Overview

The details

Course: Economics

Start date: October 2025

Study mode: Full-time

Duration: 4 - 5 years

Location: Colchester Campus

Based in: Economics

Our four-year integrated PhD Economics follows the MRes Economics programme for year 1 before beginning the PhD study programme within the department in year 2. Our four-year pathway in the Department of Economics for the PhD economics degree provides you with training to develop the research mind-set for PhD studies and gives you the chance to ask difficult questions, break intellectual boundaries and create new solutions to issues of global concern. You work closely with our creative and committed academics - researchers who are pioneering new solutions to these issues, inspiring your own research.

We are renowned for our research expertise in a number of areas of economics, including the following:

Behavioural economics
Experimental economics
Industrial organisation, market structure and firm behaviour
Political economy
Social networks
Economic theory
Financial economics and economics of banking
International economics
Macroeconomics and macroeconomic policy
Public finance
Search and matching
Development economics
Family and health economics including gender, population, and migration
Labour economics including inequality and the economics of crime
Microeconometrics
Spatial econometrics and cross-sectional dependence
Semi and nonparametric econometrics
Time series econometrics

We are 4th in UK for research power in economics and econometrics (Times Higher Education research power measure, Research Excellence Framework 2021).

You receive training in research methods and tools starting with the modules offered in the MRes Economics programme, followed by advanced research training and expert supervision to reach your full potential, as well as access to top quality research facilities. We also guarantee office space for you from the second year of your PhD studies in our PhD Research Centre, giving you the space and tools to work.

We work with you to teach you how to look at the world through an economist's lens, taking a critical approach to dismantle a proposition, working robust methodologies to build an argument based on rigorous theoretical reasoning and sound empirical evidence.

Our PhD includes advanced economic methods and analysis, with links to research programmes in our Institute for Social and Economic Research, the UK Data Archive and other departments at Essex.

Why we're great.

We are 4th in UK for research power in economics and econometrics (Times Higher Education research power measure, Research Excellence Framework 2021)
As one of our PhD students, you can be part of our regular lively debates in seminars, workshops and conferences
Be the first to read cutting-edge papers published by our academics, in leading journals

Our expert staff

Essex economists are engaged in a variety of research networks and collaborate with economists at other universities in the UK and overseas. Much of our research is related to policy and we often provide advice to government and non-government organisations.

The top quality of our work is reflected in our stream of publications in high profile academic journals like the American Economic Review, Econometrica, the Journal of Political Economy, the Journal of Finance, and the Review of Economic Studies.

Our staff members also receive funding for their research from a number of national and international funding bodies such as the Economic and Social Research Council and the European Research Commission.

Specialist facilities

Access to all University facilities at our Colchester Campus, such as our well-equipped Albert Sloman Library and extensive open access computer laboratories, we also guarantee office space for you from the second year of your PhD studies in our PhD Research Centre, giving you the space and tools to work.

Extensive software for quantitative analysis is available in all computer labs across the university. You also have access to ESSEXLab, our on-campus social science lab where you can conduct studies using our participants, in state-of-the-art facilities and to the resources available at the Institute for Social and Economic Research and the UK Data Archive.

Your future

In recent years, our PhD students have obtained posts in a range of academic and non-academic institutions. These include universities such as Bath, Chicago, Dusseldorf, East Anglia, the London School of Economics, Mannheim, Oxford, Rochester, University College London, and organisations like the Office for National Statistics (UK), the Bank of England, Bank of Italy, Bank of Korea, Bank of Mexico, Central Bank of Colombia, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, European Commission JRC, the World Bank.

With the skills and knowledge you acquire from studying within our Department of Economics, you will be in demand from a wide range of employers. We have excellent links with the research community, both in the UK and worldwide, and strong ties with the policy, business and consultancy world, especially in London and other major financial centres.

Entry requirements

UK entry requirements

You will need a undergraduate degree with first class honours, or equivalent, in a discipline related to economics such as Economics, Maths, Engineering, Finance, and Physics. In exceptional cases candidates with a lower degree class could be considered as long as they show a very strong performance in technical and theoretical subjects, including those for a Masters degree.

The degree should preferably contain some economics components including macroeconomics, microeconomics or econometrics.

You will normally be required to attend an interview/Skype interview for acceptance and acceptance is subject to research expertise in the department.

International & EU entry requirements

We accept a wide range of qualifications from applicants studying in the EU and other countries. Get in touch with any questions you may have about the qualifications we accept. Remember to tell us about the qualifications you have already completed or are currently taking.

Sorry, the entry requirements for the country that you have selected are not available here. Please contact our Graduate Admissions team at pgquery@essex.ac.uk to request the entry requirements for this country.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language, then we will require you to have IELTS 6.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in each component

Structure

Course structure

We understand that deciding where and what to study is a very important decision for you. We'll make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the courses, services and facilities as described on our website and in line with your contract with us. However, if we need to make material changes, for example due to significant disruption, we'll let our applicants and students know as soon as possible.

