Doctor of Philosophy research degreeEQF / MQF Level 8 qualification levelEight phases from intent to conferralDistance learning research-based delivery
What this doctorate is for
Investigate the forces that shape decisions, markets, growth, and welfare.
A doctoral field emphasizing economic theory, quantitative methods, applied economics, economic history, and original research with academic, policy, and industry relevance.
Pursuing a PhD in economics involves a rigorous journey of study, where students conduct research in microeconomics, macroeconomics, and econometrics, followed by specialized research in a chosen field. The journey culminates in a doctoral dissertation, representing a significant original contribution to the field, equipping graduates for academic, policy-making, or industry roles where they can apply their extensive knowledge and research skills.
Research territories
Where an original economics contribution can begin.
These source-grounded areas demonstrate the breadth of possible inquiry. They are not prescribed dissertation titles.
01
Behavioral Economics and Decision Making
If your research interests lie in behavioral economics and decision making, you’ll investigate how psychological factors and cognitive biases influence economic decision-making among individuals and organizations. This will involve the study of the impact of behavioral interventions (nudges) on improving financial decisions, savings behavior, and consumer welfare. To carry out your research, you’ll analyze case studies where behavioral economics principles have been applied to public policy and business strategies.
02
Economic Impacts of Climate Change and Environmental Policies
You may choose to focus your research on environmental economics. This will involve an examination of the economic consequences of climate change on different sectors such as agriculture, fisheries, and tourism. Research projects that focus on this area of interest will analyze the effectiveness and efficiency of various environmental policies, including carbon pricing, emissions trading, and renewable energy incentives. You’ll also have the opportunity to study the economic benefits of transitioning to a green economy and the role of innovation in promoting sustainable development.
03
Income Inequality and Economic Growth
With our Economics PhD, you’ll have the opportunity to investigate the relationship between income inequality and economic growth across different countries and regions. This will involve the study of the impact of fiscal policies, such as taxation and social welfare programs, on reducing income inequality and promoting inclusive growth. You may also choose to focus your research on education and health economics, and this will involve the analysis of the role of education and healthcare in addressing income disparities.
04
Global Trade and Economic Development
Some PhD students choose to focus their research on international economics. If you’re interested in this area, you may decide to explore the effects of international trade policies, trade agreements, and tariffs on economic development and growth. This involves the study of the impact of globalization on labor markets, wage distribution, and income inequality within and between countries. To carry out your research, you’ll analyze the role of trade in fostering economic resilience and diversification in developing economies.
05
Monetary Policy and Financial Stability
You may choose to direct your research towards monetary policy and financial stability, which involves investigating the role of central banks in maintaining and promoting economic advancement. You’ll study the effectiveness of different monetary policy tools in economic systems, such as interest rates, quantitative easing, and forward guidance, in achieving macroeconomic objectives. You will also analyze the impact of financial regulations and macroprudential policies on preventing financial crises and enhancing the stability of the financial system.
Questions worth carrying
A viable doctorate begins with a problem that stays important under scrutiny.
Q01
How can economic policy improve welfare under uncertainty?
Q02
What drives growth, inequality, resilience, and institutional change?
Q03
How do behavior and incentives alter market and policy outcomes?
Professional relevance
What advanced research authority can enable.
A doctorate strengthens research credibility and subject-matter authority. It does not guarantee a specific role, regulated right, promotion, or career outcome.
01
Academia
Launch a career as a Professor or Researcher. Many graduates of a doctoral degree choose to continue this academic path with the goal of teaching. As a graduate, you could choose to embark on a career teaching undergraduate and graduate courses, conducting original research, publishing in academic journals, supervising student research, and contributing to academic committees. With a PhD in economics, you'll have the opportunity to become a faculty member at universities, colleges, research centers.
02
Government and Public Policy
Find a position as a Policy Analyst or Economist. These roles are ideal for those interested in economic politics and they involve the analysis of economic data to inform public policy. You’ll conduct research on economic issues, advise on economic policy, and prepare reports and policy briefs. Typical workplaces for these roles include government agencies, for example the Federal Reserve, Treasury Department, international organizations like the IMF or World Bank.
