Program Overview
Lancaster University's PhD in Economics prepares students for research-driven careers with a strong foundation in economic theory, quantitative methods, and independent research skills. Through advanced training, collaboration, and research partnerships, students develop expertise in specialized areas of economics and prepare for success in academia, government, or industry. The program culminates in a doctoral thesis, oral examination, and support for job market preparation.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Economics PhD program at Lancaster University is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of economic theory and its applications, as well as the ability to think critically about and apply quantitative methods to economic problems. The program aims to prepare students for a successful research-driven career in academia, government, research organizations, or business. The program offers a traditional four-year PhD program, as well as an integrated PhD of a one-year Master's followed by four years of doctoral study. The program is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in economic theory and quantitative methods, as well as the ability to conduct independent research. Students will have access to advanced research training courses, close research supervision, and a vibrant research environment.
Outline:
The program is structured as a four-year program. The first year includes a range of advanced modules delivered by the Department or by the ESRC-funded North West Social Science Doctoral Training Partnership (NWSSDTP) at the Universities of Manchester and Liverpool.
Typical PhD Modules:
- Research Skills for Economists
- Microeconometrics
- Applied Macroeconomics
- Microeconomics The final three years of the PhD program are dedicated to full-time research for the completion of the doctoral thesis.
Students defend their research proposal in an upgrade/confirmation panel that takes place in September.
Research Focus:
During their final three years, students will focus almost entirely on research and work on their research papers/chapters. Students will be encouraged and financially supported to present their work in seminars, conferences, and workshops to obtain feedback, interact with other researchers, and establish research networks. If deemed beneficial by the supervisory team, students can also participate in NWSSDTP Economics modules, which they didn't take in the first year, and attend courses, masterclasses, and workshops outside the NWSSDTP Economics pathway.
Assessment:
The program includes an oral examination as an integral part of the assessment of doctoral research, in addition to the thesis.
Teaching:
The program offers advanced research training courses delivered by the Department and the ESRC-funded North West Social Science Doctoral Training Partnership (NWSSDTP). These courses are continually updated to remain at the forefront of research.
Careers:
The Economics PhD program at Lancaster University prepares students for a successful research-driven career in academia, government, research organizations, or business.
Other:
The Department of Economics at Lancaster University has strong links with non-Higher Education Institutions (HEI), and several PhD students have worked on research projects in collaboration with these organizations.
Research Partnerships:
- Department of Work and Pensions, “Child Support and Separation: Effects on Parents and Children”
- Bank of England, “Housing Markets and the Macroeconomy”
- Gambling Commission, “Understanding Gambling”
- Department of Business Innovation and Skills, “Drivers of Efficiency in Higher Education”
- Office of Manpower, Economics “Labour Supply and Incentives in the Medical Profession”
- RAND Europe, “Alcohol, Habits and Prices”
- Department of Business Innovation and Skills, “The Returns to Higher Education: Some Further Analysis”
- The Work Foundation, “Transitions from Schools and Youth Unemployment” The Department runs three weekly seminar series: an internal, a PhD, and an external. These seminar series provide an invaluable opportunity for PhD students to be exposed to cutting-edge research in their field, present their work and obtain feedback. The Department also organizes conferences and workshops that PhD students are invited to attend.
The NWSSDTP PhD Conference in Economics
is a two-day event that consists of keynote speeches by prominent economists, presentations from PhD students from the three institutions, and a conference dinner.
The NWSSDTP Summer School in Economics
is an intensive, one-week event that consists of a series of lectures and seminars/labs taught by world-leading academics. It provides an excellent opportunity for PhD students to further enhance their skills and knowledge in a specific area of economics/econometrics, and it facilitates interactions across PhD students, faculty, and course lecturers.
Location
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Lancaster University
Overview:
Lancaster University is a public research university located in Lancaster, England. It is consistently ranked among the top 10 universities in the UK and is recognized for its high-quality teaching, research, and student experience.
Student Life and Campus Experience:
Lancaster University offers a vibrant and diverse campus experience. Students can enjoy a range of facilities, including a library, sports center, and arts venues. The university also has a strong sense of community, with a variety of student societies and clubs to join.
Key Reasons to Study There:
High Rankings and Reputation:
Lancaster University is consistently ranked among the top 10 universities in the UK, demonstrating its academic excellence.Excellent Teaching and Learning:
The university is known for its high-quality teaching and learning, with a focus on student engagement and support.Vibrant Student Life:
Lancaster University offers a wide range of opportunities for students to get involved in extracurricular activities, including sports, societies, and arts events.Beautiful Campus:
The university is situated on a beautiful campus with modern facilities and green spaces.Strong Career Support:
Lancaster University provides excellent career support services to help students prepare for their future careers.Academic Programs:
Lancaster University offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including: * Arts and Social Sciences * Health and Medicine * Management School * Science and Technology
Entry Requirements:
- Academic Requirements: A relevant UK Master's degree with a minimum of 65% overall and 65% in the dissertation, or a non-UK Master's degree, graded at the equivalent level. For students who have studied outside the UK, the university recommends checking their list of international qualifications before submitting an application.
- Additional Requirements: As part of the application process, students must provide a viable research proposal of up to 5000 words with the potential to make a significant contribution to prior literature. Guidance can be found on their website's "writing a research proposal" page.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
- The university may require applicants to provide a recognized English language qualification, depending on their nationality and where they have studied previously.
- The standard requirement is an IELTS (Academic) Test with an overall score of at least 7.0, and a minimum of 6.0 in each element of the test. They also consider other English language qualifications.
- For applicants whose scores fall below the requirements, they may be eligible for one of the university's pre-sessional English language programmes.
