MPhil, PhD Economics
ApplyResearch opportunities
We encourage applications for PhD study from suitably qualified candidates with research interests that align closely with at least one of our faculty members. Normal entry to a research degree is for PhD study, but you can also study for an MPhil, a DBA and an MRes.
Research focus
The research focus of the Department of Economics is on policy-relevant applied economics research, and we have specialists in applied microeconomics, macroeconomics and econometrics.
The Department is home to the Fraser of Allander Institute, a leading independent economic research institute focused on the Scottish economy giving PhD students the opportunity to become part of a department with strong links to the world of policy and business. We have a lively PhD programme in economics with a regular inflow of new students each year.
You'll benefit from a team of two supervisors with specialist knowledge in your field.
You'll join our economics research community, engage with our regular seminar series of external speakers, our brown bag workshop series to explore early research ideas, and with our annual Postgraduate Research Conference where you'll present your research.
Research areas
Find out more about our research areas and the expertise of our staff:
- applied econometrics
- applied macroeconomics
- applied microeconomics
- economic policy
- staff in the Department of Economics
We offer an excellent academic environment in which to undertake your research degree. You'll benefit from:
- a lively research environment that is both rigorous and policy-focused
- a collegiate group of PhD colleagues
- regular meetings with your two supervisors
- research methods training leading to a PGCert in Research Methodology
- access to advanced training opportunities that are part of the Scottish Graduate Programme in Economics
- access to Strathclyde's sector-leading Researcher Development Programme enabling you to enhance your transferrable skills
Fees & funding
All fees quoted are per academic year unless otherwise stated.
Entrants may be subject to a small fee during the writing up period.
| Scotland | £4,500 |
|---|---|
| England, Wales & Northern Ireland | £4,500 |
| International | £16,000 |
| Additional costs | Course materialsStudents are required to cover the cost of binding their thesis. This varies depending on length of thesis and chosen binding company. An average cost of £40-50 should be allowed. Placements & field tripsThe cost of fieldwork or research trips would usually be met by the student. Students can apply for funding to cover conference participation. Funding will be provided to a student to present a paper at one UK/European conference a year from year 2 onwards, for those that do not have this covered by their funders (i.e. those without access to a research council research training budget), students can apply to the Department’s Research Committee for approval of such expenses. Study abroadIf a student chooses to study overseas, the costs would be met by the student. This is not a requirement for our programme. Other costsGraduation gown hire. |
Please note: the fees shown are annual and may be subject to an increase each year.
*Fees have not yet been set by research councils.
Triple-accredited business school
Scholarships
ESRC Scottish Graduate School of Social Science Doctoral Training Centre studentships (SGSSS-DTC)
ESRC awards cover full fees and include a maintenance grant and a research support grant.
If you're applying to the Scottish Graduate Programme in Economics MSc and wish to continue to PhD level study, you can apply to the SGSSS-DTC for a 1+3 (MSc+PhD) studentship.
If you're applying for a PhD in Economics and already hold, or are currently studying for, an MA or MSc in Economics or Econometrics, you can apply to the SGSSS-DTC for +3 (PhD) funding. To be eligible your MA or MSc must be deemed equivalent to the Scottish Graduate Programme’s MSc (ie another ESRC recognised masters programme studied elsewhere in the UK, or a similar programme from outside the UK, typically including core classes in Microeconomics Theory, Macroeconomic Theory and Econometrics as well as relevant options and a dissertation).
As an ESRC funded PhD student, in addition to receiving research training from one of the UK’s top Doctoral Training Centres in social science, you'll have access a Research Training Support Grant to cover the costs of additional training, conference attendance and fieldwork. You'll be eligible to apply for a number of additional ESRC-funded opportunities, from overseas institutional visits to internship opportunities.
There are two stages to the application and both have strict deadlines:
- registration
- application
Full information on the application process, including relevant deadlines, can be found on the Scottish Graduate School of Social Science's website.
British Council funding
The British Council offers scholarships to overseas students. Availability is dependent upon your home country and you're advised to contact your local British Council office or have a look at Education UK for more information.
The World Bank: Robert S McNamara Fellowship programme
This grant helps fellows advance their doctoral research work through a residency period of five to 10 months in an institution in another country. Have a look at the World Bank website to find out more.
Commonwealth scholarships
Postgraduate research opportunities
Search for all funded and non-funded postgraduate research opportunities.
During my time at Strathclyde, I have been able to interact directly with officials in the Scottish Fiscal Commission and to see how the results of my research can be used to help inform better policymaking
Third year PhD student, Economics
Supervisors
Below is a list of supervisors in Economics. Please refer to our staff pages for more information.
|
Supervisor |
Topics |
|---|---|
| Dr Marco Alfano |
|
| Dr Grant Allan |
|
| Dr David Comerford |
|
| Dr Nikos Danias |
|
| Professor Julia Darby |
|
| Dr Alex Dickson |
|
| Dr David Eiser |
|
| Dr Gioele Figus |
|
| Dr Marco Fongoni |
|
| Dr Markus Gehrsitz |
|
| Professor Gary Koop |
|
| Dr Otto Lenhart |
|
| Dr Scott McGrane |
|
| Dr Stuart McIntyre |
|
| Dr Jonathan Norris |
|
| Mr Roger Perman |
|
| Dr Agnese Romiti |
|
| Professor Graeme Roy |
|
| Professor Ian Wooton |
|
Our research
We're a Department with a focus on applied, policy-relevant research, both across the UK and internationally. Faculty members have expertise in applied micro- and macroeconomics as well as applied econometrics. We also have a small team which forms part of a much larger cross-university specialism in energy and the environment.
