About the opportunity
The PhD/MPhil Economics programme at City St George’s, University of London, develops advanced knowledge in economic theory and econometric methods to support pioneering research. Students join active research groups in areas such as Applied Microeconomics, Competition and Regulatory Policy, Economic Theory and Experiments, Health Economics (CHEC), and Macroeconomics and Finance. The programme is affiliated with the South East Network for Social Sciences (SeNSS), an ESRC Doctoral Training Partnership. All research students are initially registered as MPhil candidates, with full-time students completing compulsory taught modules in Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, and Econometrics during their first year. An upgrade to the PhD status takes place after 18 months based on satisfactory progress, and full-time or part-time candidates complete their dissertations within four or seven years, respectively.
Funding and benefits
- Expert academic supervision and guidance from active research economists
- Opportunities to apply for funding to attend specialised training courses and research conferences
- Access to departmental support for experimental subject payments and software purchases
- Eligibility to take relevant postgraduate modules across the university network free of charge
Who can apply?
- A track record of high academic achievement demonstrating at least a 2.1 honours degree and a merit-level Master's degree in a relevant subject (or international equivalent)
- Meet the English language proficiency requirements, such as an overall IELTS score of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each subtest, or an approved equivalent qualification
Required documents
- Research proposal including the name of the prospective faculty member who has preliminarily agreed to supervise the project
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Reference letters from at least two academic referees
- Copies of degree transcripts and certificates
- Proof of English language proficiency (if English is not the first language)
When to apply
- Deadline for fully funded applicants: 12 December 2025
- Deadline for self-funded applicants: 30 June 2026
- Programme starting date: 30 September 2026
How to apply
- Conduct preliminary enquiries by approaching a relevant academic staff member with a CV, degree transcripts, and research proposal to discuss potential supervision
- Prepare the research proposal and complete documentation following university guidelines
- Submit the application online through the official City St George's portal before the applicable deadline
Additional information
- The programme is offered in both full-time (2 to 4 years duration) and part-time (4 to 7 years duration) modes, alongside a 1-year PhD by prior publication option.
- Full-time international tuition fees are £21,260 per year, and part-time international fees are £10,630 per year.
- Full-time students are required to attend internal and external departmental seminar series.
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Strong background in economics or quantitative disciplines with a Master's degree at merit level or above
- Clear research interests aligned with the department's specialised research groups such as health economics or macroeconomics
- Aspiration to pursue an academic or high-level analytical career supported by structured doctoral training and networking via SeNSS
What should you think carefully about?
- Rigorous mandatory first-year coursework and regular seminar attendance requirements demand a strong time commitment
- International tuition costs are substantial for self-funded candidates unless external scholarships or UKRI funding pathways are secured
- Relocation to London is necessary as full participation in departmental research activities and seminars is expected
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This programme suits individuals aiming to build a rigorous foundation in academic research, economic modelling, or policy analysis. It provides the necessary credentials and research output for careers in academia, international organisations, public institutions, or private sector economics.
Our take
Candidates with a strong academic profile and a well-defined research proposal who can secure funding or self-finance should seriously consider applying. Applicants lacking a clear match with existing faculty expertise or adequate preparation in advanced quantitative methods may find it less suitable.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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