PhD in Economics

The Economics PhD program at Durham offers a rigorous research training program and provides you with the opportunity to become an expert in your chosen field in economics.

Our experts in the Economics Department work on exceptionally diverse areas of economics, and publish in top journals such as The Review of Economic Studies, Economic Journal, Journal of Economic Theory or Science. We, therefore, offer you the opportunity to pursue your PhD research on various economics topics, including (but not limited to) microeconomics, econometrics, experimental economics or climate and environmental economics.

You will spend three years of supervised research (full-time), followed by one additional writing-up year, if needed. You will receive close guidance and mentorship from a team of supervisors who are experts in their field. You will be an integral part of the Department’s research activities, including attending our weekly departmental seminars that attract internationally renowned speakers. We also encourage and support you to present your PhD research at national and international conferences, and submit for journal publications.

 

Funding opportunities

We offer a range of scholarships for our PhD students. Please regularly check this website as details of new scholarship opportunities will be frequently updated throughout the academic year.

 

Apply for a fully funded PhD in Economics, Durham University

 

The Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) NINE DTP studentships.

The ESRC offers a range of studentships available for a 3-year PhD, or a Masters by Research and PhD (1+3 year), or a 3.5-year PhD plus research training.

Eligibility	Available for both Home and International students
Scholarship value	Covers home or international fees, and a generous annual stipend of £19,237.
Application process	Please check the following guidelines on the application process. For more information, please check this recorded webinar.
Application deadline	The application deadline is 13th January 2025.  Submit applications to: business.phd.economics@durham.ac.uk

 

Durham-Chinese Scholarships Council (CSC) studentships.

The scholarships are open to applicants from Mainland China wishing to study for a PhD at Durham. There are 20 awards available in all disciplines.

Eligibility	The applicant must be a citizen and permanent resident of the People's Republic of China at the time of application
Scholarship value	Provides full payment of full payment of tuition fees, annual allowance, overseas student health cover, return airfare and visa application fees
Application process	Applicant needs to hold an unconditional offer to study for a PhD degree at Durham commencing in October 2025, including English language requirements at the time of submitting scholarship application to the CSC. Please check the following guidelines on the application process.
Application deadline	The application deadline is 15th January 2025.  Submit applications to: business.phd.economics@durham.ac.uk

Faculty of Business, PhD Studentships 2025/26

Durham University Business School offers PhD studentships for exceptional postgraduate researchers with a passion for scientific discovery who wish to pursue a research career in academia, government, research organisations, or in business.  For more information, please contact our PhD Coordinator at business.phd.economics@durham.ac.uk 

The fully funded PhD Studentships are specifically allocated to the School’s Research Centres . Applicants can view a list of topics that have been suggested by potential supervisors by clicking the links below, although we also encourage topics in other areas linked to these research centres.

Eligibility	Open to both Home and Overseas students.
Scholarship value	The studentships are available for outstanding students from all nationalities. They support a full stipend at UKRI rates (currently £19,237 per year) and tuition fees for international/home candidates for the duration of the PhD Programme.
Application process	All details about the application process for PhD Programmes at Durham University Business School can be found here.  Prospective applicants are strongly encouraged to contact members of the Research Centres about their research topic and to seek their advice on developing the proposal they wish to submit. The full proposal (max. 2,000 words) is then submitted along with:   (1) a University Postgraduate Application Form;  (2) A current c.v. – max 2 pages;   (3) Transcripts of past qualifications;   (4) Two references.  Submit the documents by the deadline stated below to: Department of Economics: business.phd.economics@durham.ac.uk   Candidates wishing to apply for a PhD studentship must complete the University's Postgraduate Application Form and submit all other supporting documentation.
Application deadline	The application deadline is 15th February 2025.

Durham Doctoral Teaching Fellowship (DDTF)

The Economics Department at Durham University Business School is very pleased to offer a Durham Doctoral Teaching Fellowship (DDTF) for those who qualify as home fee paying students. We encourage applications from PhD candidates aspiring an academic career. 

The purpose of the DDTF is to support the successful Fellow in producing a high-quality PhD thesis while at the same time acquiring teaching skills that will enhance the Fellow’s career progression. For more information, please contact our PhD Coordinator at business.phd.economics@durham.ac.uk 

Eligibility	The fellowship is only available to PhD candidates who qualify as home fee paying students
Scholarship value	Support for Studies (fee support)     The DDTF covers the cost of Home (UK) fees for 42 months over the duration of the programme. (£4712 p/a full time at 2023/24 rates).   The DDTF will pay a stipend at UKRI rates for 42 months over the duration of the programme (£18,622 p/a full time at 2023/24 rates).    Employment Benefits     DDTFs will be employed on a Grade 6 salary for the fellowship element of the programme.     As an employee they will be eligible for all normal staff benefits, including pensions, paid holidays and many other benefits. Further details here: https://www.durham.ac.uk/job-vacancies/academic-talent/benefits-rewards/    The DDTF will be entitled to a total of 42 months of stipend and 12 months of salary during the duration of the fellowship.  How this time is divided will depend on the structure of the DDTF agreed with the academic department.
Application process	In order to apply for this scholarship, the candidate must hold an offer to study a PhD in the Department of Economics, Durham University. The PhD in Economics at Durham offers a rigorous research training programme and provides you with the opportunity to become an expert in your chosen field.  At the point of submitting your PhD application candidates should indicate that they are applying for funding via a DDTF.
Application deadline	For further information, please contact business.phd.economics@durham.ac.uk

 

Please note there are a number of scholarships available that relate directly to specific areas of research in Economics, these opportunities should be discussed with your supervisory team ahead of application. Further details can be found here: Global Grand Challenges Studentships & Smart and Scale Scholarships

For further enquiries, please contact us via email at business.phd.economics@durham.ac.uk. 

 

Durham Economics Mentoring Programme

Unlock Your Potential with the Durham Economics Mentoring Programme (DEMP)

Are you an aspiring Economist from an underrepresented background? The Durham Economics Mentoring Program (DEMP) is here to support you on your journey to academic excellence.

What is DEMP?

The Durham Economics Mentoring Program (DEMP) is a prestigious, student-led initiative from the Economics department at Durham University. Our mission is to empower applicants from underrepresented backgrounds by pairing them with PhD student mentors from Durham. This unique programme provides guidance on pursuing research in economics and navigating the PhD application process. We are committed to supporting applicants from a wide range of experiences, including but not limited to individuals from low - income backgrounds and minority groups who face challenges when pursuing higher education.

Why DEMP?

Applying for Economics PhD programs can be a daunting process, especially for those who lack access to academic mentors or a network familiar with the admissions process. While some applicants may benefit from the support of family or friends with experience in academia, such resources are often unavailable to those from underrepresented backgrounds. DEMP bridges this gap by providing the mentorship and guidance you need to succeed.

For more information, contact: jessica.uwen@durham.ac.uk  frances.sealy@durham.ac.uk

Take the first step towards a brighter future with DEMP. Your journey to academic excellence starts here.