PhD Finance

The PhD Finance program is offered by Edinburgh Business School, with a focus on research and practice in finance and investment management. The program is available for full-time and part-time study, with a start date in September.

Key Information

• Funding: Self-funded
• School: Edinburgh Business School
• Location: Edinburgh
• Award: PhD
• Delivery type: Full-time, Part-time
• Start date: September

Research Areas

Our research in this area is focused around our Centre for Finance and Investment, which is at the forefront of research and practice in finance and investment management. The centre has a strong emphasis on engagement with industry and is particularly focused on the areas of financial markets and corporate finance. Much of our output tackles real-world financial problems.

Centre for Finance & Investment

The Centre for Finance & Investment (CFI) works to develop research, stimulate debate, and share knowledge on topical issues in finance and investment. Through collaboration with our industry-based advisory group, we ensure that our research remains relevant to the sector and is practically oriented.

Entry Requirements

We welcome applications from suitably qualified candidates. Please note that it is not necessary to have identified a potential supervisor before submitting your application. Students successful in obtaining a place on our PhD programme normally commence their research studies at the start of the academic year in September. However, it is possible to join the PhD programme at an agreed date during the academic year.

Candidate Criteria

Applications should be submitted with the following supporting documents:

• Academic Transcripts and Degree Certificates: Copies of full academic transcripts from all previous academic degree courses and copies of degree certificates for degrees already awarded.
• Research Proposal: The research proposal should be around 5-8 pages long and contain as much as possible of the following:
  • An introduction or outline of the proposed topic
  • A statement of objectives and/or specific research questions
  • A summary of some of the relevant literature which supports the research objective(s)
  • An indication of the intended research methodology
  • An indication of the theoretical structure and/or conceptual outline
  • A provisional timetable of the major phases of the research process
  • Results expected from the research, e.g., practical value of the research or possible contributions to knowledge or policy or methodology
• English Language Requirements: If you have not already studied a degree programme that was taught and examined in the medium of English, we require evidence of language proficiency. For IELTS, the minimum overall IELTS score is 6.5 with no score lower than 6.0 in Reading, Writing, speaking, and Listening.
• Funding Information: You should confirm how you are proposing to fund your studies.
• References: If you have references available, these should be submitted with your application. If they are not currently available, please ensure that you provide the names and contact details, including email addresses, of two academic referees on the application form.

Funding Information

The tuition fees for the PhD Finance program are as follows:

• Scotland: ｣5,151 (full-time), ｣2,575.50 (part-time)
• England / Wales / N Ireland: ｣5,151 (full-time), ｣2,575.50 (part-time)
• International: ｣20,456 (full-time), ｣10,228 (part-time)

Heriot-Watt University

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Overview:

Heriot-Watt University is a research-focused institution with campuses in Edinburgh, the Scottish Borders, Orkney, Dubai, and Malaysia, as well as an online presence. It is known for its career-focused degrees and strong links with industry. Heriot-Watt is highly regarded for its research, with a significant portion ranked world-leading and internationally excellent.

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Services Offered:

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

Heriot-Watt offers a diverse and international student community, with one-third of its Edinburgh Campus students coming from outside the UK. The university provides a range of facilities across its campuses, including healthcare, libraries, food and drink, sports centers, and more. Students can participate in clubs and activities, and the university offers accommodation options near its campuses.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Career-focused degrees:

Heriot-Watt is ranked first in Scotland for graduate employability and its graduates are first in the UK for CEO or MD roles.

Global reach:

The university has campuses across the UK, Dubai, and Malaysia, providing students with a truly international experience.

Strong research:

Heriot-Watt is valued for its pioneering research, which is informed by the global needs of business and industry.

Diverse student community:

The university boasts a diverse international student community, fostering a multicultural learning environment.

Beautiful campuses:

Heriot-Watt's campuses are located in stunning settings, offering students a unique and inspiring learning environment.

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Academic Programs:

Heriot-Watt offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including:

• Engineering
• Life Sciences
• Mathematics
• Computer Sciences
• Physical Sciences
• Social Sciences and Business
• Art and Design
• Languages and Culture

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Other:

Heriot-Watt is committed to sustainability and is actively working towards achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The university also offers a personalized virtual experience through its online tour platform, allowing prospective students to explore its campuses virtually.