PhD in Economics and PhD in Finance at Durham University

Research at Durham

Our researchers address questions with important implications for society and public policy. 

Department of Economics

In Economics Department, examples of our current strengths include behavioural and experimental economics; microeconomic theory, information and market design; macroeconomics, monetary policy and financial stability; development, political economy and economic history; labour, family and health economics; and environmental and energy economics. 

Department of Finance

Our experts in the Finance Department offer you the opportunity to pursue your research on a variety of finance topics, including asset pricing, banking, corporate finance and governance, green finance, household finance, Islamic finance, financial econometrics, financial technologies and financial engineering, and market microstructure.

These examples from the two departments are not exhaustive. We welcome proposals across the range of expertise represented in the Department of Economics and Department of Finance. Prospective applicants are encouraged to explore the research interests of our academic staff and identify potential supervisors whose expertise relates to their proposed project. PhD students benefit from research training, regular engagement with academic staff and visiting researchers, and opportunities to present and develop their work within the Department’s wider research community.

Scholarship opportunities

A range of scholarship opportunities may be available to support PhD study at Durham. The first major funding opportunity for October 2027 entry is the Northern Ireland and Northeast Doctoral Training Partnership (NINE DTP) studentship competition. NINE DTP awards provide a UKRI-rate living stipend, tuition-fee support and additional research training opportunities. Eligible home and international candidates may apply, subject to the competition’s funding and eligibility rules. Because the NINE DTP timetable is substantially earlier this year, candidates who wish to be considered for this funding should begin preparing immediately. The formal deadline includes the proposed supervisor’s approval, so applicants should not wait until 27 October to submit their Stage 1 form.

Recommended date for submitting the Durham PhD application: 15 October 2026

Recommended date for submitting the NINE DTP Stage 1 application: 20 October 2026

Formal NINE DTP deadline: 27 October 2026 at 16:00 UK time

Find out more and apply

 PhD in Economics at Durham:
https://dur.ac.uk/business/about/departments/economics/phd-in-economics/ 

PhD in Finance at Durham:
https://www.durham.ac.uk/business/about/departments/finance/phd-in-finance-/ 

Department of Economics - Academic staff and research interests:
https://dur.ac.uk/business/about/departments/economics/our-people/academic-staff/ 

Department of Finance - Academic staff and research interests:
https://www.durham.ac.uk/business/about/departments/finance/our-people/ 

Research in the Department of Finance:
https://dur.ac.uk/business/about/departments/economics/research/ 

Research in the Department of Finance:
https://www.durham.ac.uk/business/about/departments/finance/research/ 

NINE DTP funding information:
https://www.ninedtp.ac.uk/making-your-application/ 

For questions about the PhD in Economics and PhD in Finance in Durham University Business School, and the application process, contact:
Department of Economics Research Coordinator: business.econresearch@durham.ac.uk   
Department of Finance Research Coordinator: business.phd.finance@durham.ac.uk 

We encourage prospective applicants to explore the programme, consider how their research interests align with the Department and begin their application early.
 

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