Economics
Entry requirements
The Business School's entry requirement is a good honours degree (first or upper second class honours) awarded by a recognised University in an appropriate subject, and a merit in a relevant Master’s degree. We usually ask students for an average of 65 in the taught component of their Masters. All international students also need to show that they have adequate knowledge of written and spoken English.
Months of entry
September
Course content
The Economics PhD is designed to train you to conduct research of high academic merit and to make important and original contributions to the subject. The Department of Economics enjoys an international reputation for research of the highest quality. Birmingham Business School continues to climb the rankings for E
Doctoral researchers are expected to participate to the fullest possible extent in the life of the Department. Amongst other things this means attending seminars organised by the Department thereby helping expose doctoral researchers to new ideas emanating from outside their own area of specialisation. It also requires actively participating in PhD workshops and conferences organised by Research Groups and institutions outside the University of Birmingham.
Ultimately all doctoral researchers will have the ability to identify and pursue cutting edge research questions, characterise and solve economic problems using advanced mathematical tools, and test hypotheses using highly sophisticated statistical techniques. They should be able to derive policy implications from their research and communicate these to policy makers in a manner which is comprehensible. They will also be able to peer review others’ research and offer constructive criticism, and to extend the frontiers of the discipline through their own innovative research.
Doctoral researchers may choose to become academics, work in Government, supranational organisations or in the research arms of major financial institutions. They are expected to achieve a substantial understanding of contemporaneous economic issues enabling them to take a lead in ongoing debates within society. They will be aware of and understand the function of key economic institutions and be capable of explaining stylised economic facts to diverse audiences.
Information for international students
- IELTS 7.0 with no less than 6.5 in any band
- TOEFL: 95 overall with no less than 22 in any band
- Pearson Test of English (PTE) including online: PTE Academic 76 with no less than 67 in all four skills
- Cambridge English (exams taken from 2015): Advanced or Proficiency – minimum overall score of 185, with no less than 176 in any component
Fees and funding
Qualification, course duration and attendance options
- PhD
- full time48 months
- Campus-based learningis available for this qualification
Course contact details
- Name
- Postgraduate Enquiry Service
- Phone
- +44 (0)121 414 3344