Economics
The Economics section of Cardiff Business School is responsible for teaching and research in economics at Cardiff University.
Pursue a PhD in Economics at a world-class Russell Group university and a pioneering Public Value school, where your research doesn't just contribute to academic knowledge but shapes a better future for society. Be bold, be curious, and make your mark on the world.
Whether your ambition is to influence public policy, shape global economic discourse or pursue an academic career, our PhD in Economics will empower you to take the lead. Our PhD programme is designed for highly qualified and driven individuals who are passionate about advancing knowledge and addressing the most pressing and complex economic questions of our time.
At the heart of a research-intensive Russell Group university and a leading Public Value school, you will join a vibrant academic community committed to making meaningful contributions to society through cutting-edge economic research.
What to Expect as a PhD Student: Innovative Research & Expert Supervision
From day one, you will work closely with academic experts in your research area to develop your research, strengthen your theoretical understanding and enhance your quantitative skills. Your journey culminates in the submission and oral defence of a doctoral thesis that reflects your original contribution to the field.
Immersion in a Collaborative Research Culture
As a valued member of our research community, you will actively contribute to advancing knowledge in your area of expertise. You will be expected to participate regular in our weekly internal research workshop. These workshops also give you the chance to present your work, receive constructive feedback, and refine your ideas in a supportive environment.
You will also have opportunity to engage with world-class research by attending our weekly external speaker seminar series, featuring UK-based economists and economists from across the world.
Connect Across Wales – and Beyond
Each year, you will have an opportunity to seek feedback and share ideas with fellow doctoral researchers, academics and business leaders in a collaborative and friendly atmosphere at the Welsh Postgraduate Research Conference (WPGRC) in Business, Management, and Economics—a collaborative event co-hosted with Swansea and Bangor Universities and supported by the ESRC Wales Doctoral Training Partnership.
An International Research Network at Your Fingertips
Since we are a member of the Quantitative Economics Doctorate (QED) Network, you can have the opportunity to spend time at other top institutions across Europe, gaining new perspectives and forging valuable international connections. You could also present your research at the annual QED conference—an ideal platform to showcase your work to both peers and leading researchers.
“Besides the research component, the various teaching opportunities – as well as the excellent support for students to attend international conferences – have also helped me to get prepared and aim for a future research career in academia, in central banking or other international institutions.”
Key facts
| Mode of study | Full-time |
|---|---|
| Qualification | PhD |
| Full-time duration | 3 years, 4 years |
| Start dates | October |
Our PhD Programme in Economics is structured over 3 years or 4 years (with an additional year of training), depending on previous qualifications. Please find out more about these two structures below.
3-year full-time PhD structure
Candidates with strong evidence of research training acquired via previous Master-level degrees may be admitted directly to our 3-year PhD Programme.
Evidence of research training includes successful completion of a Master dissertation based on original research, from UK university or international university with equivalent or better standing than Cardiff University. Typically, students are interviewed by prospective supervisors before being offered a place.
The programme will start with PhD induction in September, and you will be expected to submit your dissertation by the end of the third year. While students should aim to complete within their 3-year fee-paying period, all full-time research students must present their thesis for examination within 4 years.
We have a robust process for monitoring the progress of our PhD students throughout the programme. Each year, there will be two progress reviews, one in winter and one in summer, to support PhD students and ensure their projects are on track to deliver the expected results.
Assessment for the PhD programme will consist of a research thesis and a Viva Voce Examination.
4-year full-time PhD structure
We strongly believe that robust research training is crucial for successfully completing a doctoral thesis. It is an increasingly vital requirement both nationally and internationally, and we place great importance on this aspect of our Postgraduate Research Studies Programme.
Applicants who are unable to demonstrate prior comprehensive research training will be admitted to our 4-year PhD programme in Economics and will undertake a year of dedicated research training, followed by three years focused on the research phase of their PhD. Progression to the research phase will not be automatic; it will be contingent on the successful completion of this initial research training.
Students must present their thesis for examination within 4 years.
Supervisors
A list of academic staff that can provide supervision can be found on the Cardiff Business School website.
Assessment
Students will be assessed on a Thesis of 80,000 words and a Viva Voce Examination for the PhD component of the programme.
The Economics Section at Cardiff Business School has a vibrant research community and conducts impactful, socially relevant research across a range of economics themes.
