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Research - PhD Economics Programme

We take pride in the Department of Economics’ outstanding placement record and it’s our ambition to place our PhD students in the best institutions worldwide. Our placement record is comparable with the top economics departments in the world, as shown by some of our recent placements which include MIT, UC Berkeley, Columbia, Stanford and Northwestern.

Professor Robin Burgess

The LSE Department of Economics is committed to an individualised and contextual review of each application to the MRes/PhD Economics programme. 

Each year the Department of Economics admits around 20 funded students to join our vibrant doctoral programme, consisting of over 100 students from many countries and backgrounds. Our PhD students pursue research in all economic fields, closely supervised by a variety of faculty . We have a Chair and committee for both PhD Admissions and PhD Recruitment, as well as a dedicated professional staff at School and Department level managing funding and admissions.

The  LSE Economics PhD Programme  is grounded in two years of rigorous coursework through the MRes component and by a strong research element. You can find information about the individual  research courses  offered through our programmes.

As is the norm with top economic departments in the US, students entering the LSE PhD Economics programme are typically offered five years financial support; for more information please visit our Cost and Financial Aid page.

Research Centres in the Department of Economics

The LSE Department of Economics is somewhat unique for its major  Research Centres . PhD students benefit from these centres both in terms of getting access to research funds as well as other facilities which complement their doctoral research.

Suntory and Toyota International Centre for Economics and Related Disciplines  (STICERD)

Centre for Economic Performance  (CEP)

Financial Markets Group  (FMG)

Centre for Analysis of Social Exclusion  (CASE)

International Growth Centre  (IGC)

Centre for Macroeconomics  (CFM)

Programme Requirements

Follow the link below to access information about the PhD routes and coursework.

Programme and School Regulations for research students

Find out more .

Further information

How to apply.

PhD Economics - Admissions FAQs

How to Apply

General Information for prospective research students

Guidelines for submitting Research Statement

An application for 2024 entry to the PhD Economics should include a Research Statement, along with other required information (Note: A separate sample of Written Work is not required as part of the PhD Economics application).

Your Research Statement should be submitted in place of the Outline Research Proposal, along with your application form and other required supporting documents, via the LSE online application system (see the  PhD Economics Admissions FAQs ).

What should my Research Statement contain?

Please answer the following questions clearly and concisely. Max 200 words per question.

1.      Why do you want to do research in economics?

2.      Can you explain how your studies and experience make you suitable to do research in economics?

3.      Which aspect of the PhD do you think you will like the most? Which will you dislike the most? Why?

4.      Tell us about your favourite paper in economics. What do you like about it? How would you improve it?

5.      Write a comment for a general audience on ONE of the following topics (i) Is inequality good for growth?  (ii) Do immigrants take the jobs of native workers?  (iii) Is CEO compensation excessive? (iv) Is universal minimum income a good idea? (v) Overall, has central banks' move to inflation targeting been a success? (vi) Is culture an important determinant of differences in income per capita across countries? (vii) Markets function well as information is aggregated efficiently through prices. (viii) Elections are effective at disciplining politicians who do not have the public interest as their main goal.

How can I demonstrate research potential?

If you have served as research assistant for an economist please ask that person to write a letter focussing on your research skills and describe your experience – reference point 2 (above) of the research statement.

If not, please list any evidence you think would be valuable. Examples include but are not restricted to: experience working autonomously under stress without any guidance, demonstration of creativity in any form, experience of writing original research.

Financial information

Costs and Financial Aid

Financial Support Office  

Job opportunities

Class Teaching Opportunities

Class teaching opportunities are available during the course of research degrees. They represent useful professional training and can be a valuable and important experience. For more information, click here.  

PhD Job Market

Towards the completion of a research degree the Department organises an orientation meeting for prospective job market candidates and offers advice as well as a platform for candidates to present their experience and research. Available soon: the page with our current job market candidates.

Current students

• MRes/PhD Programme Director:  Professor Maitreesh Ghatak
• MRes/PhD Programme Manager: Emma Taverner
• PhD Placement Officer:  Matthias Doepke

You can find more information about the profiles of Faculty and Teaching Fellows or Graduate Teaching Assistants, in the People section.

Quick Links

• Research Courses   
• Office Hours
• LSE Calendar : Regulations for Research Students
• PhD Academy
• LSE for You (login and password required)
• Moodle (Look for individual courses on the PhD Portal) (login and password required)

PhD Economics Admissions FAQs

PhD Offer Holders

PhD Economics Career Placement Job market placement record

LSE Economics Applicant Mentoring Programme

Research students

PhD student profiles

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Economics: research degrees (mphil/phd).

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Key information

Home student fees (full-time) : £4,860 per year Home student fees (part-time) : £2,430 per year Overseas student fees (full-time) : £22,490 per year Overseas student fees (part-time) : £11,245 per year

Please note that fees go up each year.   See  research fees  for further details.

