Undertaking a PhD

Research in Economics is intellectually challenging and important. But the decision to undertake a PhD in Economics is not a straightforward one and successful completion involves a number of stages. Links to texts and videos providing information on PhD study are provided below organised according to the PhD timeline:

Thinking of studying for a PhD in Economics?

• “Studying for PhD in Economics in the UK” material explaining MRes/MPhil/Phd stages and completion periods in UK
• “Considering Graduate School in Economics?; Some Unofficial Advice” by Bill Craighead (2010)
• “The Making of an Economist Redux” by David Colander (2005)
• “Preparing for Grad School in US” by American Economic Association (2021)

Funding

• Scholarships and funding in UK
  • Students from England or Wales may be eligible for a doctoral loan
  • The government's masters loan is also available if studying for a research masters (MRes)
  • ESRC offers full funding of UK tuition fees along with a monthly living allowance for UK and international students
  • Individual studentships are offered by Schools of Economics at many UK universities, usually covering tuition fees and contributing towards living costs.

Getting Started

• “How to get started on research in economics?” by Steve Pischke (2012)
• “Starting a Doctorate” by Vitae (2021), providing generic advice/support on starting a PhD

Making progress; How to write and present your research

• “Writing Tips for Economists” by John Cochrane (2005)
• “The Ten Commandments for How to Give a Seminar” by Kjetil Storesletten (2018)
• ”Giving an Academic Seminar“ by Oriana Bandiera (2020)
• “How to Give an Applied Seminar by Jesse Shapiro (2020)
• “How to Write Applied Papers in Economics” by Marc F. Bellemare (2020)
• “During your doctorate; the middle phase” by Vitae (2021), providing generic advice/support on undertaking a PhD

Making progress; PhD conferences

• Royal Economic Society’s Symposium of Junior Researchers
• Econometric Society
• MMF PhD conference
• ISEO Summer School

Making progress; Managing teaching commitments

• The Handbook for Economics Teaching Assistants by Economics Network

Completing your PhD

• “Completing your doctorate” by Vitae (2021), providing generic advice/support on completing a PhD