We offer a full range of expertise, but the following areas are of particular strength:
- macroeconomics
- banking
- finance
- labour economics (including gender and disability)
- regional studies and the Welsh economy
- international development
- microeconomics
- game theory and behavioural economics
- econometrics (both theory and applied)
To learn more about the research we do, browse our working papers and our individual faculty profiles.
PhD Research at Cardiff Business School
Browse through our PhD student profiles to find out about our students and their work.
To learn more about the PhD research at Cardiff Business School, explore the brochure of our Annual PhD Conference.
The PhD programme will prepare you either for a career as a leading academic scholar or professional researcher, or to excel in business practice or senior public policy decision-making.
At Cardiff Business School, we are proud to see our PhD graduates occupying prestigious academic positions in top university departments across the UK, Europe, the US, South Africa, Malaysia, Kazakhstan, China, and India.
In addition, our PhD graduates hold high-level positions in international organisations, government ministries and central banks, think-tanks, and private-sector organisations, including major banks and consulting firms.
UK government postgraduate doctoral loans
Candidates for the Professional Doctorate programme may be eligible to apply for a UK government postgraduate doctoral loan.
Find out more about UK government postgraduate doctoral loansFunding
Each year, a range of funded PhD studentships are available via the ESRC Wales Doctoral Training Partnership, Cardiff University, and a range of external sponsors.
See our latest PhD studentships and projects and find out more about other funding opportunities.
Tuition fees
Students from the UK
Get the latest information on postgraduate fees.
Students from the EU, EEA and Switzerland
Get the latest information on postgraduate fees.
Students from the rest of the world (international)
Applications for self-funded opportunities close on 31 May each year.
Before applying
- Carefully read about our programme’s structure, entry criteria and funding opportunities.
- Explore our research and faculty, and identify potential supervisors to include in your application.
- Ensure that all documents required as part of your application are included.
How to apply
On this page, select:
- Qualification: Doctor of Philosophy
- Mode of Study: Full-time
Click on apply now and complete the online application procedure.
Application checklist
- Detailed research proposal of max 10 pages including references. Please include:
- Title
- Introduction
- Clear statement of the research problem and research questions
- Review of key literature
- Proposed methodology
- Proposed contribution (why your research is valuable and to whom)
- If English is not your first language, proficiency in the English language certificate (IELTS, and so on) – see Entry Requirements tab for more information
- Copies of both master's and bachelor's degree certificates and transcripts (with certified translations if applicable)
- Two academic references
- Academic CV
- name of potential supervisor (contact them in advance).
You must provide all the relevant information when you apply, as incomplete applications will not be considered.
After your application
Applications will be vetted by the PhD Office for completeness and reviewed by the Programme Director. Applicants who do not meet the necessary entry requirements or whose applications are incomplete or received after the stated deadline will be rejected outright. You may not reapply for the same start date.
Applications from candidates who meet the entry requirements will be shared with their nominated supervisor(s). Once a supervisor expresses interest towards a candidate, a supervisory panel is formed, and an offer can be issued. You should expect to attend an interview prior to an offer being considered.
Entry requirement for 3-year PhD
A minimum of 60% grades for a UK master’s degree in Economics or in closely related fields, or equivalent grading from an internationally renowned university of comparable or higher standing than Cardiff University.
Evidence of previous research training, including attending research-focused taught modules or submitting a research-based Master dissertation
As part of the application process you will have to submit a research proposal demonstrating the intellectual ability to identify viable research questions and a valuable contribution to knowledge in your elected research area
Entry requirement for 4-year integrated PhD
An upper second-class honour degree (2:1 in UK or equivalent) in Economics or related subjects, from an internationally renowned university of comparable or higher standing than Cardiff University.
Or an upper second-class honour degree (2:1 in UK or equivalent) in Economics and related subjects, from an internationally renowned university and a master's degree from a university of comparable or higher standing than Cardiff University, falling short of the minimum criteria for a direct 3-year PhD.
As part of the application process student will have to submit an initial research proposal with viable research questions and potential contribution to knowledge in their research area. Student will have further opportunity to develop their research proposal during your training year.
As part of your application process students must submit a research proposal demonstrating the intellectual ability to identify viable research questions and a potential to develop a valuable contribution to knowledge in your elected area.
English language requirements
Our minimum entry standard is the equivalent of an IELTS with an overall score of 6.5 with 5.5 in all subskills. English language tests must be no more than 2 years old at the start of the programme.
Please read our English language requirements for more details.
Contacts
Administrative contact(s)
PhD Programme Office, Cardiff Business School
Administrative contact
