oxford phd economics gre

Fundamentals of Graduate Economics

Are you considering a graduate programme in Economics, but feeling uncertain about your foundational maths and quantitative skills? Would you like a letter of recommendation from an Oxford University Economics Professor? 

Our Fundamentals of Graduate Economics Summer School will equip you with the fundamental tools you need to succeed. In just one week, our expert Oxford faculty will guide you through key concepts and techniques that form the backbone of many graduate-level courses in Economics.

But that's not all – we'll also supplement our course content with engaging lectures and career insights from economists working across a range of fields, both within academia but also in industry and civil service. You'll have the opportunity to hear from experienced economists and learn about the diverse paths you can take in this exciting field. Join us in Oxford for a unique and enriching experience. On successful completion of the programme, you will receive a letter of recommendation from one of our Professors as well as a PDF version of a certificate of completion. By the end of the course, you'll have a strong foundation in the essential skills of mathematics and econometrics, and the confidence to take the next step in your career. Don't miss this chance to explore the world of Economics with some of the brightest minds in the field!

TOPICS COVERED - Introduction to Mathematical Methods:

Objective: This course will introduce students to elements of mathematical analysis and of probability theory with a special emphasis on methods that are important in economics.

• Structure: Divided into mathematical analysis and probability theory sections.
• Mathematical Analysis Topics: Logic, proofs, sets, relations, functions, sequences and limits, continuity, and differentiability. Emphasis on understanding key results and their application to economic questions, with examples from decision theory and game theory.
• Probability Theory Topics: Probability axioms, independence, conditional probability, Bayes’ rule, discrete and continuous distributions, expectations, moments, correlation, law of large numbers, and central limit theorem. Examples cover decisions under risk and risk mitigation.

TOPICS COVERED - Introduction to Econometrics:

Objective: To introduce students to two of the fundamental statistical methods used in applied economic research: regression analysis and instrumental variables.

• Statistical Inference Introduction:  Learn about economic theories from data. Introduction to hypothesis testing, confidence intervals, and uncertainty measurement.
• Linear Regression Introduction:  Understand causal effects in observational data. Utilize linear regression for disentangling multiple influencing factors.
• More on Regression: Inference and Nonlinearities:  Enhance precision in regression estimates through inference methods. Extend the model to account for nonlinear relationships. Application example: University and degree choices' impact on mid-career earnings.
• Dealing with Endogeneity:  Address limits and challenges of linear regression in estimating causal effects. Discuss issues like unobserved factors and reverse causation (endogeneity).
• Solutions using randomized control trials. Application example: Effect of class size on test scores.
• Introduction to Instrumental Variables:  Explore instrumental variables as an alternative method for estimating causal effects when regression may fail. Application example: Returns to schooling.

Download the Brochure 

View the Timetable 

Watch the webinar , course delivery.

The Summer School will be held in person, in the Department of Economics, Oxford. Lectures will be held in the morning and there will be tutorials in the afternoon. 

Who can attend:

The course is aimed at  undergraduate students with a maths A-level who are considering a graduate programme in Economics.

Accommodation:

The course fees do not include accommodation, however, please contact  [email protected]  for help and assistance. We are able to help you book hotel accommodation, college accommodation and homestays. Please get in touch if you have any questions!

Course Tutors

More information.

Click here to apply for one of our courses now

• Jan 11, 2020

Applying for an MPhil

If you are somewhat like me, enjoyed learning Economics, and missed the chance to study at Oxford University as an undergraduate, then why not consider taking a graduate course here?

The Department of Economics at the University of Oxford has several graduate programs. I think the first question to think about before starting the application is:

"What is my plan for the future"?

This will help you decide on which program to apply for. If you are interested in academic research and may want to proceed into academia in the future, then you should go with the two-year MPhil in Economics program. It provides rigorous economic training and is more or less similar to the first-year coursework in the U.S. Ph.D. programs. The Department also has MSc programs in Development Economics and Financial Economics, a joint program in Economics and Social History with the Faculty of History, and of course, the DPhil in Economics. All the details of each program can be found on the departmental website, so make sure you check them all out before making a decision.

Since I am currently studying for an MPhil in Economics, I will give some of my application tips below and hopefully they will be helpful. I still remember vividly being nervous and stressful myself this time last year for the graduate application.

Different from the application process for undergraduate courses at Oxford, graduate applications usually do not involve a face-to-face interview. In my opinion, the MPhil in Economics program is preparing you to be an independent economic researcher and problem solver, no matter you want to proceed into academia or you might prefer working in the private sectors as consultants or public sectors as policymakers. Therefore, I think the most important factor in the application is a demonstration of the will and ability to carry out research . Most of us will need to write a thesis as a component of our undergraduate degree and this will be the perfect example of previous research. Make sure to mention this in your CV and talk about this in greater detail the personal statement. The MPhil application requires a writing sample, so you can also modify your thesis into a shorter version and submit it as the writing sample. If you have ever worked as a research assistant, this will be a bonus point so don't forget to include them as well. 

