PhD in Economics

An image of a fully funder PhD Scholarship available

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 £17,668.
Application process	Please check the following guidelines on the application process. For more information, please check this recorded webinar.
Application deadline	The deadline has now passed for 2024. Please contact business.phd.economics@durham.ac.uk for 2025 entry.

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 tuition fees, annual stipend, return airfare, and medical expenses.
Application process	Applicant needs to hold an unconditional offer to study for a PhD degree at Durham commencing in October 2023, 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 deadline has now passed for 2024. Please contact business.phd.economics@durham.ac.uk for 2025 entry.

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	The deadline for applications is 31 October 2024. For further information, please contact business.phd.economics@durham.ac.uk

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