If you’re applying for a European-style economics PhD or Master’s of Research program, it’s highly likely that you’ll be asked to submit a research proposal. This is a document where you’ll describe the original research project you intend to pursue if you’re accepted into the economics program.This is going to be a fairly intense process. While not legally binding, this document is a major part of your application, and it’s extremely important to write a convincing and high-quality proposal. Giving yourself as much time as possible to work on it can only help you.However, if you’re applying to PhDs for the first time, this is also most likely your first time writing an economics research proposal. So, what to do?

There are many paths to preparing for an economics PhD. Most students apply for PhD programs soon after finishing their Master’s degree. Some even apply directly after their Bachelor’s degree. Others work first, for example as a research assistant before applying.There are benefits to all of these approaches, and depending on your academic accomplishments and personal goals, some paths may suit you better than others. In this article we look in depth at the merits of a Masters of Research (MRes) as an option for PhD hopefuls. We also compare the MRes path with a direct application for a PhD after your studies, or with a year or two of work experience before applying for a PhD.

Attending university can be a ton of fun, but it’s also supposed to prepare you for the next stage in your career. Normally, this involves a lot of studying. But breaks and hobbies are important to have, too.

The following article first appeared in the INOMICS Handbook 2024.Download the INOMICS Handbook“The master-economist must possess a rare combination of gifts. He must reach a high standard in several different directions and must combine talents not often found together. He must be mathematician, historian, statesman, philosopher…He must study the present in the light of the past for the purposes of the future. No part of man's nature or his institutions must lie entirely outside his regard. He must be purposeful and disinterested in a simultaneous mood; as aloof and incorruptible as an artist, yet sometimes as near the earth as a politician.”– John Maynard Keynes

Economists are often immersed in the serious and complex world of numbers, charts, and theories. But contrary to popular belief, economists do have a sense of humor too! In fact, there is a whole subculture of economics memes that bring a lighthearted and comical perspective to the field.

So you want to study abroad in the United States of America, the largest economy in the world. In keeping with its “melting pot” reputation, the US has been an education destination for many over the years, and is filled with many high-quality, internationally competitive universities. Of course, if you’re an international student, you’ll probably need to get a visa before you can go.

Economists often run into situations where they need to type out mathematical formulae or draw up a graph, especially for research papers. But, anyone who’s attempted to do so knows that math symbols and complicated graphs are very difficult to produce using typical word processor options. So, what’s a humble econometrician to do?

Exchange programs allow students to study at a different institution as part of their degree. Typically, students will use this opportunity to study abroad at a foreign partner of their home institution, though exchange programs can sometimes take place in the same country. Regardless, these programs are a fantastic way for students to broaden their horizons, take specific courses at another institution, and study abroad without committing to living multiple years in another country.

The Graduate Record Examinations, more commonly known as the GRE, is one of the most important standardized tests in the world for admission to post-Baccalaureate programs. It’s very often required by universities when considering admission into their Master’s or even PhD programs.

If you're planning to study economics at a Master's level, then you may have the opportunity to pursue a concentration, sometimes also referred to as a major. While rarer, some PhD programs may also offer concentrations, though many are already specialized degrees (or require you to have your own research agenda).

So you want to study abroad in Germany, the largest economy in Europe. It’s a great country filled with many high-quality, internationally competitive universities. Plus, lovers of pretzels and sausages will never find a better place to be. Of course, if you’re an international student, you’ll probably need to get a visa before you can go.

Studying economic theories and methods requires an understanding of mathematical symbols. These symbols are used as shorthand to describe theoretical concepts in economics textbooks, theories, and research papers.

It might be unclear to new students of economics how much schooling is necessary to succeed as an economist. For some careers, a Bachelor’s degree is sufficient. In others, a PhD is a near-necessity. This article will discuss how much education successful economists typically have.

One of the biggest and most exciting challenges of a young academic's career is coming up with that first economics research topic. Knowing how much is riding on the decision, it can also be pretty stressful. With so much to consider, we thought it would be easier to break the decision-making process down into some key points. Consideration of each will give you the best chance possible to make sure the topic of your economics Master's thesis is the right one - both for you personally and for your future career. Without further ado, read on for our advice on how to pick a topic for your economics thesis.

INOMICS has had the opportunity to interview several international students and learn about their experiences studying abroad. For this article, we interviewed Alexis. She's from the US-Midwest and moved to Germany in February 2020. She is currently finishing up her Master’s program in business administration at Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, and will then be looking for a job to stay in the country. Below we’ll share her advice for other international students, experiences about studying in Germany, and more! If you’re from the US - or anywhere else - and curious what it’s like to study in Europe, read on.

Ever thought about studying abroad in the US? INOMICS has had the opportunity to interview two international students at two US universities and learn about their experiences doing just that. For this article, we interviewed Adam at Queens University and Lenka at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, two students from the Czech Republic who moved to Charlotte, North Carolina in the US to study their Master’s degrees. Below we’ll share their advice for other international students, experiences about studying in the US, and more!

Although the shift toward online learning pre-dated the coronavirus, the pandemic caused a great proliferation in the availability and acceptance of online learning. More and more courses can now be found online, allowing students to continue with their studies or even get credit for some courses from the comfort of their own home.

Doing an economics PhD can be full of challenges and difficulties. Here we look at some of the personal qualities that will help you continue making progress when you encounter a problem.

A PhD is a life choice. One of the crucial factors that a potential graduate student should account for is that doing a PhD in the US can be a completely different experience from doing a PhD in Italy, Germany, or elsewhere in Europe.

Doing an economics PhD will make you an expert in your research topic, but, beyond that, it will also teach you a number of valuable lessons which are applicable to other jobs and your personal life. Here are some of the most useful lessons that you'll learn from undertaking your own independent research project. If you plan to start your PhD application this autumn, download our free guide "How to successfully apply to a PhD in Economics".