Join our community of scholars investigating economic behaviour and societal problems. Become part of a centre of excellence that is influencing policy and using interdisciplinary approaches to tackle some of the world's most pressing economic concerns.
We’re one of the oldest economics departments in the UK with a long record of research across the full scope of modern economics. Our research interests include applied, theoretical and policy-focused economics.
On this economics PhD you’ll be taught and supervised in a stimulating environment by academics who are internationally renowned experts. Take advantage of our decision-making laboratory where you can carry out studies in behavioural and experimental economics and our simulated trading room with 24 Bloomberg terminals, financial databases and online archives. [once created, add links to research facilities]
You’ll gain a broad understanding of fundamental economic theory along with expertise in your area of interest. We admit up to 7 new research students each year so you’ll receive detailed PhD supervision. We'll also assign you a student mentor.
After the first year students take part in research workshops and seminars. We arrange weekly seminars with speakers from outside the University and as well as staff workshops to which you'll be invited.
Research-based training is structured and we can provide expertise across all the main areas of economics and econometrics. You can take extra research methods training at the National Centre for Research Methods, hosted at the University. Advanced training modules available in the first year are often taught by visiting lecturers from around the world.
Alongside your project, you can sign up for opportunities to:
Employability workshops allow you to explore the next steps of your career. Graduates leave us ready to take on roles in academia, international organisations, government agencies, policy think tanks, financial institutions and the private sector.
Applied and policy-focused economics, including:
Theoretical economics including:
You can either apply for a structured studentship or propose your own PhD idea.
Taking a structured PhD will give you access to additional training, conferences and secondments.
We run funded PhD studentships in partnership with doctoral training centres, meaning you'll benefit from enhanced training and guaranteed funding
These studentships are open to UK and international applicants and include:
We offer scholarships and teaching bursaries ourselves. Your potential supervisor can guide you on what is available.
If you’re an international student you may be able to apply for a scholarship from your country.
Find out more about scholarships
Once you’ve found a supervisor, they can help you with potential funding sources. We offer match funding in some cases.
You’ll need to state how you intend to pay for your tuition and fees when you submit your application.
Find out more about funding your PhD.
You may be able to fund your postgraduate research with funding from your current employer or from industry.
You can borrow up to £29,390 for a PhD starting on or after 1 August 2024. Doctoral loans are not means tested and you can decide how much you want to borrow.
Find out about PhD loans on GOV.UK
You may be able to win funding from one or more charities to help fund your PhD.
You'll need to pay tuition fees for every year of study. Fees are the same whether you're studying in person or by distance learning. If you're applying for a fully funded project, your fees will be paid for you.
2022 to 2023 entry:
| Subject | UK fees | International fees |
| Economics integrated PhD | £4,596 | £18,000 |
| Economics PhD full time | £4,596 | £18,000 |
| Economics PhD part time | £2,298 | £9,000 |
2023 to 2024 entry:
| Subject | UK fees | International fees |
| Economics integrated PhD | tbc | £18,600 |
| Economics PhD full time | tbc | £18,600 |
| Economics PhD part time | tbc | £9,300 |
2024 to 2025 entry
| Subject | UK fees | International fees |
| Economics integrated PhD | £4,786 | £19,200 |
| Economics PhD full time | £4,786 | £19,200 |
| Economics PhD part time | £2,393 | £9,600 |
2025 to 2026 entry
| Subject | UK fees | International fees |
| Economics integrated PhD | To be confirmed Spring 2025 | £19,600 |
| Economics PhD full time | To be confirmed Spring 2025 | £19,600 |
| Economics PhD part time | To be confirmed Spring 2025 | £9,810 |
You're eligible for a 10% alumni discount on a self-funded PhD if you're a current student or graduate from the University of Southampton.
Our research is structured around four interconnected research groups:
Decide whether you want to apply to an advertised research project or create your own proposal.
It's a good idea to email potential supervisors to discuss the specifics of your project. It's best to do this well ahead of the application deadline.
You’ll find supervisors’ contact details listed with the advertised project, or you can search for supervisors in the staff directory.
You’ll need to send us:
The application process is the same whether you're applying for a funded project, or have created a research proposal.
For the integrated PhD you’ll need to have one of the following:
For the PhD you'll need to have one of the following:
Visit our global pages to find equivalent international qualifications.
If English is not your first language, you'll need an IELTS minimum level of 6.5 with a 6.0 in writing, reading, speaking and listening.
Your awarded certificate needs to be dated within the last 2 years.
If you need further English language tuition before starting your degree, you can apply for one of our pre-sessional English language courses.
Check the specific entry requirements listed on the project you’re interested in before you apply.
Our Economics PhD is available to study in person.
Research degrees have a minimum and maximum duration, known as the candidature. Your candidature ends when you submit your thesis.
Most candidatures are longer than the minimum period.
| Degree type | Full time | Part time |
| Economics PhD | 2 to 4 years | 3 to 7 years |
| Economics iPhD | 4 to 5 years | not offered |