Admission and thesis requirements. A good Masters degree in Economics plus one reference is usually required. Students are normally registered for the MPhil degree in the first instance. Once approval of the Research Student's Supervisory Committee has been received, the student's registration is upgraded to PhD status (and backdated to the commencement of the MPhil registration), usually at the end of the first year of study, for which the minimum registration period is double that of full-time study. Candidates are expected to present a thesis of not more than 55,000 words for the MPhil, while for the PhD the maximum length is 100,000 words. International applicants should also see  Doctoral School English language requirements

Course overview

The Department of Economics of SOAS has become one of the most outstanding sites for undertaking a research degree in the fields of development economics, heterodox economics and political economy.

Why study Economics: Research Degrees (MPhil/PhD) at SOAS?

• We are ranked 27th in UK for Economics (QS World University Rankings 2023).
• We are ranked 8th in UK for student satisfaction with teaching (Guardian League Tables 2022) and 5th in London (Complete University Guide 2022).
• The Department offers unique research training opportunities both through its dedicated research student seminar series, the wide-ranging set of courses taught on its MSc programmes and partnerships with other universities (e.g. New School for Social Research in the US and the University of Witwatersrand in South Africa).
• Departmental staff are leading experts in their fields, have rich research experience, and have well-established networks with academic and international organisations.
• Research students are expected to form part of the academic community of the Department, participating as appropriate in collaborative research with members of staff, with some opportunities for teaching.
• SOAS offers unique opportunities for interdisciplinary and regional research, and the scope to learn or improve a language where appropriate.

Four pathways

• MPhil/PhD in Economics involves Department-specific research training and supervision, usually by a member of the Department or otherwise appropriate supervisor from another Department.
• MPhil/PhD in Development Economics involves Department-specific research training and supervision usually by a member of the Department or otherwise appropriate supervisor from another Department. The PhD in Development Economics is attached to the Doctoral Training Partnership and is eligible for ESRC funding: Scholarships and Bursaries.
• MPhil/PhD in International Development is shared with the SOAS Department of Development Studies and other Bloomsbury Colleges. The International Development pathway is also eligible for award of ESRC Grants through the UBEL Doctoral Training Partnership: Scholarships and Bursaries.
• SOAS-Wits Joint MPhil/PhD in Applied Development Economics coordinates a programme of research in heterodox economics or political economy with a focus on Africa, it involves joint supervision by SOAS and Wits supervisors.

Prospective MPhil/PhD students are encouraged to contact members of staff with suitable research expertise prior to applying for a research degree.

Scholarships, funding and ESRC recognition

There are a number of scholarship available to research (and MSc) students at SOAS. Please see Scholarships and Bursaries for further information. But it is a condition of acceptance that students embarking upon a research degree have the capacity to fund the full duration of their studies. There may be some paid opportunities for teaching, normally not in first year, but these cannot be relied upon and will not begin to cover fees and maintenance fully. 

Staff research

All full-time, permanent members of academic staff are active researchers and can serve as supervisors. The Department as a whole is especially keen to supervise research students across its staff’s areas of specialisation in political economy, development, and area studies, but will also accept students across other topics, including mainstream approaches, where it has an interest and expertise.

Please see the Economics Staff pages for a list of staff and their research interests. For the sorts of topics covered by research students, please see Research Student web pages.

For further information about the Research Degrees at SOAS, please contact the PhD Admissions Tutor, Professor Costas Lapavitsas or the Admissions Office, [email protected] , and for general information and regulations concerning research students at SOAS, please see, Research Admissions and Applications. 

• to encourage and enable students to complete an original thesis in the expected time.
• to provide training and experience in fieldwork and across a variety of schools of economics and in a variety of statistical techniques.
• to allow flexibility in training to suit students with different backgrounds and subsequent research needs.
• to make available and to monitor first class research supervision with the involvement of at least two members of staff through individual Research Student Committees.
• to encourage knowledge of other relevant disciplines and the adoption of an interdisciplinary approach where appropriate.
• to equip students with the ability to assess one another's work critically, whether in response to written or spoken presentation.
• to obtain language skills as appropriate.
• to ensure a congenial and productive environment for the conduct of research through availability of a wide range of facilities and full participation in the intellectual life of the Department and School. Library facilities are outstanding and computing facilities are attuned to student needs.
• to emphasise the relevance of research to theoretical, empirical and policy issues.
• to draw upon the Department's particular strengths, especially its expertise in different approaches to economic problems and its experience in problems of development, specific regions, and comparative analysis.
• to involve students in the specialised Centres of the School where appropriate.

