Doctor of Philosophy in Economics

Our three-year pathway in the Department of Economics for the PhD economics degree gives you the chance to ask difficult questions, break intellectual boundaries and create new solutions to issues of global concern. You work closely with our creative and committed academics - researchers who are pioneering new solutions to these issues, inspiring your own research.

In recent years, our PhD students have obtained posts in a range of academic and non-academic institutions. These include universities such as Bath, Chicago, Dusseldorf, East Anglia, the London School of Economics, Mannheim, Oxford, Rochester, University College London, and organisations like the Office for National Statistics (UK), the Bank of England, Bank of Italy, Bank of Korea, Bank of Mexico, Central Bank of Colombia, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, European Commission JRC, the World Bank.

With the skills and knowledge you acquire from studying within our Department of Economics, you will be in demand from a wide range of employers. We have excellent links with the research community, both in the UK and worldwide, and strong ties with the policy, business and consultancy world, especially in London and other major financial centres.

A merit profile in an MRes Economics, or an equivalent programme, normally with 60% or above (or equivalent) in microeconomics, macroeconomics, econometrics and mathematics modules, and submission of the dissertation.
If you have not studied (or are not currently studying) an MRes Economics, or an equivalent programme, you should consider applying for our PhD (Integrated) Economics programme.
You will normally be required to attend an interview/Skype interview for acceptance, and acceptance is subject to research expertise in the department.

Official transcript(s), in English or a certified translation of your academic results to date, showing marks or grades, must be provided at the time you make your application. (Transcripts are not required from current or previous University of Essex students, or from students who have previously completed a degree at Colchester Institute awarded by the University of Essex).

IELTS 6.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in each component
TOEFL IBT - 88 overall with minimum component scores: Listening: 17 Reading: 18 Writing: 24 Speaking: 20