PhD Economics at University of Reading

Programme overview

The PhD in economics at the University of Reading is a research degree in which candidates carry out independent, original research and present it as a thesis of up to 90,000 words. It can be taken full-time or part-time, and some routes are available by distance or as a practice-based PhD in arts subjects.

Faculty: School of Philosophy, Politics and Economics | Duration: 3-4 years full-time; 4-6 years part-time | Intake: September (most students); a smaller number start in the second semester | Study mode: full-time / part-time | Location: Reading, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

Independent research towards a thesis under academic supervision, supported by the Doctoral and Researcher College training and development programme.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

University of Reading PhD (all research areas): normally an undergraduate degree of at least a 2:1 (or equivalent) or a master's degree in a subject related to the proposed topic; in some areas, particularly arts, humanities, social sciences and business, applicants are normally accepted only with a master's-level qualification. A research proposal is usually required in arts, humanities, social sciences and business unless applying for an advertised project or studentship; science applicants joining a supervisor-devised project do not need one. International applicants: the majority of PhD programmes at Reading require IELTS 6.5 overall, with 7.0 for some schools; the specific requirement for the programme is stated in the offer of admission. Recommended application deadlines: UK applicants at least two months, international applicants at least four months before the start date.

Requirements published at program group level.

Domestic applicants: GBP 5,238 a year (2026/27). Full-time Home/Republic of Ireland PhD fee per year (part-time £2,619 per year); research expenses may be charged additionally for some science programmes. Source

International applicants: GBP 21,750 a year (2026/27). Full-time International Band 1 PhD fee per year (part-time £10,900); band per the PGR international fee banding for this school. Source

Intake: September (most students); a smaller number start in the second semester

Duration: 3-4 years full-time; 4-6 years part-time

Apply through the official page: https://www.reading.ac.uk/doctoral-researcher-college/doctoral-opportunities/how-to-apply

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