Economics Doctor of Philosophy - PhD

As the most research-intensive business school in the UK, according to the latest Research Excellence Framework, there really is no better place to gain a deeper insight into economics.

In our triple-accredited, world-ranked Management School, you can benefit from excellent academic supervision, interact with respected economists and be part of a thriving research community of staff and students. We aim to prepare you for a successful research-driven career in academia, government, research organisations, or business.

About the Department

The main specialisms of Lancaster University's Department of Economics are

* Behavioural and Experimental Economics;

* Labour, Education and Health Economics;

* Macroeconomics and Financial Markets;

* Political Economy and International Trade; and

* Industrial Organisation and Economic Theory.

The Department also hosts LExEL (a modern experimental lab) and the UK Housing Market Observatory.

PhD supervisors

Please read our research and supervisor pages to match your research interests with those of available supervisors.

As a student in the Economics Department, you will have access to advanced research training courses delivered by us and the ESRC-funded North West Social Science Doctoral Training Partnership (NWSSDTP). These courses are continually updated to remain at the forefront of research.

You will benefit from close research supervision and feel an active member of the department’s research environment by attending a vibrant weekly seminar series, research workshops and conferences. You will also have access to state-of-the-art databases, office space, scientific computing facilities and IT support. In addition to your thesis, an oral examination will form an integral part of the assessment of your doctoral research.

Programme structure

This is a four-year programme. Your first year typically includes core training in economic theory and econometrics:

Typical PhD modules

* Microeconomic theory

* Macroeconomic theory

* Microeconometrics

* Applied macroeconomics

In addition to these modules, your first year will include an induction workshop covering topics such as research integrity and ethical research.

From student to researcher

As you move into the research stage of the PhD, you will receive training in research methods to support your development as an independent researcher. During the final three years, you will focus primarily on developing your independent research under the guidance of your supervisory team.

You will be encouraged to present your work, receive feedback, and take part in relevant research activities where appropriate.

Research focus

During your final three years, you will focus almost entirely on research and work on your research papers/chapters. You will be encouraged and financially supported to present your work in seminars, conferences and workshops to obtain feedback, interact with other researchers and establish research networks. If deemed beneficial by the supervisory team, you can also participate in NWSSDTP Economics modules, which you didn't take in the first year, and attend courses, masterclasses and workshops outside the NWSSDTP Economics pathway.

In your final year, you will be expected to complete your main research paper, the job market paper, and start preparing for the following year’s job market. The Department supports you during this stage through introductory talks, mock interviews and job market presentations.