PhD in Economics

The PhD is the department's flagship research degree in economics. It is the most advanced research degree offered by the Department of Economics at Essex. The degree recruits students of the highest academic calibre who require a professional qualification in economics.

The two routes to a PhD

There are two routes to a PhD in Economics: the 3-year scheme and the 4-year scheme. The first year of the 4-year scheme corresponds to the MSc in Economics, while the 3-year scheme is for those who already hold an MSc in Economics, or an equivalent qualification. There are different entry requirements for the two schemes.

For the 3-year PhD the minimum period of registration is nine terms (three years), while for the 4-year PhD it is twelve terms (four years). For each scheme the programme is made up of both coursework and research.

The PhD degree is awarded upon successful examination of a thesis, with a maximum length of 80,000 words. The criterion for success is that the thesis makes an original contribution to Economics. Each thesis is expected to contain work suitable for publication in reputable academic journals.

First year of the 4-year scheme

Students admitted to the 4-year scheme, begin with a year during which they follow the MSc in Economics.  They enrol for graduate level modules in microeconomics, macroeconomics, mathematical methods and econometrics, together with three field options according to areas of interest. Students who complete an MSc dissertation at the end of this year are also eligible to receive the MSc degree before they proceed to the next stage of the PhD.

First year of the 3-year scheme (second year of the 4-year scheme):

Students are encouraged to identify a suitable research topic and a supervisor in consultation with faculty members. This should be completed by the end of the first (autumn) term. Note: the Department does not assign supervisors to students prior to their registration at the University.

In the autumn term students also take two doctoral modules, chosen from among:

• EC992 Advanced Microeconomics;
• EC994 Advanced Macroeconomics;
• EC996 Advanced Econometrics.

These modules are examined in January (shortly before the beginning of the second term), with the possibility of a resit in the following May/June. Also, students are also required submit a Research Proposal (EC990) by the end of the first week of the Summer term (late April).

In order to progress to the following year, students must obtain a mark of at least 50% (the pass mark) in both of the two modules as well as the research proposal.

Final two years of research

Students complete their theses with the guidance of their supervisors. They are required to participate in the Research Strategy Seminar, at which students present their research. The progress of each student is monitored by a Supervisory Board, which meets at least twice per year and reports to the Department's Research Students' Progress Committee.

Additional activities

All research students are encouraged to attend the Department's seminar programme at which academics from outside Essex are invited to present their research. Research students may also be interested in other seminar programmes such as those organised by the Institute of Social and Economic Research, the Essex Business School, and the Centre for Computational Finance and Economic Agents.  In addition, Research students may wish to attend other postgraduate or graduate modules in the Department of Economics or elsewhere in the University.