Research Focus
Behavioural economics, game theory and industrial organisation, political economy, public economics, European economic review. Suitable student majors: economics, mathematics, statistics, political science, public administration, strategic management in business schools, finance, social sciences.
Programme Structure and Funding
The standard duration of this full-time PhD programme is three to four years (36–48 months).
Training Plan
- In the first year, you will receive advanced training in econometrics, research methods and other related topics.
- In the second and third years, you will work towards completing your research, including two further research papers.
- In the final semester, you will write and complete your thesis.
Tuition Fees
Departmental tuition fees for economics are around £23,000 per year.
Scholarship Support
This programme allows applications to the ESRC White Rose Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP), which is jointly funded by both parties; the scholarship is open to UK and overseas students for doctoral study. Explanation of funding under the ESRC White Rose Doctoral Training Partnership:
- Tuition fees
- An annual stipend paid at a rate equivalent to the UK Research Council rate for living costs
- A grant to support research training. Application process:
- Apply for a place to study at the University before the end of December in order to apply for the PhD scholarship. Contact and apply to the School of Economics for a study place.
- Once your degree application is successful, your supervisor will work with you to improve the research proposal for your funding application.
Entry Requirements
Economics-related disciplines such as economics, mathematics, statistics, political science, public administration, strategic management in business schools, finance and social sciences.
- Academic background: Applicants should hold an undergraduate degree equivalent to a UK upper second-class honours (2:1) or above, and a master’s degree in a relevant discipline at merit level.
- Language requirements: IELTS 6.5 overall, with at least 6.0 in each component. TOEFL iBT total score of 90.
Application Materials
- CV.
- Certificates and transcripts for bachelor’s and master’s study. If you have already completed your master’s thesis, please upload a copy; if you are still a student, please upload an interim transcript.
- Research proposal, completed according to the webpage template below. (https://sheffield.ac.uk/economics/postgraduate/phd/apply/research-proposal)
- English language evidence for applicants whose first language is not English and who have not obtained a degree from an English-taught course.
- Two references.
Application Process
Timeline: To be considered for a scholarship, you should apply before the end of December; applications without a scholarship can be made throughout the year, for entry in the autumn of the following year. Online application: Visit the University of Sheffield official website, register and complete the application form, select the “PhD in Economics” programme, and upload all materials. Material review and interview: The school reviews application materials, and applicants are required to attend an interview to assess research potential and adaptability. Waiting for the admission notice: After the school’s assessment, the admission notice is sent by email or via the online account. Subsequent enrolment procedures: Confirm acceptance of the offer, pay the tuition fee deposit, prepare the visa application, and obtain the CAS number. Recommended submission time: To ensure your chance of admission, it is recommended to submit your application as early as possible after applications open; popular programmes may close early.
Career Prospects
- Employment sectors and destinations: Financial services roles: investment analysis, risk management, asset management; institutions: banks (the four major banks, foreign banks), securities, funds, trusts, etc.
- Consulting and strategic planning: corporate strategy consulting, market analysis, management consulting, serving large enterprises or international organisations.
- Public sector and international organisations: National Development and Reform Commission, Finance Bureau, OECD, United Nations, etc., working in policy-making and economic management.
- Academia and research: university teaching, research institutions; further doctoral study is required.
- Emerging fields: digital economy analysis, the combination of artificial intelligence and economics, responding to technology-driven industrial upgrading needs.
- Industry trends and competitive environment: Stable market demand: demand in finance, consulting and public policy has grown over the long term, especially in digital transformation and the green economy. Salary advantages: roles with a high technical content (such as financial analysis and data mining) offer generous remuneration.
