We encourage applications for PhD study from suitably qualified candidates with research interests that align closely with at least one of our faculty members.
The research focus of the economics department 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. This can provide a key medium through which to engage with policy-makers and sell the relevance of your research.
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, and you'll have a dedicated desk and PC with software appropriate to your needs in our economics PhD space.
You'll join our economics research community, engage with our regular seminar series of external speakers, with our brown bag workshop series to explore early research ideas, and with our annual PGR Away Day where you will present your research.
Normal entry to a research degree is for PhD study, but you can also study for an MPhil and a DBA.
Find out more about our research areas and the expertise of our staff:
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, and 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 and will 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:
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.
Commonwealth scholarships
Commonwealth scholarships are available for students from commonwealth countries for PhD study here in the UK. See here for more details.
Royal Economics Society: one-year junior fellowship awards
The Royal Economics Society offers one-year junior fellowships to six students.
Applications must be submitted to the Head of Department and those awarded Fellowships must submit a report to the Secretary-General of the Society at the end of the academic year.
Universities will be invited by the Secretary-General of the Society to make application for the awards in the Spring of each year.
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 the following core classes:
microeconomics
macroeconomics
econometrics
dissertation
a range of relevant options
DBA
You'll have a good MBA degree from an AMBA accredited institution, although other Masters degrees containing a significant amount of economics may be accepted.
You'll 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.
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.
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 on, 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.
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, like:
a range of specialist workshops and master classes 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)
Our PgCert RPD programme aims to ensure you get the most out of your current research activities at Strathclyde and help 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.
