PhD Economics / Overview

Degree awarded

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Duration

4 to 5 years depending on point of entry

Entry requirements

• Streams: The 1+3 stream consists of one year of PhD level teaching followed by 3 years of research. The 1+1+3 stream consists of one year of MSc teaching followed by the 1+3 stream.
• High level of performance: At a minimum, applicants must achieve an average of 65% in coursework with no unit marks below 55%, for both the undergraduate and postgraduate taught degrees as well as a 65% mark for the dissertation. Typically, offer holders exceed these standards significantly. Applicants may be required to achieve higher grades and meet additional requirements.
• Degree Requirement: The economics training applicants have received should be equivalent to that offered at the University of Manchester. Applicants with degrees in quantitative fields other than economics will be considered on a case-by-case basis. We do not normally consider applicants whose previous studies have been in non-quantitative fields. Our criteria are:
  • 1+1+3 Stream: applicants must demonstrate high-level performance in a degree equivalent to a BSc or MA in Economics from the University of Manchester.
  • 1+3 Stream: applicants must demonstrate high-level performance in a degree equivalent to the training provided in the MSc phase of our PhD programme.

Application and selection

• Apply online: Please ensure you include all required supporting documents at the time of submission, as incomplete applications may not be considered.
• Application Deadlines: Admission to the PhD programme is highly competitive, so please allow as much time as possible to prepare your application, browse our research pages and academics' profiles, and familiarise yourself with the application process and any important deadlines.
• Deadlines: For September 2025 entry: 30 June 2025

Programme details

• Programme options:
  • Full-time: Y
  • Part-time: N
  • Full-time distance learning: N
  • Part-time distance learning: N
• Programme overview: Join a vibrant and active research hub, with weekly seminars in macroeconomics, economic theory and applied economics. Benefit from staff with expertise across all areas of economics. We host prestigious events such as the Annual Conferences of the Royal Economic Society and the Summer Meeting of the European Economic Society and the Econometric Society.

Fees

• Tuition fees: For entry in the academic year beginning September 2025, the tuition fees are as follows:
  • PhD (full-time):
    • UK students (per annum): £5,006
    • International, including EU, students (per annum): £22,000

Scholarships/sponsorships

• Available scholarships: There are a range of scholarships, studentships and awards available to support both UK and overseas postgraduate researchers, details of which can be found via the links below.
• Funding competitions: All external funding competitions have a specified deadline for submitting your funding application and a separate (earlier) deadline for submitting the online programme application form, both of which will be stated in the funding competition details below.
• List of scholarships:
  • ESRC North West Social Science Doctoral Training Partnership (NWSSDTP) PhD Studentships 2025 Entry
  • School of Social Sciences Economics PhD Studentships 2025 Entry
  • China Scholarship Council - The University of Manchester (CSC-UoM) Joint Scholarship Programme - Competition Closed for 2025 Entry
  • Trudeau Doctoral Scholarships 2025 Entry
  • PhD Studentship with the Stuart Hall Foundation (Social Sciences) 2025 Entry
  • Commonwealth PhD Scholarships (High Income Countries)
  • Commonwealth PhD Scholarships (Least Developed Countries and Fragile States) - Competition Closed for 2025 Entry
  • President's Doctoral Scholar (PDS) Awards 2025 Entry

Careers

• Career opportunities: The PhD Economics programme provides students with a range of skills and knowledge that can be applied to various careers in academia, research, and industry.

University of Manchester

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Overview:

The University of Manchester is a renowned public research university located in Manchester, England. It is known for its academic excellence, research impact, and vibrant campus life.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

The University of Manchester offers a diverse and engaging campus experience. Students can enjoy a range of activities, including:

Social events:

The university hosts numerous social events throughout the year, providing opportunities for students to connect with their peers and explore different interests.

Student clubs and societies:

There are over 300 student clubs and societies catering to various interests, from sports and music to academic and cultural pursuits.

Campus facilities:

The university boasts modern facilities, including libraries, sports centers, and student unions, providing students with access to resources and support services.

City life:

Manchester is a vibrant city with a thriving cultural scene, offering students access to museums, theaters, music venues, and a diverse range of restaurants and shops.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Academic excellence:

The University of Manchester is consistently ranked among the top universities in the world, offering high-quality education across a wide range of disciplines.

Research impact:

The university is a leading research institution, making significant contributions to various fields, including medicine, engineering, and social sciences.

Global reputation:

The University of Manchester has a strong international reputation, attracting students and researchers from around the world.

Career opportunities:

The university provides excellent career support services, helping students to develop their skills and secure employment after graduation.

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Academic Programs:

The University of Manchester offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various faculties and schools, including:

Faculty of Humanities:

Arts, Languages, History, Philosophy, and more.

Faculty of Science and Engineering:

Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Engineering, and more.

Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences:

Medicine, Dentistry, Nursing, and more.

Faculty of Law, Economics and Social Sciences:

Law, Economics, Sociology, and more.

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Other:

The University of Manchester is committed to social responsibility and sustainability, actively engaging in initiatives to promote equality, diversity, and environmental protection.