Economics PhD

During your PhD programme, you’ll be guided by leading research-active academics with expertise in various fields, including macroeconomics, microeconomic theory, econometrics and applied microeconomics. These experts will help you delve into comprehensive research and advanced study within these key areas. We have a reputation as a leading research-intensive department in the UK. In the 2021 Research Excellence Framework, Economics ranked in the top 10 in the UK for world-leading research. We achieved an overall ranking of 6th for real-world impact and 8th for research environment in REF 2021. Our doctoral programme starts with the MRes Economics programme in the first year, followed by the PhD programme, which is expected to be completed in 3-4 years. During your PhD programme, you’ll learn from leading research-active academics with expertise in a wide range of areas, including: • Macroeconomics • Microeconomic theory • Econometrics • Applied microeconomics. We belong to the South East Doctoral Training Arc (SEDarc), a consortium of six leading UK universities promoting inventive and inclusive social science research training and collaboration, as well as the possibility of funding for your studies. When you apply to the MResPhD course, if you require funding, you will automatically be considered for one of our scholarships. See also other available scholarships. We offer generous studentships for the duration of the MResPhD course for outstanding candidates. Our PhD programme produces graduates who are sought-after by leading economics departments, business schools and research institutions around the world. Your first year will be spent studying core modules in microeconomics, macroeconomics and econometrics, while working on your research. The final two years of your PhD will be entirely dedicated to independent research, leading to a PhD dissertation. You’ll also have the opportunity to contribute to the teaching and research activity.

Students enrolled in the MRes in Economics at the University of Surrey will automatically receive a conditional offer on application to the PhD during their MRes studies. The condition to progress into the PhD will be to pass the MRes at least with merit (60%). Applicants from other institutions are expected to hold an MRes degree in a relevant discipline, normally with a first-class honour (or equivalent). A minimum of two referees should be provided with your application. Applicants are also requested to submit a cover letter specifying their motivation to pursue a PhD in Economics at the University of Surrey and highlighting their broad research interests.