Economics PhD

The School of Economics has a reputation as a leading research-intensive department in the UK. In the 2021 Research Excellence Framework, our School was ranked in the top 10 schools in the UK for world-leading research. The School achieved an overall ranking of 6th for real-world impact and 8th for research environment in REF 2021.

Our doctoral programme starts with the MRes Economics programme in the first year, followed by the three-year PhD programme (with the possibility of a one-year extension).

During your PhD programme, you’ll learn from leading research-active academics with expertise in a wide range of areas, including:

• Macroeconomics
• Microeconomic theory
• Econometrics
• Applied microeconomics.

We belong to the South East Network for Social Sciences (SeNSS), a consortium of 10 leading UK universities promoting inventive and inclusive social science research training and collaboration,  as well as the possibility of funding for your studies.

When you apply to the MRes/PhD course, if you require funding, you will automatically be considered for one of our scholarships. See also other available scholarships.

We offer generous studentships for the duration of the MRes/PhD course for outstanding candidates.

Employment after your PhD

Our PhD students have gone on to academic positions as lecturers and postdoctoral researchers in the UK and overseas, including institutions such as:

• University of Cambridge
• University of Sussex
• University of East Anglia
• European University Institute
• University of Glasgow
• London School of Economics.

Our past students have also gone on to take leading positions in international institutions including:

• International Monetary Fund
• European Central Bank
• Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development
• Financial Conduct Authority
• Bank of Canada
• European Investment fund
• Leading think tanks and economic consultancy firms.

Our PhD programme produces graduates who are sought-after by leading economics departments, business schools and research institutions around the world.

Your first year will be spent studying core modules in microeconomics, macroeconomics and econometrics, while working on your research. The final two years of your PhD will be entirely dedicated to independent research, leading to a PhD dissertation.

You’ll also have the opportunity to contribute to the teaching and research activity of the School.

Your final assessment will be based on the presentation of your research in a written thesis, which will be discussed in a viva examination with at least two examiners. You have the option of preparing your thesis as a monograph (one large volume in chapter form) or in publication format (including chapters written for publication), subject to the approval of your supervisors.

Personal and professional development

We have a package of development opportunities that will boost your research and teaching skills and put you in the best position to secure employment at the end of your course.

In addition to our Researcher Development Programme, which is provided to all PhD students at the University, we also offer a number of other learning opportunities.

Research assistant opportunities

During your PhD, you’ll have the opportunity to work alongside your research supervisor and other academic colleagues as a paid research assistant. You will be involved in activities such as conducting literature reviews, helping with data analysis and interpretation for current research projects, and you will play an active role in the research community of the School. These activities will typically be more intensive during the summer months.

Graduate Certificate of Higher Education

In the first year of your PhD, you will have the opportunity to enrol on the PG Certificate in Learning and Teaching in Higher Education programme offered at Surrey, by our own highly regarded Department of Higher Education. You will learn about pedagogy, practise your teaching skills and receive an internationally-recognised teaching qualification that will allow you to become a member of the Higher Education Academy.

Teaching opportunities

During your PhD, and on successful completion of your teacher training, you will be offered the opportunity to take on a range of paid teaching activities, fully supported by your academic colleagues. These teaching opportunities will further reinforce your personal and academic skills and help to enhance your understanding of your subject area as well as adding significantly to your CV.

The professional development of postgraduate researchers is supported by the Doctoral College, which provides training in essential skills through its Researcher Development Programme of workshops, mentoring and coaching. A dedicated postgraduate careers and employability team will help you prepare for a successful career after the completion of your PhD.