Special features of studying for a research degree

The Department of Economics at SOAS has become one of the most outstanding sites for undertaking a research degree in economics and is unique in a number of respects:

• The Department’s own MSc programme is offered as a foundation for undertaking a research degree, together with the MSc in International Development. The core courses in economic theory, the political economy of development, and econometrics are wide-ranging in scope and oriented towards theoretical, empirical, and policy issues, especially where concerning the developing economies. Its special subject options are varied and provide the highest level of expertise on a large number of more specialised topics. Even those who have already completed an MSc in Economics at other institutions have found it worthwhile to follow courses on the MScs at SOAS.
• In addition to access to the Department's own MSc courses and the weekly dedicated research student seminar for all research students, first year students in the Department also benefit from a programme of research student training in political economy, method and methodologies, and different schools of thought.
• The training needs of each research student are individually assessed and provided through a combination of generally available courses and individual tuition.
• Departmental staff have rich experience in supervising research degree students, matched by their success in bringing students' theses to timely completion. Whilst the Department has a strong commitment to students' early completion of their theses, it also considers it has a responsibility to see that all of its research students obtain a broader training than in their narrowly defined topic and that they also gain skills in theoretical, empirical and policy analysis, in the writing and communication of research results, and in evaluating the work of others.
• Research students are expected to form part of the academic community of the Department, participating where appropriate in collaborative research with members of staff, with some opportunities for teaching.
• Members of the Department are committed to interdisciplinary research as well as to specialised research. SOAS offers unique opportunities for interdisciplinary and regional research, and the scope to learn or improve a language where appropriate.
• Whilst each member of staff is an expert in particular fields of economics, and most are experts in specific geographical areas, the Department welcomes research students who do not have a regional specialisation.
• The Departmental Empirical Support Committee (DESC) offers targeted advice to individual students undertaking empirical work.

Important notice

The information on the website reflects the intended programme structure against the given academic session. The modules are indicative options of the content students can expect and are/have been previously taught as part of these programmes. However, this information is published a long time in advance of enrolment and module content and availability is subject to change.

Teaching and learning

Supervision.

The role of the second and third members of the Supervisory Committee (SC) will be focused on the following two core tasks:

a) Participate in the upgrade process of the student, including the final decision relating to his/her transfer from MPhil to PhD. b) Participate in other decisions relating to his/her eligibility for enrolment on Extension of  Writing-up (Continuation) Status or, where necessary, termination of registration.

• In addition to these core roles, the second and third members of the SC may be expected to: a) Enhance or augment the supervision of the student by contributing additional guidance and expertise, if required/sought by the student and/or the supervisor throughout the time of active research. b) To act on behalf of the supervisor during unforeseen periods of absence. This role will have to be agreed by consent of all parties (student, supervisor and the two members of the SC) and one of the two members will be designated as cover in absence for the period in question.  
• Only rarely is joint supervision allowed, for which a strong case would need to be made. Whilst the primary responsibility for guiding student's research and to review written work and progress rests with the supervisor once upgrade is successfully completed, other members of the supervisory committee must receive student’s thesis drafts at appropriate times, with support also available to students from the Departmental Empirical Support Committee (DESC).

Part-time students

Part-time students are expected to follow the same programme as the full-time students, except that they will take the initial training over two years instead of one. The Research Student Seminar and Departmental Seminars take place in the early evening to allow students in full-time employment to attend. Supervision is available in the evenings where necessary, and research student committees consider the progress of part- time students as regularly as for full-time students.

Computing facilities

Full computing facilities are available to postgraduate students. Computers dedicated for the use of research students in the Economics Department are also available. Software includes word-processing, specialised statistical, econometrics and spreadsheet packages. The Schools' computing staff are on hand to assist with general computing problems.

SOAS Library

SOAS Library is one of the world's most important academic libraries for the study of Africa, Asia and the Middle East, attracting scholars from all over the world. The Library houses over 1.2 million volumes, together with significant archival holdings, special collections and a growing network of electronic resources.

Scholarships

Fees and funding, fees for 2023/24 entrants per academic year.

Please note that fees go up each year.

See  research fees  for further details.

Economics graduates leave SOAS with a solid grounding in statistical skills and an ability to think laterally, take a global perspective, and employ critical reasoning.

Recent graduates from the Department of Economics have been hired by:

• NHS England
• Foreign and Commonwealth Office
• Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
• National Institute of Public Finance and Policy, New Delhi
• University of Bayreuth
• HM Treasury
• Department for International Development
• King’s Investment Fund
• The World Bank
• British Chamber of Commerce

Find out about our Careers Service

A student's perspective

As far as a fully comprehensive experience of academia, debate, culture, friendships and extra-curricular goes - SOAS is the place to be. The degree I achieved in Economics and Chinese has always been a big part of my journey, and I am glad I chose it. Economics will always provide a fundamental grounding in understanding the world better, and as for Chinese - well it's the future.

Hussain Hilli

Dr Sara Stevano

Social reproduction, Intersecting or co-constituted inequalities, work and employment, Food and nutrition, Development processes and hierarchies, Methodology for political economy.

Professor Costas Lapavitsas

Theory of banking and finance, History of economic thought, Japanese financial system.

