PhD structure

A PhD in the Department of Economics is usually taken on a full-time basis over 3 years. A part-time option, spanning 6 years, is also available, with agreement from the Department's Director of Research.

You will work on a one-to-one basis with your supervisor(s), who will provide advice both on research training and on the conduct and progress of your thesis. You will work closely with leading academics who have substantial research experience in your broad field of study. They will be able to provide advice regarding appropriate research project design, theory, and methodology. Your progress is carefully monitored by both the Director and a board of studies, to ensure that the necessary supervisory support is in place and that you are given every opportunity to excel.

Year 1

Autumn term

• Registration and induction
• Meetings with supervisors
• Training courses
• Research (literature/data review, refining research questions)

Spring term

• Meetings with supervisors
• Training courses
• Research (literature/data review, refining research questions and methodology)
• Preparation of doctoral workshop presentation/documents

Summer term

• Doctoral workshop
• Meetings with supervisors
• Research (feedback from workshop, planning of research evidence collection/production).

Year 2

Autumn term

• Meetings with supervisors
• Research (research evidence collection/production)

Spring term

• Meetings with supervisors
• Research (research evidence collection/production)
• Preparation of doctoral workshop presentation/documents

Summer term

• Doctoral workshop
• Meetings with supervisors
• Research (analysis of findings)

Year 3

Autumn term

• Meetings with supervisors
• Research (analysis of findings)

Spring term

• Meetings with supervisors
• Research (analysis of findings and writing up)
• Preparation of doctoral workshop presentation/documents

Summer term

• Doctoral workshop
• Meetings with supervisors
• Submission of thesis and examination

Attendance at workshops, hosted and external conferences and ongoing training is strongly encouraged and supported by supervisors and research centres during each year of study.