Components and modules explained

Components

Components are the blocks of study that make up your course. A component may have a set module which you must study, or a number of modules from which you can choose.

Each component has a status and carries a certain number of credits towards your qualification.

Status	What this means
Core	You must take the set module for this component and you must pass. No failure can be permitted.
Core with Options	You can choose which module to study from the available options for this component but you must pass. No failure can be permitted.
Compulsory	You must take the set module for this component. There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the qualification if you fail.
Compulsory with Options	You can choose which module to study from the available options for this component. There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the qualification if you fail.
Optional	You can choose which module to study from the available options for this component. There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the qualification if you fail.

The modules that are available for you to choose for each component will depend on several factors, including which modules you have chosen for other components, which modules you have completed in previous years of your course, and which term the module is taught in.

Modules

Modules are the individual units of study for your course. Each module has its own set of learning outcomes and assessment criteria and also carries a certain number of credits.

In most cases you will study one module per component, but in some cases you may need to study more than one module. For example, a 30-credit component may comprise of either one 30-credit module, or two 15-credit modules, depending on the options available.

Modules may be taught at different times of the year and by a different department or school to the one your course is primarily based in. You can find this information from the module code. For example, the module code HR100-4-FY means:

100

The department or school the module will be taught by.

In this example, the module would be taught by the Department of History.

The module number.

The UK academic level of the module.

A standard undergraduate course will comprise of level 4, 5 and 6 modules - increasing as you progress through the course.

A standard postgraduate taught course will comprise of level 7 modules.

A postgraduate research degree is a level 8 qualification.

The term the module will be taught in.

AU: Autumn term
SP: Spring term
SU: Summer term
FY: Full year
AP: Autumn and Spring terms
PS: Spring and Summer terms
AS: Autumn and Summer terms

COMPONENT 01: COMPULSORY

Research Plan

(0 CREDITS)

What interests you? Set out the field of study for your research, as an essay or research paper of around 6,000 words. Identify relevant literature and any issues for research. If you are planning empirical work then outline your data sources and timeline. Don’t forget to include your bibliography.

View Research Plan on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 01: COMPULSORY

MREs Microeconomics

(20 CREDITS)

This module covers the concepts and methods of modern microeconomics. You will begin with an overview of the competitive economy and develop the two fundamental theorems of welfare economics. You will then study various types of imperfections in markets such as differential information and strategic interaction with a view to understanding the potential role for government policy. Topics covered include contract theory (with moral hazard and adverse selection problems), equilibrium concepts in game theory, and market signalling.

View MREs Microeconomics on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 02: OPTIONAL

(20 CREDITS)

COMPONENT 02: COMPULSORY

MREs Macroeconomics

(20 CREDITS)

This is an advanced module in macroeconomics. You will cover the concepts and methods of modern macroeconomics, beginning with an overview of the two main paradigms of macroeconomics: the Classical and Keynesian models. You will then develop the main model to study the economy in the long run: the Solow growth model. You will then study the determinants of consumption and investment, and finish with the study of economies in an infinite horizon.

View MREs Macroeconomics on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 03: OPTIONAL

(20 CREDITS)

COMPONENT 03: COMPULSORY

MREs Econometrics

(20 CREDITS)

This module aims to provide you with necessary technical fundamentals in econometrics that would be important for your research in the future. You will learn about OLS, WLS, GLS, GMM, and MLE estimation techniques and the rigorous properties of those estimators by using linear algebra. This module begins with a brief review of the mathematical and statistical prerequisites needed for econometrics illustrated using ordinary least squares methods in the classical linear regression model. It then proceeds to cover the use of asymptotic methods in econometrics, classical hypothesis tests, generalized least squares, instrumental variables and the generalized method of moments, and maximum likelihood.

View MREs Econometrics on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 04: COMPULSORY

Mathematical Methods

(20 CREDITS)

What mathematical concepts are vital to understanding modern economic theory? Gain the essential mathematics skills needed to study economics at Masters-level, such as optimisation theory and the role of equilibrium. Understand how economic arguments work and improve your problem solving skills by using real-world economic problems.

View Mathematical Methods on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 05: COMPULSORY

Advanced Microeconomics

(20 CREDITS)

Interested in understanding current research and undertaking research in economics? This module covers topics in decision theory, game theory and information economics, contract theory and mechanism design with an emphasis on mathematical formalism. The module will introduce you to the mathematical framework and methods that are relevant to research in these topics.