SOAS Voices

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Business models

This research focuses on understanding the emerging business models and how innovation, including in the area of venture capital investments, can promote sustainable structural transformation in Africa.

Industrial policy

This research focuses on how governments can reshape industries creating new markets and building productive coalitions, to direct the economy towards sustainable prosperity.

Infrastructure development

This research focuses on how government and private sector can cooperate in building the infrastructure for sustainable energy system and mobility system.

Restructuring of supply chains

This research focuses on how supply networks should be re-organised and developed for development of mobility- and energy-related industries in Africa.

Critical minerals

This research focuses on how African economies should manage the relationships with international mining companies promoting socio-economic development.

Energy transition

This research approaches the issue of energy transition in Africa, investigating the existence of feasible opportunities to realise green industrialisation in Africa.

Unlocking finance and managing climate risks for India’s transition to a resilient, Paris-aligned economy

This project, led by the Climate Bonds Initiative (CBI), aims at engaging with and supporting the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on climate-related issues.

Political Economy Analysis of Food Industry (PEAFI)

Debt relief for a green and inclusive recovery.

The Debt Relief for a Green and Inclusive Recovery Project is a collaboration between the SOAS Centre for Sustainable Finance, the Boston University Global Development Policy Center and the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung. Utilizing rigorous research, the DRGR Project seeks to develop systemic approaches to both resolve the debt crisis and advance a just transition to a sustainable, low-carbon economy in partnership with policymakers, thought leaders and civil society around the world.

Scaling Up Green Investment in the Global South: Strengthening Domestic Financial Resource Mobilisation and Attracting Patient International Capital

The research project will provide evidence-based analysis that will help to design policies that will support the scaling up of sustainable investment in the Global South.

INSPIRE Sustainable Central Banking Toolbox Policy Briefing Paper Series

Policy briefing paper series designed to support central bankers and financial supervisors in calibrating monetary, prudential and other instruments in accordance with sustainability goals.

Financing the management of short-lived climate pollutants

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Related content

Department of Economics

The Department of Economics at SOAS University London.

MPhil/PhD in Economics

MPhil/PhD in Economics at SOAS University of London

MSc Economics

MSc Economics at SOAS University of London

UCL School of Management

University college london, phd programme in financial economics.

Start date:  September 2024 Duration: 5 years (1 year MRes + 4 years PhD) Fees:  We offer fully-funded scholarships to all admitted students who have applied by the 31 January 2024 (see details below)  Application deadline:  31 January 2024, 17:00 UK time (late applications submited by the 05 April 2024 may still be considered, see details below) Entry:  Applicants must hold a distinction in a master’s degree in Economics or a closely related subject. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of analytical and quantitative skills (such as in mathematics and statistics), evidenced by strong performance in relevant modules taken on previous degree programmes and/or through relevant standardised test performance (such as GRE Quantitative of at least 160). International students, please note that UCL’s English language requirement for this programme is a ‘ Level 2 ’ (IELTS and TOEFL are the preferred test, however others on the UCL recognised test list will be accepted if required) - further details regarding this can be found on the  UCL English Language Requirements  page.

The MRes and PhD in Financial Economics is a joint programme between the UCL Department of Economics and the UCL School of Management.

The MRes programme is the first year of the five-year integrated MRes/PhD programme in Financial Economics. The MRes programme will provide you with training in research methods together with an advanced understanding of financial economics, to enable you to conduct insightful and original PhD level research in financial economics. 

The MRes will firstly provide quantitative training in microeconomics, macroeconomics, econometrics, and finance. These will be taught in the context of cutting-edge research and relevant applications. Secondly, it will provide you with analytic frameworks and transferable skills that will allow you to identify relevant and promising research topics, present ideas in order to obtain feedback, and provide feedback yourself. 

The subsequent years (for students who progress from the MRes to MPhil) will focus on the skills you will need to run research projects to completion and to present completed research projects to various kinds of specialised audiences. Likewise, teaching skills will also be developed.

PhD Structure

• The MRes programme consists of taught modules (Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, Econometrics. Real Analysis and Probability with Economic Application), a hybrid module (Financial Economics) with taught components and research based components, and a research project in the final part of the year. For the MRes project, you work under supervision to design and carry out a substantial piece of original research. This enables you to gain a deep understanding of the entire research process.
• Superior performance is required for automatic progression from MRes to MPhil. In particular, students should achieve an average mark of not less than 60% in the independent, original research components of the programme, and not less than 50% in the taught element.
• Our highly selective and small-sized PhD programme ensures that each student receives personal attention and guidance from our faculty members throughout their doctoral study. The close mentorship process forms the foundations of a successful academic career. At the same time, you will be part of both the School of Management PhD cohort and the Economics PhD cohort, with which you will share most of the taught modules.
• We expect our PhD graduates to have as their goal an academic career as a faculty member in a top business school or Economics department or in the research group of an international institution or a central bank.