03
Private Sector
Embark on a career as an Economist, Data Scientist, or Consultant for a private company. In these roles, you may be expected to analyze market trends, forecast economic conditions, advise businesses on economic strategy, and conduct economic research for private firms. Job opportunities in the private sector can usually be found with corporations, consulting firms, financial institutions, and tech companies.
04
Think Tanks and Research Organizations
Work as a Research Fellow, Research Assistant, or Policy Analyst for a think tank or research organization. You’ll work to conduct in-depth research on economic issues, publish reports and papers, provide policy recommendations, and engage in public discourse on economic policy. Typical work places for these roles include independent think tanks and research institutes such as Brookings Institution, RAND Corporation.
05
International Organizations and NGOs
Join an International Organisation or NGO and an Economist, Policy Advisor, or Program Officer. The responsibilities of these roles may include conducting research on global economic issues, advising on economic development policies, implementing and evaluating economic programs, and collaborating with governments and other organizations. Notable employers for PhD graduates in these positions include the United Nations, World Bank, International Monetary Fund, and various non-governmental organizations focused on economic development.
Formal PhD structure
Your field changes. The eight academic gates do not.
Economics research follows the same governed path of proposal development, supervision, transfer review, thesis examination, oral defence, and final conferral.
01
StageResearch intent
Turn an area of interest into an academically viable direction.
01
1,000-word Letter of Intent
Developing a Letter of Intent
Submit a Letter of Intent of around 1,000 words. It establishes the proposed field, research problem, initial relevance, and the candidate’s readiness to begin doctoral work.
02
Research proposal of around 3,000 words
Developing a Research Proposal
Develop the research direction into a proposal of around 3,000 words, clarifying the question, literature context, intended methodology, and potential contribution.
02
StageCandidacy
Test the proposal, confirm supervision, and formally enter the doctorate.
03
Committee presentation, interview, and Q&A
Research Proposal Interview
Present the proposal to the Doctorate Committee and respond to academic questions. The review tests coherence, feasibility, doctoral scope, and the candidate’s command of the proposed inquiry.
04
Approved title, supervisors, and timeframe
Commencement of Studies
Following approval, the title, supervisory team, and indicative timeframe are confirmed. The candidate formally enters supervised doctoral research.
03
StageResearch progression
Demonstrate doctoral progress and develop the original contribution.
05
MPhil-to-PhD transfer review
Transfer from MPhil to PhD Interview
Demonstrate sufficient progress, methodological clarity, and emerging contribution through the MPhil-to-PhD transfer review before proceeding to full PhD candidature.
06
Quarterly seminars, supervision, and thesis chapters
Writing of the Thesis
Develop the thesis through sustained supervision, formal progress reporting, doctoral seminars, chapter development, scholarly exchange, and relevant academic engagement.
04
StageExamination & award
Submit, defend, complete corrections, and pass final verification.
07
Thesis of around 100,000 words and oral defence
Submission of Thesis, Evaluation & Oral Defence
Submit a thesis of around 100,000 words to an appointed Board of Examiners. Complete the oral defence and address any revisions or corrections required by the examination process.
08
Corrections verified and degree conferred
Doctor of Philosophy degree is Conferred
The Doctor of Philosophy degree is conferred after the Board of Examiners confirms a successful outcome and all required corrections or amendments have been formally verified.
Clarify the route before you commit to the research.
How will my PhD in Economics be assessed?+
Unlike degree programs such as a master’s degree, a PhD in Economics is assessed solely through the completion of dissertation research and presenting your work before a dissertation committee. Your research project needs to be unique and contribute to knowledge, so it’s a good idea to consult with your faculty advisor on your dissertation proposal before you get started.
What are the benefits of online PhD programs in Economics?+
The benefits of studying an online PhD in Economics goes beyond the essential knowledge that you will gain around economic theory. The virtual nature of online learning means that you’ll improve both your communication and digital research skills. Plus, the flexibility that is offered by our online doctoral program means that you can fit your education around your other commitments, making it the ideal choice for working professionals.
How important is it to publish while completing a PhD in Economics?+
The importance of graduate students publishing research during their PhD is entirely dependent on their future career goals. For example, if you’re aiming for academic positions at a university, then publishing at least one research paper during your PhD degree program is crucial. Taking this step during your time at graduate school will demonstrate the ability to conduct and communicate original, independent research, which is key for those seeking permanent faculty positions.
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