Research degrees in Economics and Finance
About our Post-graduate Research Programmes
The School of Economics and Finance is one of the UK's leading departments, ranked in the top 10 for research power in the latest Research Excellence Framework (REF) assessment.
The breadth and depth of our expertise enables us to offer courses and supervision in virtually all major areas of economics and finance.
The School has around 40 research-active staff working in a wide range of research areas, including macroeconomics, microeconomic theory and game theory, applied microeconomics, econometric theory, time series analysis, theoretical and empirical finance, and financial econometrics.
Prestigious 1+3.5 and +3.5 year Economic and Social Research Council fellowships covering MRes and PhD studies are to all students through the London Interdisciplinary Social Science DTP (LISS DTP) in collaboration with Kings College London and Imperial College London.
PhD students are entitled to a yearly research allowance.
Research Areas
For the latest details on our academic's research activity please study their profiles on the School's website. Examples of PhD topics are:
- Applied microeconomics
- Financial econometrics
- Microeconomic theory
- Macroeconomics
- International finance
- Structural econometrics
- Asset pricing
- Corporate finance
The application process
Students must complete the MRes Programme before they can progress on to the PhD.
There are two MRes options:
- Masters of Research in Economics (2 years)
- Masters of Research in Finance (2 years)
These programmes are considered the first part of the PhD programme. For admission to the MRes programme, applicants should have a suitable Undergraduate or Master's degree in Economics, Finance or a related subject (quantitative fields such as mathematics, statistics, etc.). On application to the MRes programme, when appropriate, a conditional offer of admission to the PhD programme will also be made. Applicants who already hold an MRes in Economics or Finance can apply directly to the PhD programmes offered through the School with support from a supervisor. Places in the MRes programmes are limited - we will give equal consideration to all applications received normally by the middle of the January preceding the September entry point. We may still accept applications received after this date but will not be able to offer a place if the programme is full.
MRes: The MRes is considered the first part of our PhD programme.
Year One
All students must take advanced core courses in microeconomics, macroeconomics and econometrics. This year will equip students with a range of theories, tools and methodologies necessary for research.
Year Two
Students will select field courses to familiarise themselves with the research frontier in their chosen area(s) of specialisation and develop independent research interests. Asset Pricing and Corporate Finance are compulsory for the MRes Finance pathway. During this year, students write a research paper in their major field, which can form the basis of later doctoral work.
PhD: The School offers PhD programmes in both Economics and Finance which lead on directly from advanced research training during the MRes programme. During the programme students will work on their thesis and undertake research work
Contact
For queries about the PhD programme, please e-mail econ-phd-enquiries@qmul.ac.uk
For queries about the MRes programme, please refer to the contact information given on the Economics and Finance MRes web-pages
Further Information
Applicants are advised that, prior to making their application, they should view the information provided about the School of Economics & Finance MRes programmes on the following web-pages:
These web-pages provide information about the application process, entry requirements and application documentation required for entry onto these programmes. There is a portal to the on-line application system on the MRes web-pages. Admission is for entry in September.
For information about the PhD programme, please see our web-page:
PhD - School of Economics and Finance
Applicants who already hold an MRes can apply directly for the PhD programme by emailing econ-phd-enquiries@qmul.ac.uk to request a link to the application form.
Applicants are also welcome to visit the School’s PhD funding information web-page:
MRes/PhD scholarships - School of Economics and Finance