Students take a total of 180 credits in the MRes year. This is made up of the MRes Research Project (MSIN0135) and 75 credits of compulsory taught modules. 

All modules in the MRes year are core modules, there are no optional modules. 

• ECON0107 - Macroeconomics, 15 credits  
• ECON0106 - Microeconomics, 15 credits  
• ECON0108 - Econometrics, 15 credits  
• ECON0118 - Real Analysis and Probability with Economic Applications, 15 credits
• MSIN0234 - Topics in Financial Economics, 30 credits  
• MSIN0135 - MRes Financial Economics Research Project, 105 credits  

The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, and class discussion. Student performance is assessed through presentations, coursework, projects, and examinations. 

Students will study 4 compulsory taught modules. A typical taught module is taught over two terms (2 x 10 weeks) with 4 hours of contact hours per week (3 hours of lecture + 1 hour of review session). In addition, students spend approximately 6-8 hours a week for each module on assessment and independent study to further develop the skills and knowledge covered in lectures and seminars.  

Students will also undertake a substantial research project, which would usually start in Term 2 and be completed over the Summer. The total number of weekly hours will vary according to the weekly activities being undertaken.

Why choose us

What makes us different:.

Unlike many PhD Programmes in finance, our programme has a full anchor in economics and econometrics. Hence, we offer a unique world-class environment that combines the best of a leading business school, located in Canary Wharf, the heart of London’s modern financial district, and the tradition of economic research and teaching of the Department of Economics, which is located in Bloomsbury, London’s historical intellectual centre.

If you want to become an academic economist conducting research in finance, this programme is for you.  

UCL School of Management and the Department of Economics  

Founded in 2007, UCL School of Management has forged a reputation for world-leading research in management studies with 95% of the School’s research deemed to be world-leading or internationally excellent, the second highest percentage of any business school in the UK, according to the 2021 REF . The PhD programme is an integral part of our School’s active and ambitious research environment where students receive rigorous academic training and personalised research mentorship. 

The UCL Department of Economics has an outstanding international reputation in key areas of current research. The Department ranked top in the UK for research environment and outputs in the field of Economics and Econometrics in the 2021 REF . 

Our research programme offers a unique education and research experience with the intent of preparing you for scholarly careers at the highest level. Our highly selective and small-sized programme ensures that you receive personal attention and an opportunity for guidance from our world-leading scholars. The close mentorship process forms the foundations of a successful academic career. 

As a research student you will join a highly active research environment which involves frequent research seminars and visits by leading scholars worldwide, reading groups, brown bag seminars and panels in which PhD students and faculty members present and discuss their ongoing work. Such forums provide an excellent opportunity to receive critical constructive feedback on your research and to develop academic, generic and transferable skills.

Applications

Applying for our mres/phd programme.

Entry requirements and admissions criteria:

Applicants to the MRes+PhD programme must hold a distinction in a master’s degree in Economics or a closely related subject. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of analytical and quantitative skills (such as in mathematics and statistics), evidenced by strong performance in relevant modules taken on previous degree programmes and/or through relevant standardised test performance (such as GRE Quantitative of at least 160). Submitting a GRE test result is encouraged but not compulsory and is only one of the components used to assess the strength of applications. 

We only have a single intake in September. We accept applications throughout the year. Successful candidates who have submitted their MRes application by 31 January 2024 will receive a scholarship (full fee waiver plus a stipend). Successful candidates who have submitted their application after this date may receive a scholarship subject to availability, or will come with their own funding.

In your personal statement you are expected to suggest one or more faculty members as potential supervisors. On the application form you may see that it states that it is preferred that you contact potential supervisors beforehand. However, we strongly discourage applicants from contacting individual faculty members or potential supervisors when applying to our programme. All applications are first evaluated by a joint admissions committee, so contacting potential supervisors separately will not increase your chances.

We also require you to submit IELTS or TOEFL scores if English is not your first language. Our School requires a “Level 2” English language qualification which corresponds to:

IELTS: Overall grade of 7.0 with a minimum of 6.5 in each of the sub-tests.

TOEFL: Score of 96 overall, plus 24/30 in the reading and writing subtests and 22/30 in the listening and speaking subtests. 

Application Deadline

The application window closes 31 January 2024 (17:00 UK time) and a late submission window closes on 05 April 2024 (17:00 UK time). We advise those interested in the programme to apply before 31 January 2024, as those applying in the late submission window will only be considered if there are still places remaining.

Application Procedure

Apply via UCL Postgraduate Admissions System here . When starting the application, you must select the MRes Financial Economics option. In addition to filling out the online application form, please upload a copy of the following documents:

• Official Transcripts of Grades / Course marks
• A 1 page personal statement that clearly indicates: (i) your research interests and preliminary research ideas, (ii) potential faculty member(s) you may want to work with (this is a suggested list, you don’t need to contact potential supervisors beforehand), and (iii) your motivation to do a PhD.
• Your  GRE  score report, if you took the test.
• Your IELTS/TOEFL score report, if English is not your first language.

