MRes and PhD research programme in Economics

Develop your research skills on this prestigious combined MRes/ PhD training scheme in Economics.  

Our full-time research masters will equip you with comprehensive foundational training in modern economics with the option to progress to the PhD following successful completion of the 2 years Economics MRes.  

As part of this programme, you will receive extensive training in both quantitative and qualitative research methods, as well as mathematical treatments of the core areas of economics, allowing you to acquire the necessary knowledge and skill for conducting independent research in economics.

After year one of this programme, you will have the option to graduate with an MSc in Quantitative Economics or continue to year two of the programme where you will study the specialist fields of applied economics, preparing you for a PhD.  

Later, you will take optional courses and carry out further training in your chosen specialist subfields, as well as work on a dissertation, leading to a PhD proposal.  
At the end of the second year of study, successful students will be awarded the MRes in Economics and be permitted to proceed to PhD study. Entry to the PhD will be conditional based on performance.

The Adam Smith Business School has a large group of research-active economists whose interests span a wide range of fields, allowing the school to offer supervision across most areas of economics and finance. The Economics group runs four seminar series and regularly hosts workshops and conferences.

Take full advantage of our individualised skills development programme, which will ensure you balance academic theory with crucial employability skills to help you maximise your potential and achieve your career goals.

FUNDING

The Adam Smith Business School offers a prestigious combined MRes/PhD training scheme in Economics. It starts with the 2 years MRes programme. Candidates who complete the MRes at a sufficiently high level will be given priority for admission into the 3-4 years PhD stage.

The University of Glasgow will fund up to six studentships covering tuition fees and a stipend for up to five years to enable students to receive comprehensive MRes (pre-PhD) training and to subsequently undertake supervised independent research in a chosen field of economics, leading to a PhD. Funding is annually renewable and includes small teaching obligation starting from year 2. 

DEADLINE:

March 2024: First round of awards
Candidates who apply for the Economics MRes by Friday 1st March 2024 will be considered for the scholarship in the second half of March. Candidates will be informed of the outcome by email by Friday 29th March 2024. Those who are unsuccessful will not be considered again.

May 2024: Second round of awards
Candidates who apply for the Economics MRes by Wednesday 1st May 2024 will be considered for the 2nd round of the award for the remaining scholarships. Candidates will be informed of the outcome by email by Wednesday 29th May 2024.

Candidates who submit their applications after 1st May 2024 may be considered for an award if one becomes available

GLASGOW
The largest city in Scotland, Glasgow has a reputation for being a welcoming, vibrant, and accessible place to live, with something to offer for every taste and budget.

Whether you crave cozy campus living or big city excitement, you’ll be inspired by our excellent location in the friendly West End of Glasgow.

With 560 years’ experience in producing academic excellence, the University of Glasgow has an impressive past. However, we’re always looking ahead, and our role is to pass on our knowledge and expertise so that you can make the world a better place for yourself and for others.

Our students graduate equipped with the skills they need to compete in a global workplace, and with friendships and networks that last a lifetime.

HOW TO APPLY
We ask that you apply online for a postgraduate taught degree. Our system allows you to fill out the standard application form online and submit this to the University within 42 days of starting your application.

You need to read the guide to applying online before starting your application. It will ensure you are ready to proceed, as well as answer many common questions about the process.

In addition to the standard documents, you should also include an academic CV, along with a short description (no more than 1000 words) of your academic economics background and training to date. This should include a list of grades achieved in economics, mathematics, statistics and cognate courses, and a brief summary of the content of these courses including the main textbooks used and where the study was undertaken.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
2.1 Honours degree or non-UK equivalent in economics or related subject with substantial technical component (e.g. mathematics, statistics, physics, engineering) You will also need to submit a personal statement which clearly evidences a strong desire to pursue an academic career in economics and show evidence of exposure to multivariable calculus, matrix algebra and basic probability/statistics. Only academic references will be accepted. Referees will know the applicants in the capacity of students/researchers, not from internship or work in private/public sector. Applicants are encouraged to submit any additional (academic) documents they believe will support their application.

Note: Students are required to attend a 2-week introductory course in mathematical methods before commencing the MRes programme. This course starts in September 2024.