Doctoral programme in Economics (MRes+PhD)

The MRes provides cutting-edge training in micro, macro, econometrics and research methods and is, on successful completion, followed by the PhD programme lasting three to four years during which students take advanced PhD field courses and work on their research. 

In our vibrant research-focused community, you’ll learn from academics at the frontier of their research fields. You’ll be able to develop specialist skills and techniques, benefitting from small cohorts and high-quality interaction with our lecturers.

Students will have the opportunity to present their research in the weekly research seminars and financial support to present in international conferences and for overseas research stays is available. 

The programme also provides tailored training to prepare our students for the academic job market placing them in the best economics departments in the UK and overseas.

Our students have been placed in teaching and research positions in leading economics departments in the UK and in Europe, in senior roles in central banks and international institutions across the world, and in leading positions in the private sector. Recent placements include positions at Oxford, Cambridge, EUI, CEP-LSE, University of Texas at Austin, University of East Anglia, University of Glasgow, and the Bank of Canada.

We offer generous studentships for the duration of the MRes/PhD course for those with strong research potential, covering international fees, a yearly stipend (for 2024-25 entry, £20,780 + £2460 (for teaching duties)) and a yearly research allowance. In exchange, students deliver moderate amount of tutorial teaching/ marking/ research assistance providing our students with useful teaching and research skills. We also have places available for a small number of outstanding students with their own funding.

Surrey is 11th in the UK for economics and econometrics in the Times Higher Education World Subject Rankings 2025 and ranked in the top 10 in the UK for world-leading research in the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021

Find out more and apply

Find out more about our funded studentships 

Economics at Surrey
Economics at Surrey comprises of an international community of world-leading researchers covering micro theory, macro, econometrics, and applied micro. According to the latest THE, Economics at Surrey is in the top ten of economics departments in the UK. Economics at Surrey was ranked in the UK’s top 10 for world-leading research in the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021. Our research is at the forefront of the field and informs our teaching, ensuring that what you learn is topical, relevant and has societal impact. Recent faculty research has appeared in leading economics journals, including the American Economic Review, the Review of Economic Studies, the Journal of Political Economy, the Quarterly Journal of Economics, Journal of the European Economic Association, Journal of Econometrics, the Economic Journal, and the American Economic Journals.

The University of Surrey
The University of Surrey is a global community of ideas and people, dedicated to life-changing education and research. With a beautiful and vibrant campus, we provide exceptional teaching and practical learning to inspire and empower our students for personal and professional success. Through our world-class research and innovation, we deliver transformational impact on society and shape future digital economy through agile collaboration and partnership with businesses, governments and communities.

Key dates
Applications are open now

We allocate funding on a rolling basis until all scholarships have been allocated and we encourage you to apply as soon as possible. We also have a small number of places in the programme for outstanding self-funded students and students funded through external scholarships.