The next important thing will be the recommendation letters. The MPhil application requires us to submit three academic recommendation letters, and who should write you these letters are non-trivial. The top choices will be those who are familiar with your research ability, such as your thesis supervisor and the professors you used to work for as an RA. The coordinators or teachers of the courses that you have excelled in are good options as well. The key thing is you need to be sure that they will write you a strong recommendation letter about your excellent academic performances as well as the ability to carry out researches. 

Some of the international students need to prepare for the GRE test and language tests such as IELTS . But the latter can be waived as long as you have studied your undergraduate degree in an English speaking country. My personal experience is that these two results serve as filters, as long as we pass a certain threshold we should be fine, so it is not compulsory to get perfect marks in them. No need to be too stressed out by them. 

My last point is about colleges . The most distinctive characteristic of Oxford from most universities is its college system. Oxford has many colleges and halls and they have their own characteristics. College is the most important part of your non-academic life, where you live and eat and hang out and meet friends from various backgrounds and departments. You can check them out one by one on college websites or social media pages.

You can also find an overview about the colleges in the That Oxford Girl book. International students like me may not be familiar with the college system, but we should make some considerations of which college to go to as well while applying. 

I wish you all the best in the application and hopefully see you next year in the Economics department in Oxford!

• The Application Process
• International Students
• Post-graduates

Recent Posts

Breaking the Barriers: Applying to Oxford

My Final term as an Oxford DPhil

'Law with Law Studies in Europe' Interview Tips

Do I need to submit a GRE score to support my graduate application?

You are only required to submit a GRE test score if you are applying for the MSc in Economics for Development , any graduate courses offered by the Department of Economics  or postgraduate courses offered by the Sa ï d Business School (SBS) such as the MBA. 

To find out whether a GRE score is required with your application, please check the 'How to Apply' tab of the relevant course page .

Please note that if you submit a GRE score for a course that does not require it, the score will not be considered by the academic department. 

Further details about taking the GRE test can be found on the ETS website . Test-takers can designate the University of Oxford as a score recipient using the institution code 0713. 

Is this answer helpful?

• Home »
• University of Oxford »
• Economics »

find your perfect postgrad program Search our Database of 30,000 Courses

University of oxford: economics.

Full-Time, 3 years starts Oct 2024

**The information provided on this page was correct at the time of publication (November 2023). For complete and up-to-date information about this course, please visit the relevant University of Oxford course page via www.graduate.ox.ac.uk/ucas.**

Oxford has a thriving group of research students studying for the DPhil in Economics. The DPhil, which is the equivalent to a PhD at most other institutions, is similar in structure to a PhD at leading economics graduate schools worldwide.

The majority of students on the DPhil at Oxford have first completed the two-year Oxford MPhil in Economics. You can also apply for the DPhil if you hold, or will hold a Master’s degree or equivalent in Economics from other universities.

All students starting the DPhil are admitted with Probationer Research Student status (PRS) in the first instance. You will take additional courses from the MPhil menu to deepen and broaden your economic training, while starting to work on your first research project. The PRS status allows for a smooth transition from learning about economic research to producing new economic insights yourself. If you haven’t completed the MPhil in Economics at Oxford, you will usually be required to take a year of coursework taking papers from either the first and/or second year of the MPhil programme. Students progressing from the MPhil in Economics at Oxford will usually complete their coursework by taking additional advanced courses from the MPhil.

You will join one or more of the department's research groups, becoming part of a vibrant educational research community with a large number of doctoral student-led events, seminars and conferences.

You will have opportunities to present your work at a variety of seminars and sessions in the department.

Further information about part-time study The department is able to offer the DPhil in Economics as a part-time mode. Although there is no requirement to reside in Oxford, part-time research students must attend the University on a regular basis (particularly in term-time: October and November, mid-January to mid-March, and late April to mid-June) for supervision, study, research seminars and skills training.

The department understands that part-time research students will have non-standard attendance and work patterns. To ensure a comprehensive integration into the faculty's and University's research culture and with their full-time peer groups a pattern of attendance at MPhil courses, training events and research seminars would form part of the general part-time study agreement.

Part-Time, 6 years starts Oct 2024

Full-time, 3 years started oct 2023.

**The information provided on this page was correct at the time of publication (October/November 2022). For complete and up-to-date information about this course, please visit the relevant University of Oxford course page via www.graduate.ox.ac.uk/ucas**

The majority of students on the DPhil at Oxford have first completed the two-year Oxford MPhil in Economics. You can also apply for the DPhil if you hold a master’s degree or equivalent in economics.

All students starting the DPhil are admitted with Probationer Research Student status (PRS) in the first instance. You will take additional courses from the MPhil menu to deepen and broaden your economic training, while starting to work on your first research project. The PRS status allows for a smooth transition from learning about economic research to producing new economic insights yourself. If you haven’t completed the MPhil in Economics at Oxford, you will usually be required to take a year of coursework taking papers from either the first and/or second year of the MPhil course.