View Advanced Microeconomics on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 06: COMPULSORY

Advanced Macroeconomics

(20 CREDITS)

This module introduces some of the fundamental building blocks of modern macroeconomics left uncovered by the first term module and will cover both real and monetary economies. After an advanced treatment of consumption and investment, the module will focus on the role of innovation in economic growth and its modelling. We will then look at fiscal policies, mainly the concepts of Ricardian equivalence, distortionary and optimal taxation and tax smoothing. Within the overlapping generation framework we will look at the issue of funding of social security. Finally, the module will consider monetary policy.

View Advanced Macroeconomics on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 07: COMPULSORY WITH OPTIONS

(20 CREDITS)

COMPONENT 08: COMPULSORY

Dissertation

(40 CREDITS)

What interests you? Undertake a research project of your choosing, studying a specific economic issue or set of problems in depth, with supervision from our world-leading academic staff. Gain experience of original and independent work, making use of and building on skills that you have acquired during your Masters.

View Dissertation on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 01: COMPULSORY

Economics - Completion

(0 CREDITS)

View Economics - Completion on our Module Directory

Teaching

The first year of the PhD (Integrated) programme follows the structure of the MRes Economics programme.

Progression to the second year of the programme requires a merit (60% or higher) in the microeconomics, macroeconomics, and econometrics sequences and in the mathematics module and submission of the dissertation for the MRes Economics.

Starting the second year, the programme follows the structure of the three-year programme for the PhD Economics degree.

Assessment

Our department maintains a lively, friendly, and supportive atmosphere for research. We also provide a number of training opportunities and support services to aid your studies and to help prepare you for employment:

Proficio: Proficio is our innovative professional development scheme for postgraduate research students, unique to Essex. We believe that your academic and professional development is vital to your growth as a postgraduate research student and we give you funds that can be spent on a variety of courses and conferences.
Teaching Opportunities: Our department offers paid opportunities for both Graduate Teaching Assistants and Research Assistants.

Dissertation

In your completion year you should be revising and rewriting chapters. You submit your approved thesis to an internal reader for comments, and then submit your final thesis before the end of the academic year.

We expect our PhD students to complete their PhD within four years of entering, so you are monitored regularly to ensure you are progressing.

Fees and funding

Home/UK fee

TBC

International fee

£19,650 per year

Fees will increase for each academic year of study.

Masters fees and funding information

Research (e.g. PhD) fees and funding information

What's next

We hold Open Days for all our applicants throughout the year. Our Colchester Campus events are a great way to find out more about studying at Essex, and give you the chance to:

tour our campus and accommodation
find out answers to your questions about our courses, graduate employability, student support and more
talk to our Fees and Funding team about scholarship opportunities
meet our students and staff

If the dates of our organised events aren’t suitable for you, feel free to get in touch by emailing tours@essex.ac.uk and we’ll arrange an individual campus tour for you.

2025 Open Days (Colchester Campus)

Wednesday 19 March 2025 - Postgraduate Open Evening

Find out more

You can apply for this postgraduate course online. Before you apply, please check our information about necessary documents that we'll ask you to provide as part of your application.

For our economics research degrees, you do not need to contact a potential supervisor before applying. However, you should prepare a research proposal and provide reference letters from your current or past supervisors and/or teachers who know you well to illustrate how you approach research questions.

We aim to respond to applications within four weeks. If we are able to offer you a place, you will be contacted via email.

For information on our deadline to apply for this course, please see our ‘how to apply' information.

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If you live too far away to come to Essex (or have a busy lifestyle), no problem. Our 360 degree virtual tour allows you to explore the Colchester Campus from the comfort of your home. Check out our accommodation options, facilities and social spaces.

At Essex we pride ourselves on being a welcoming and inclusive student community. We offer a wide range of support to individuals and groups of student members who may have specific requirements, interests or responsibilities.

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The University makes every effort to ensure that this information on its programme specification is accurate and up-to-date. Exceptionally it can be necessary to make changes, for example to courses, facilities or fees. Examples of such reasons might include, but are not limited to: strikes, other industrial action, staff illness, severe weather, fire, civil commotion, riot, invasion, terrorist attack or threat of terrorist attack (whether declared or not), natural disaster, restrictions imposed by government or public authorities, epidemic or pandemic disease, failure of public utilities or transport systems or the withdrawal/reduction of funding. Changes to courses may for example consist of variations to the content and method of delivery of programmes, courses and other services, to discontinue programmes, courses and other services and to merge or combine programmes or courses. The University will endeavour to keep such changes to a minimum, and will also keep students informed appropriately by updating our programme specifications. The University would inform and engage with you if your course was to be discontinued, and would provide you with options, where appropriate, in line with our Compensation and Refund Policy.

The full Procedures, Rules and Regulations of the University governing how it operates are set out in the Charter, Statutes and Ordinances and in the University Regulations, Policy and Procedures.