PhD Economics at University of Stirling

Programme overview

A PhD programme developing technical ability in economic theory and methods and original research published in peer-reviewed journals. It is affiliated with the Scottish Graduate Programme in Economics and accredited by the ESRC.

Department: Economics Division | Duration: 3 years full-time, 6 years part-time | Intake: 1st day of any month | Study mode: full-time / part-time | Location: Stirling, Scotland, United Kingdom

What you will study

Supervised original research towards a thesis, with a weekly seminar series involving external researchers.

Career pathways

Routes into research or teaching-led academic careers, environmental charities or NGOs, and professional economist roles in financial institutions.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

An upper second class honours Bachelors degree or higher qualification; for some studentships and programmes a suitable masters degree may be specified. The application requires a research proposal, funding plan, proof of qualifications, an academic reference and a CV. English language (applicants whose first language is not English): IELTS Academic or UKVI 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each sub-skill; Pearson Test of English (Academic) 62 overall with 60 in each sub-skill; TOEFL (taken before 21 January 2026) 88 overall with 20 reading, 19 writing, 19 listening and 22 speaking; TOEFL (taken from 21 January 2026) 4.5 overall with no less than 4 in any band.

Domestic applicants: GBP 5,238 a year (2026/27). UK (home) full-time rate, all subjects; part-time £2,619 per year Source

International applicants: GBP 21,500 a year (2026/27). International full-time rate; part-time £10,750 per year; registration-only fee £500 after the fee-paying years Source

Intake: 1st day of any month

Duration: 3 years full-time, 6 years part-time

Explore more study programmes

Arts & Humanities