Find out more about our research
Support & development
As a postgraduate research student in the Department of Economics at Strathclyde Business School, you'll have the opportunity to attend a variety of appropriate subject-specific training courses, such as:
- advanced classes offered by the Scottish Graduate Programme in Economics (SGPE) – find out more on the Scottish Graduate Programme in Economics
- a range of specialist workshops and masterclasses organised by the Scottish Institute for Research in Economics, often in collaboration with the Department
- other externally offered and relevant short courses and summer school (recent examples include courses offered by CEMMAP, a variety of ESRC-funded data workshops and specialised short advanced training courses provided by the SGPE and elsewhere)
You'll also be expected to attend and participate in presentations and discussions of research work in progress with colleagues and staff members at lunchtime seminars, the Department’s Annual PhD Away Days and the research seminars.
During your studies, you'll be encouraged to submit and present papers to appropriate academic conferences. You'll also be encouraged to submit your work for publication in the Department’s discussion paper series, and work towards submitting your papers to be considered for publication in academic journals.
If you take up the opportunity to become involved in undergraduate teaching, delivering tutorials and/or supporting computer lab sessions, you'll receive appropriate training from the University and you'll also be encouraged to participate in the Graduate Teaching Assistant workshops offered by the Economics Network.
Postgraduate Certificate in Researcher Professional Development (PgCert RPD)
The Business School's PgCert RPD programme aims to ensure you get the most out of your research activities at Strathclyde and helps you prepare for your future career as a researcher.
We'll help you recognise and develop your transferable skills that'll have a positive impact on your research, now and in the future.
Find out more about the PgCert RPD programme.
Careers
The University Careers Service can help you with everything from writing your CV to interview preparation. Take a look at our Careers Service pages to get more information.
Student support
From financial advice to our IT facilities, we have a wide range of support for all students here at Strathclyde. Get all the information you need at Strathlife.
Postgraduate research at the Strathclyde Doctoral School
The Strathclyde Doctoral School provides a vibrant and comprehensive student-centred research and training environment in order to grow and support current and future research talent. The School encompasses our four faculties and is committed to enriching the student experience, intensifying research outputs and opportunities, and ensuring training is at the highest level. As a postgraduate researcher, you'll automatically become a member of the Strathclyde Doctoral School.
Find out more about the Doctoral School
International students
We've a thriving international community with students coming here to study from over 100 countries across the world. Find out all you need to know about studying in Glasgow at Strathclyde and hear from students about their experiences.
Visit our international students' section
Apply
Entry requirements
PhD & MPhil
We look for a strong first degree in economics, or a degree in which economics was a major part, and a Masters degree in economics that includes core classes in:
- Microeconomics
- Macroeconomics
- Econometrics
- a range of other relevant classes and a dissertation
DBA
You'll have a good MBA degree from an AMBA-accredited institution or a Masters degree containing a significant amount of Economics.
You will also have a significant amount of work experience as a manager or consultant and we expect you to continue in a senior practice role throughout the programme. Ongoing support from your employer is also required.
MRes
You'll have a Masters degree or a first or upper second-class Honours degree (or overseas equivalent) in Business & Management.
English language proficiency
If English isn't your first language, you'll need an IELTS score of 6.5.
The application
During the application you'll be asked for the following:
- your full contact details
- transcripts and certificates of all degrees
- proof of English language proficiency if English isn't your first language
- two references, one of which must be academic
- funding or scholarship information
- research proposal of around 1500 words in length, detailing the subject area and topic to be investigated; please use our Postgraduate Research Proposal Outline and attach this with your application (not required for MRes applications)
By filling these details out as fully as possible, you'll avoid any delay to your application being processed by the University.
Before you apply
Before finalising your formal application, we can give you some help and guidance on refining your proposal.
Get in touch with a potential supervisor early in the process, preferably as soon as you've put together a draft proposal. You can find some information about our supervisors and their research interests under the 'Supervisors' tab.
Writing your research proposal
We've put together some guidance to help you write your research proposal.
Getting a reference
We've put together some guidance to help you when obtaining your references.
Supervisors
It's important that you find a good match between your research interest and your potential supervisor. When you've identified a potential supervisor, based on how well your research interests match theirs, send them an email to introduce yourself. Make sure you attach a draft of your research proposal along with a copy of your CV. Don't worry about how rough your research proposal may be at this stage – you'll have help from the Department to refine it.
If your chosen supervisor is available to work with you, they'll confirm this and nominate a potential second supervisor. As soon as a second supervisor is confirmed, an offer of study will be sent to you through Pegasus, our online application system.
When you accept our offer, you'll receive a full offer in writing via the email address you provide.
Accepting an offer
Once you've accepted our offer, we'll need you to fulfil any academic, administrative or financial conditions that we have notified you of in your offer letter.
UK or EU students
If you're applying as a Scottish, UK or EU student, you'll then be issued with your registration documentation.
Apply now
Interested in undertaking a postgraduate research degree at Strathclyde?
Read our step-by-step guide on how to submit your application.
How to applyContact us
Kathleen Tyrrell
Telephone: +44 (0)141 548 4326
Email: k.tyrrell@strath.ac.uk
Sir William Duncan Building, 130 Rottenrow, Glasgow, G4 0GE