Funding/Scholarships

We offer fully funded five year scholarships to all admitted students who apply before the 31 January 2024. The scholarship is open to all nationalities. It covers all tuition fees, and includes an annual stipend of £25,000 which is tax-free. 

Successful candidates who have submitted their application after 31 January 2024 may receive a scholarship subject to availability or will come with their own funding.

Additional Costs

This programme does not have any compulsory additional costs outside of purchasing books or stationery, printing, thesis binding or photocopying.  Students may have the opportunity to participate in conferences in the UK and internationally. The UCL School of Management provides MRes/PhD students with an annual budget for conferences, which students will use to cover the travel, accommodation, food and other costs whilst at conferences, in line with UCL’s expenses policy. 

Further Information and Contact Details

The full-time MRes/PhD programme runs from September each academic year. Entrance is therefore every September. While we may accept applications until 05 April 2024 we encourage candidates to apply as early as possible. Our programme is very selective and we only admit a limited number of students, so applying before 31 January 2024 increases your chances.

How to Apply

For queries about the MRes/PhD Programme that are not addressed on our web pages, please contact [email protected] .

Video Library

Frequently Asked Questions about the UCL School of Management MRes/PhD Programme

Programme Information

Application process, admissions requirements.

Students are required to possess a “Level 2” English language qualification if it is not their first language. This means: TOEFL: Score of 96, plus 24/30 in the reading and writing, and 22/30 in the listening and speaking subtests. IELTS: Overall grade of 7.0 with a minimum of 6.5 in each of the subtests.

Further Information

If you have any other questions regarding the programme that are not addressed on our web pages please email the programme team ( [email protected] )

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• Events and Seminars

Research - PhD Economics Programme

We take pride in the Department of Economics’ outstanding placement record and it’s our ambition to place our PhD students in the best institutions worldwide. Our placement record is comparable with the top economics departments in the world, as shown by some of our recent placements which include MIT, UC Berkeley, Columbia, Stanford and Northwestern.

Professor Robin Burgess

The LSE Department of Economics is committed to an individualised and contextual review of each application to the MRes/PhD Economics programme. 

Each year the Department of Economics admits around 20 funded students to join our vibrant doctoral programme, consisting of over 100 students from many countries and backgrounds. Our PhD students pursue research in all economic fields, closely supervised by a variety of faculty . We have a Chair and committee for both PhD Admissions and PhD Recruitment, as well as a dedicated professional staff at School and Department level managing funding and admissions.

The  LSE Economics PhD Programme  is grounded in two years of rigorous coursework through the MRes component and by a strong research element. You can find information about the individual  research courses  offered through our programmes.

As is the norm with top economic departments in the US, students entering the LSE PhD Economics programme are typically offered five years financial support; for more information please visit our Cost and Financial Aid page.

Research Centres in the Department of Economics

The LSE Department of Economics is somewhat unique for its major  Research Centres . PhD students benefit from these centres both in terms of getting access to research funds as well as other facilities which complement their doctoral research.

Suntory and Toyota International Centre for Economics and Related Disciplines  (STICERD)

Centre for Economic Performance  (CEP)

Financial Markets Group  (FMG)

Centre for Analysis of Social Exclusion  (CASE)

International Growth Centre  (IGC)

Centre for Macroeconomics  (CFM)

Programme Requirements

Follow the link below to access information about the PhD routes and coursework.

Programme and School Regulations for research students

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PhD Economics - Admissions FAQs

How to Apply

General Information for prospective research students

Guidelines for submitting Research Statement

An application for 2024 entry to the PhD Economics should include a Research Statement, along with other required information (Note: A separate sample of Written Work is not required as part of the PhD Economics application).

Your Research Statement should be submitted in place of the Outline Research Proposal, along with your application form and other required supporting documents, via the LSE online application system (see the  PhD Economics Admissions FAQs ).

What should my Research Statement contain?

Please answer the following questions clearly and concisely. Max 200 words per question.

1.      Why do you want to do research in economics?

2.      Can you explain how your studies and experience make you suitable to do research in economics?

3.      Which aspect of the PhD do you think you will like the most? Which will you dislike the most? Why?

4.      Tell us about your favourite paper in economics. What do you like about it? How would you improve it?

5.      Write a comment for a general audience on ONE of the following topics (i) Is inequality good for growth?  (ii) Do immigrants take the jobs of native workers?  (iii) Is CEO compensation excessive? (iv) Is universal minimum income a good idea? (v) Overall, has central banks' move to inflation targeting been a success? (vi) Is culture an important determinant of differences in income per capita across countries? (vii) Markets function well as information is aggregated efficiently through prices. (viii) Elections are effective at disciplining politicians who do not have the public interest as their main goal.

