Discover 153 opportunities in PhD

When you apply for a PhD, you will need to write not just a research proposal but also a letter of motivation. This letter describes why you wish to undertake a PhD and why you would be well-suited to researching your proposed topic. But what needs to go in this letter, and what tone is appropriate for it?

Fortunately, the UK and the US aren't the only two places in the world with universities great for studying economics, and particularly in Europe, higher education hasn't yet been turned into corporate business, meaning not only are degrees cheap, some are completely free. And paying less (or even nothing) doesn't translate into a lesser experience. To the contrary, many of countries on this list can make legitimate claims to housing some of the most prestigious higher learning institutions in the world.

What does it take to succeed as a economics student? What qualities do you need to thrive at university, to enjoy your studies, and, then, once it's all done and dusted, to go and get yourself a good job?

1. Isolation

1. Apply broadly, but only if you’re really interested When applying to college many people send out dozens of applications, including ones to universities they aren't even particularly interested in attending. While at undergraduate level these 'safety' schools might be a good idea in order to guarantee you'll get an education (although there's also an argument for taking another year out to improve your grades and reapplying), at the graduate level this isn't necessarily the best strategy.

If you're an economics student currently doing your undergraduate or Master's degree, you might be considering doing a PhD at some point. The idea of dedicating another three years or more of your life to original research is both exciting and terrifying, and the experience of actually doing it can be both exhilarating and harrowing. Taking the step towards doing a PhD is a big decision, and one that shouldn't be made without the proper research and consideration. Once taken, however, it can be an extremely valuable experience and one that can set you up nicely in the future.

Check out our selection below: University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy Programs available:

Once you've handed in your thesis, you still have one big challenge to overcome before you're finished with your PhD: the thesis defense. This is an opportunity for you to present your research publicly and to answer questions about it from your thesis committee. The process can be tough going, especially if you've never had to do anything like this before. That being said, there are a few ways to make sure you survive – and even perform very well in – your thesis defense.

Doing a 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.

Every year thousands of economics students decide to continue education, either straight away after graduation or after a year or two of “real world” work experience. Often at this point comes the question: should I pursue a PhD or enroll in a Master of Business Administration program?

An exciting opportunity open to many undergraduate students is the chance to participate in an exchange program, in which a student can study at a different institution as part of their degree. Typically, students will use this opportunity to study abroad; to learn about their subject in a different setting and to become familiar with a different culture. Yes, we know, it sounds incredible...

If you've applied to do a PhD but have been unsuccessful, don't despair! Although having an application rejected can be disheartening, it isn't unusual, and it can often take people a couple of tries until they get accepted onto a course. Here are a few tips on what to do if your PhD application is rejected.