry that is shown.

Proven and Potential Academic Excellence

As a minimum, applicants should hold or be predicted to achieve the following UK qualifications or their equivalent:

An outstanding performance in a rigorous master's course in economics
A first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours in economics or another approved subject

Applicants must demonstrate a strong quantitative preparation.

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.

Other Qualifications, Evidence of Excellence, and Relevant Experience

All candidates are expected to have working knowledge in one programming language at the start of the DPhil.
Publications are not expected.

Funding

For entry in the academic year, the collegiate University expects to offer over 1,100 full or partial graduate scholarships across a wide range of graduate courses.

Costs

Annual Course Fees

The fees for this course are charged on an annual basis.

Full-time Study

Home: Ł12,060
Overseas: Ł30,840

Part-time Study

Home: Ł6,030
Overseas: Ł15,420

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.

Full-time Study

The following colleges accept students for full-time study on this course:

Balliol College
Blackfriars
Brasenose College
Campion Hall
Christ Church
Corpus Christi College
Exeter College
Harris Manchester College
Hertford College
Jesus College
Keble College
Kellogg College
Lady Margaret Hall
Linacre College
Lincoln College
Magdalen College
Mansfield College
Merton College
New College
Nuffield College
Oriel College
Pembroke College
The Queen's College
Regent's Park College
Reuben College
St Anne's College
St Antony's College
St Catherine's College
St Cross College
St Edmund Hall
St Hilda's College
St Hugh's College
St John's College
St Peter's College
Somerville College
Trinity College
University College
Wadham College
Wolfson College
Worcester College
Wycliffe Hall

Part-time Study

The following colleges accept students for part-time study on this course:

Balliol College
Blackfriars
Brasenose College
Campion Hall
Christ Church
Exeter College
Harris Manchester College
Jesus College
Keble College
Kellogg College
Lady Margaret Hall
Linacre College
Lincoln College
Mansfield College
New College
Nuffield College
Pembroke College
Regent's Park College
St Anne's College
St Antony's College
St Catherine's College
St Hilda's College
St Peter's College
Somerville College
University College
Wadham College
Wolfson College
Worcester College
Wycliffe Hall

How to Apply

You should refer to the information below when completing the application form, paying attention to the specific requirements for the supporting documents.

Referees

Three overall, academic and/or professional referees are required.

Official Transcript(s)

Your transcripts should give detailed information of the individual grades received in your university-level qualifications to date.

CV/Résumé

A CV/résumé is compulsory for this course.

Research Proposal

You should submit a detailed outline of your proposed research, written in English, covering areas such as the background to the research, methodology, expected results, and the contribution to the field of learning.

Written Work

An academic essay or other writing sample from your most recent qualification, written in English, is required.

GRE General Test Results

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.

After You've Submitted Your Application

Your application will be assessed against the entry requirements detailed on this course page. Whether or not you have secured funding will be taken into consideration when your application is assessed.

DPhil in Economics

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