How can I demonstrate research potential?

If you have served as research assistant for an economist please ask that person to write a letter focussing on your research skills and describe your experience – reference point 2 (above) of the research statement.

If not, please list any evidence you think would be valuable. Examples include but are not restricted to: experience working autonomously under stress without any guidance, demonstration of creativity in any form, experience of writing original research.

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Class teaching opportunities are available during the course of research degrees. They represent useful professional training and can be a valuable and important experience. For more information, click here.  

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Towards the completion of a research degree the Department organises an orientation meeting for prospective job market candidates and offers advice as well as a platform for candidates to present their experience and research. Available soon: the page with our current job market candidates.

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Course type

Qualification, university name, phd economics in london.

27 degrees at 11 universities in London.

Customise your search

Select the start date, qualification, and how you want to study

Related subjects:

• PhD Economics
• PhD Applied economics
• PhD Development Economics
• PhD Econometrics
• PhD Environmental Economics
• PhD Health Economics
• PhD International Economics
• PhD Social Economics

• Course title (A-Z)
• Course title (Z-A)
• Price: high - low
• Price: low - high

PhD/MPhil Economics

City, university of london.

• 2 years Full time degree: £5,110 per year (UK)
• 4 years Part time degree: £2,560 per year (UK)
• Econometrics
• Macroeconomics
• Microeconomics
• View all modules

PhD in Economics

Soas university of london.

• 3 years Full time degree: £4,860 per year (UK)
• 6 years Part time degree: £2,430 per year (UK)

Economics PhD

Royal holloway, university of london.

• 4 years Full time degree: £4,712 per year (UK)

Health Economics PhD

Brunel university london.

• 3 years Full time degree: £4,712 per year (UK)
• 6 years Part time degree: £2,355 per year (UK)

PhD Construction Management and Economics

London south bank university.

• 6 years Distance without attendance degree: £4,820 per year (UK)
• 3 years Full time degree: £4,820 per year (UK)
• 5 years Part time degree: £2,892 per year (UK)

Financial Economics MRes and MPhil/PhD

Ucl (university college london).

• 5 years Full time degree: £5,860 per year (UK)

PhD in Development Economics

Economics and finance phd.

• 6 years Part time degree: £2,356 per year (UK)

Economics MRes and MPhil/PhD

• 4 years Full time degree: £26,200 per year (UK)
• 7 years Part time degree: £13,100 per year (UK)

PhD in Development Studies

Economics integrated phd, primary care and population health mphil/phd.

• 3 years Full time degree: £5,860 per year (UK)
• 5 years Part time degree: £2,930 per year (UK)

Economics MPhil/PhD

Birkbeck, university of london.

• 7 years Part time degree: £2,500 per year (UK)

International Political Economy MPhil/PhD

King's college london, university of london.

• 3 years Full time degree: £6,936 per year (UK)
• 4 years Part time degree: £3,468 per year (UK)

MPhil/PhD European Studies

London school of economics and political science, university of london.

• 3 years Full time degree: £4,829 per year (UK)
• Research Workshop in European Studies- Core
• European Studies

Doctoral programme: Economics & Public Policy

Imperial college business school.

• 5 years Full time degree

Economics PhD (London campus)

Newcastle university london.

• 36 months Full time degree
• 72 months Part time degree

Development Studies with Reference to Emerging Economies MPhil/PhD

• 6 years Part time degree: £3,468 per year (UK)

MRes/PhD International Development

• 4 years Full time degree: £4,829 per year (UK)
• Development History, Theory and Policy for Research Students- Core
• Research Seminar in Development Studies- Core
• Research Design and Proposal in International Development- Core
• Introductory Course in Mathematics and Statistics- Core

Population Health & Environmental Sciences Research MPhil/PhD MD/(Res)

• 3 years Full time degree: £6,120 per year (UK)
• 6 years Part time degree: £3,060 per year (UK)

1-20 of 27 courses

Course type:

• Distance learning PhD
• Full time PhD
• Part time PhD

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Internships and work experience

What is work experience .

Work experience is a valuable way to develop your skills, knowledge and experience in a practical setting. It can help you to build a useful network of contacts and provide evidence for future employers during their application processes.

Most employers will expect to see examples of work experience on your CVs and application forms, showing them where you have developed and used the skills and capabilities they are looking for.

When work experience is mentioned, you might assume that means an internship, but there are many other ways to gain experience in the workplace, and employers will be just as interested in your volunteering as they are in any paid work you have undertaken.

Internships

‘Internship’ is an increasingly common term, used to describe a fixed period of, usually paid and structured, work experience within an organisation.

The length of an internship can vary from a few weeks up to a year, and they are often used by large companies to assess you for potential future recruitment. This means that many interns have opportunities to work on real projects, gaining a useful insight into the firm and role.

Students typically undertake internships during the Summer vacation, although opportunities exist throughout the year, depending on the sector and employer. Graduate internships are also available.

