Research degrees in Economics and Finance

Why apply for the MRes/PhD programme in Queen Mary's School of Economics and Finance?

• The School of Economics and Finance is one of the UK's leading departments, ranked in the top 10 for research power in the latest Research Excellence Framework (REF) assessment.
• The breadth and depth of our expertise enables us to offer courses and supervision in virtually all major areas of economics and finance.
• The School has around 40 research-active staff working in a wide range of research areas, including macroeconomics, microeconomic theory and game theory, applied microeconomics, econometric theory, time series analysis, theoretical and empirical finance, and financial econometrics.
• Prestigious 1+3 year Economic and Social Research Council fellowships covering MRes and PhD studies are available to EU citizens (see the ESRC website for full eligibility details) through the London Interdisciplinary Social Science DTP (LISS DTP) in collaboration with Kings College London and Imperial College London.
• PhD students are entitled to a yearly research allowance.

Research Subjects

For the latest details on our academic's research activity please study their profiles on the School's website. Examples of PhD topics:

• Applied economics
• Economic theory
• Econometrics
• Microeconomics
• Macroeconomics
• Financial econometrics
• Financial derivatives
• Asset pricing
• International finance

Entry

Students must complete the MRes Programme before they can progress on to the PhD.

There are two MRes options:

• Masters of Research in Economics (2 years)
• Masters of Research in Finance (2 years)

These programmes are considered the first part of the PhD programme. For admission to the MRes programme, applicants should have a suitable Undergraduate or Master's degree in Economics, Finance or a related subject. On application to the MRes programme, when appropriate, a conditional offer of admission to the PhD programme will also be made. Applicants who already hold an MRes in Economics or Finance can apply directly to the PhD programmes offered through the School with support from a supervisor.

Structure of the PhD Programme

See our School webpages for an overview of the MRes/PhD programme.

MRes: The MRes is considered the first part of our PhD programme.

Year One

Students will take advanced core courses in macroeconomics, microeconomics and econometrics (financial economics is also compulsory under the MRes Finance pathway).  This year will equip students with a range of theories, tools and methodologies necessary for research.

Year Two

Students will select field courses to familiarise themselves with the research frontier in their chosen area(s) of specialisation and develop independent research interests.  During this year, students write a research paper in their major field, which can form the basis of later doctoral work.

PhD: The School offers PhD programmes in both Economics and Finance which lead on directly from advanced research training during the MRes programme. During the programme students will work on their thesis and undertake research work.

Financial Support

As the majority of our PhD student enter via the MRes programmes, please see the ‘Entry and Funding’ tab on our MRes programme page for funding details. 

More general information on funding a PhD can be found here.

How to apply

Applicants who hold a BSc or MSc in Economics, Finance or a related subject should apply on the course pages here: 

• Masters of Research in Economics (2 years)
• Masters of Research in Finance (2 years)

Applicants who already hold an MRes can apply directly for the PhD programme by emailing econ-phd-enquiries@qmul.ac.uk to request a link to the application form. Admission is for entry in September.

To avoid delays in making a decision, please ensure that the following supporting materials are included with the application:

• Full transcripts (showing marks for individual courses) from all undergraduate and postgraduate degrees
• An official reference letter (or contact details) from a referee who can assess your academic potential
• A research proposal (1500 word limit).

Please also see the School’s English language requirements (please note you do not need to have met our English Language requirements before applying as this can be a condition of any offer made).

The application deadlines for 2023 are:

• TBC for applicants who wish to be considered for ESRC research scholarships through LISS DTP (information expected to be released by ESRC in October 2022).
• TBC (likely January) for applicants who wish to apply for China Scholarship Council scholarships
• 5 February 2023 for applicants who wish to be considered for Queen Mary funding or are self-funding.

Contact

Email: econ-phd-enquiries@qmul.ac.uk 
Tel: +44 20 7882 7298