Economics MPhil, PhD
Economics PhD
PhD - full time: minimum 36 months, part time: minimum 72 months
Profile
Our Economics PhD programme aims to develop rigorous scholars who can advance both academic knowledge and practice in the area of Economics. The programmes are designed to give you greater depth to your professional life and to equip you with the skills necessary to succeed in a knowledge-intensive economy.
Your programme during COVID-19
Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to COVID-19.
Further information
Our COVID-19 Study page gives more information about your Newcastle University study experience.
Terms and conditions and student complaints
The University has terms and conditions which create a positive environment for learning and academic achievement.
Given the changing nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, the commitments outlined are subject to the guidelines that may be in place at the time.
Recognition of professional qualifications outside of the UK
From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK.
Read our detailed explanation.
About our research
We are a research intensive and generalist Economics Subject Group. Our members have specialisation in all three foundational areas of economics and use both theoretical and applied methods:
- microeconomics
- macroeconomics
- econometrics
Our members of staff regularly publish on a wide range of topics in top generalist and top field journals, including:
- Economics Journal
- International Economics Review
- Review of Economics and Statistics
- Journal of Economic Theory
- Journal of Economic Growth
- Journal of Development Economics
- Journal of Money, Credit and Banking
- Journal of Health Economics
- Journal of International Money and Finance
- Journal of Financial Stability
Members of the group are involved in several funded research projects awarded by research councils and international organisations.
Our vibrant research community organises a rich and regular series of external and internal seminar presentations throughout the year.
As a PhD student you will have the opportunity to present your research to colleagues in an informal and encouraging setting.
The Economics groups offer supervision across the broad range of microeconomics and macroeconomics, and have many doctoral students in these areas.
You are encouraged to examine the research interests of our staff to find out more about our expertise. We welcome informal enquiries.
Accreditation
Newcastle University Business School is part of an elite group of business schools who hold triple-accreditation from:
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
- European Quality Improvement System (EQUIS)
- Association of MBAs (AMBA)
This accolade is a huge endorsement which reflects the investments we make for our students through providing:
- a high-quality teaching and learning community
- innovative programmes
- active engagement with industry
Facilities
Newcastle University Business School is one of the largest Schools in the University with over 3,500 students representing over 83 nationalities. This valuable network extends beyond our current students to include:
- regional, nationality and international leaders
- alumni
- leading professionals and practitioners from industry
The Business School is based in a building within the Newcastle Helix development – Newcastle's emerging business district.
You will receive a tailored package of support from the University to ensure you maximise your research and future career. There are also opportunities to undertake your research at Newcastle within a Doctoral Training Centre, Centre for Doctoral Training or Doctoral Training Partnership.
Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences Research Training Programme and Student Support
Our Faculty Research Training Programme is a community made up of postgraduates from the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences.
It is recognised by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) and the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) as a sound foundation for doctoral studies.
Our aim is for you to develop a broad range of research and project management skills that will support you in your career ahead. Staff and students from across a range of disciplines can come together and share their research experiences. You can also choose to register for a Postgraduate Certificate in Research Training.
You will study in our Doctoral Training Suite, a purpose-built facility for lectures, workshops, seminars and computer access to specialist software. Each year we have two student-led research postgraduate conferences. There are also a variety of prizes and awards to celebrate the successes of our students.
Postgraduate Research Student Support
Our Research Student Support Team will provide support and advice throughout your studies. The team can help you on a variety of issues from registration to producing your transcripts.
Doctoral training centres and partnerships
Being part of a Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP), Doctoral Training Centre (DTC) or Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) means that you can benefit from the research expertise and training of a number of leading universities, academic schools and academics. You'll also be studying alongside a cohort of other PhD students.
These centres are often interdisciplinary, combining expertise and training from multiple subject areas. You may also be able to collaborate with an industrial or commercial organisation.
Your PhD will be funded. Normally the fees are covered and you'll receive a tax-free stipend or living expenses. Additional funding is sometimes available to cover things such as conference attendance and research materials.
The centres/ partnerships below may have PhD opportunities available in your subject area.
Fees & Funding
2021-2022 fees
If your studies last longer than one year your fee may be subject to an annual inflationary increase.
The fees displayed here are per year.
PhD
Home
Full time: £4,407*
Part time: £2,203.50*
*The fees given above are for 2020-21 only. For 2021-22 entry, we will be aligning our standard Home research fees with those set by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). The standard fee will be confirmed in Spring 2021 by UKRI.
International
Full time: £18,000
EU, other EEA and Swiss nationals
For courses commencing from September 2021 and beyond, EU, other EEA and Swiss nationals will no longer be eligible for home fees or Student Finance England support.
If you are from the EU you will pay international tuition fees.
All students
Find out more about our tuition fees, including how to pay them and available discounts.
Entry Requirements
A 2:1 honours degree and a merit award at master's level, or international equivalent, in a relevant subject.
If you don't have a master's degree there is a wide range of programmes for you to choose from in Newcastle University Business School.
Alternatively, you may apply for 1+3 funding under the North East Doctoral Training Centre (NEDTC) in which you first complete the MA in Finance and Economics (Research) before proceeding to the PhD track. This master's degree is designed for applicants who have a relevant undergraduate degree but require research methods and subject-specific training in finance and/or economics. This programme is highly competitive and potential applicants are asked to contact a staff member early on in the academic year in order to work-up their application for entry in the following year.
Find out the equivalent qualifications for your country.
Use the drop down above to find your country. If your country isn't listed please email: international.recruitment@ncl.ac.uk for further information.
English Language Requirements
Select an English language test from the list to view our English language entry requirements.
Please email us at international.recruitment@ncl.ac.uk for further information.
If you have lower English Language scores, you may be accepted onto a Pre-sessional English course.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we will be offering our Pre-sessional courses online only from June to September 2020.
How to Apply
You apply online, track your application and contact the admissions team via our applicant portal. Our step-by-step guide can help you on your way.
Use our Applicant Portal to apply for your course. We have a Step-by-Step Guide to help you.
You will need to submit a research proposal with your application. Read our guidelines for producing a research proposal (PDF: 41.5KB) from the Faculty of Humanities and Social Science Graduate School.
Start dates
There are usually two possible start dates, although in some circumstances an alternative start date can be arranged. These are either January or September.
There is no application closing date for this course, but funding deadlines may apply.
We suggest international students apply at least two months before the course starts. This is so that you have enough time to make the necessary arrangements.
Deposit
If you are an international student or a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland and you need a visa to study in the UK, you must:
- pay a deposit of £1,500
- or submit an official letter of sponsorship
The deposit is payable after you receive an offer to study with us. The deposit is non-refundable, but we will deduct it from your tuition fees when you register.
Contact
Ms. Carolyn Watkin
Postgraduate Programme Secretary
Newcastle University Business School
Telephone: +44 (0) 191 208 1584
Email: nubs@ncl.ac.uk