Insight programmes and Spring Weeks

These are structured programmes often aimed at first years, lasting between one day and a week and usually taking place during the Easter vacation. Typically, you’ll get the opportunity to listen and take part in presentations, skills seminars, interactive workshops, group activities and work shadowing. There may also be social events and networking opportunities where you can talk to recent graduates and interns.

As well as being an opportunity to find out more about a company and if the work will suit you, some are also used as a feeder for their internship programmes.

Summer jobs

Jobs that fall into this category tend to be casual, paid positions in sectors such as retail or tourism.

Although a summer job is usually not as structured as an internship, it provides a useful opportunity to develop your skills and the experience can be very relevant to your career plans if you choose wisely.  For example, supervising children at a summer camp will be useful if you are considering teaching, while working as a sales assistant in a high street store will give you excellent customer service experience and help to develop your business awareness.

If you hope to work abroad after you graduate, obtaining a summer job in the country you are planning to target will be a useful starting point.

Part-time jobs

Many students need to work alongside their studies to supplement their income.

As with summer work, part-time roles will help you to develop your skills and build valuable experience. Keep a log of the skills you use and experiences you have – it will be a useful reminder when you start applying for graduate employment. 

Work shadowing

This involves a day or more observing a person in their role and can give you a real insight into the work. These opportunities are unpaid and unadvertised, so you’ll need to use your initiative and approach someone directly.

Work shadowing can potentially be undertaken in the UK or overseas, depending on the willingness of the individual and their organisation to host you.

Volunteering

Volunteering involves working with an organisation (usually a charity) or an individual on a voluntary, unpaid basis. It can offer personal satisfaction as well as an opportunity to build relevant skills or experience. This type of work experience is often highly valued by employers.

Volunteering can be a great way to make useful contacts and develop your career, and opportunities can be based in the UK or overseas.

Capstone and Links projects

As part of the curriculum, some LSE students are required to undertake a consultancy project on a selected topic relevant to a client organisation. This known as a Capstone or Links project.

Conducting research and presenting your findings to the client organisation will give you useful experience and an opportunity to make some relevant contacts.

Where can I find work experience and how do I apply? 

Once you’re familiar with the different work experience options available, such as internships, volunteering etc., you can start to explore where to look for opportunities and how to apply for them. There are many online resources that will be useful to you, as well as events on campus and beyond.

To find out more about any visa restrictions on work experience, contact LSE’s International Student Visa Advice Team (ISVAT).

Internships are normally advertised, and in some sectors e.g. financial services, application deadlines can fall as early as the preceding December.

The following resources provide advice and information on application deadlines, interviews etc.:

• CareerHub – updated daily with internships, including those from smaller companies.
• Our employment sectors section - choose a profile that interests you and view the ‘Routes In’ section for sector specific advice
• Our internships fair, which takes place every Autumn on campus
• InternJobs – hosts hundreds of global internship advertisements
• Prospects advice on finding and applying for internships , including a list of organisations offering international internships.

Insight programmes/Spring Weeks

Our top tip is to apply as early as possible and don’t wait for deadlines. The following resources will be useful:

• CareerHub – jobs board targeting LSE students
• The Rate My Placement Essential Guide to Student Insights
• The Employment 4 Students guide to Insight Days

To find out more about the types of summer jobs available, including Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL), summer camps, temping and event stewarding, visit our Summer jobs page. Other useful resources include:

• The Employment 4 Students guide to summer jobs
• StudentJob’s summer job board
• The Student Room’s Ultimate Student Summer Job Guide
• Summer Jobs Abroad directory

There are many opportunities for part-time work available, both on and off campus. For a list of ideas and useful links for further research, visit our Part-time work page. For part-time job vacancies, visit:

• The Student Job portal’s part time jobs page
• Employment 4 Students part-time jobs board
• Save the Student part-time student jobs board

Work shadowing opportunities are rarely advertised so you will need to take a speculative approach, identifying an organisation and/or individual and making contact with them directly. Visit the following pages to find out more:

• The Prospects overview of work shadowing offers useful information and advice about the concept of work shadowing and how to obtain it.
• Our pages on making speculative applications   and networking provide some useful tips.

Voluntary positions vary widely, but the LSE Volunteer Centre advertises a range of opportunities and offers advice on how to find a position and how to use the experience to develop your employability skills. The following resources provide useful information about volunteering opportunities and how to apply:

• CareerHub – regularly updated with volunteering opportunities
• Our volunteering fairs in Michaelmas and Lent terms – watch out for publicity
• Our Volunteer Centre Co-ordinator has regular appointments during term time if you need advice. Log in to CareerHub to book a volunteering appointment
• Prospects volunteering page provides information, advice and opportunities for volunteering at home and abroad.

February 13 2018

Education and teaching Career Building Activities

November 08 2019

EU internships

Charity work experience

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