**Further information about part-time study** The department is able to offer the DPhil in Economics as a part-time mode. Although there is no requirement to reside in Oxford, part-time research students must attend the University on a regular basis (particularly in term-time: October and November, mid-January to mid-March, and late April to mid-June) for supervision, study, research seminars and skills training.

Part-Time, 6 years started Oct 2023

Master of philosophy - mphil, full-time, 21 months starts oct 2024.

The MPhil in Economics is designed to provide rigorous training in economic theory, applied economics, and econometric methods. It is comparable to the first two years of a PhD programme at a US university.

The MPhil provides a solid foundation for progressing to doctoral research, while at the same time providing the advanced knowledge and skills required for a career as a professional economist in government or the private sector. Numerous MPhil graduates have gone on to distinguished careers in economics or related fields. This is the course recommended if you have not undertaken any previous graduate work in economics.

The department has developed the MPhil to enable students to easily tailor the course to their specific needs and objectives. For those already intending to progress to a DPhil at Oxford or a PhD elsewhere, the MPhil will offer rigour and exposure to the research frontier. For those intending a career as a professional economist, the MPhil will offer a broad range of options and opportunities for skill development. And for those unsure about further study beyond the masters’ level, the two years of the MPhil programme will allow you to make this choice after learning more about what graduate economic training involves.

The first year of the MPhil in Economics programme starts with a non-examined preparatory course in mathematical methods. The first two terms of the academic year focus on three compulsory courses in the central areas of microeconomics, macroeconomics and econometrics. The three courses are offered on two levels. Most students will take the courses at the core level. However, you can apply to start directly at the advanced level, which is targeted at future DPhil students who already have had ample economics training before starting the MPhil. Students who take the core level courses in the first year can take advanced level courses in the second year. In the third term, you can choose from two entirely new courses in Empirical Research Methods and Further Mathematics Methods. These courses will provide the specialised skills needed for academic or non-academic careers in our data-rich world and the technical tools for research in economics.

In the second year, you will take four option courses. The option courses build on the first-year training and provide deeper and broader training in your areas of interest. You can take advanced-level courses in macroeconomics, microeconomics, econometrics and empirical research methods covering recent developments in theory and analytical techniques. Other option courses are designed to develop knowledge and understanding of theory, empirical techniques and debates within specialist fields of economics. These include behavioural economics, development economics, economic history, financial economics, international trade, labour economics and public economics.

The second important component of the second year is the required thesis, supervised by a member of the department.

Full-Time, 21 months started Oct 2023

The first year of the Further Mathematical Methods programme starts with a non-examined preparatory course in mathematical methods. The first two terms of the academic year focus on three compulsory courses in the central areas of microeconomics, macroeconomics and econometrics. The three courses are offered on two levels. Most students will take the courses at the core level. However, you can apply to start directly at the advanced level, which is targeted at future DPhil students who already have had ample economics training before starting the MPhil. Students who take the core level courses in the first year can take any advanced level course in the second year. In the third term, you can choose from two entirely new courses in Empirical Research Methods and Further Mathematics Methods. These courses will provide the specialised skills needed for academic or non-academic careers in our data-rich world and the technical tools for research in economics.

Not what you are looking for?

Postgraduate Bursary Opportunity with Postgrad.com

Are you studying as a PG student at the moment or have you recently been accepted on a postgraduate program? Apply now for one of our £2000 PGS bursaries.

Exclusive bursaries Open day alerts Funding advice Application tips Latest PG news

Complete Our Destination Survey

Take 2 minutes to complete our Destination Survey for the chance to win a Postgrad Study Bursary worth £2,000.

All we need to know is:

• Your university
• Your PG course

• Study Abroad Get upto 50% discount on Visa Fees
• Top Universities & Colleges
• Abroad Exams
• Top Courses
• Read College Reviews
• Admission Alerts 2024
• Education Loan
• Institute (Counselling, Coaching and More)
• Ask a Question
• College Predictor
• Test Series
• Practice Questions
• Course Finder
• Scholarship
• Netherlands
• New Zealand
• Study Guide

Study In Uk > Colleges In Uk > University Of Oxford > Programs > Ph.D[Economics]

Doctor of Philosophy [Ph.D] [Economics] From University of Oxford

Doctor of Philosophy [Ph.D] (Economics)

Field of Study : 

₽3,631,559 /Yr

• Ph.D. in Economics at the  University of Oxford  offered a program for a duration of 3-4 years.
• This course is offered on a full-time and part-time basis also.
• Oxford has a thriving group of research students studying for the DPhil in Economics.
• In this program, the majority of students on the DPhil at Oxford have first completed the two-year Oxford MPhil in Economics and then apply for the DPhil if students hold a master’s degree or equivalent in economics.
• All students starting the DPhil are admitted with Probationer Research Student status (PRS) in the first instance. 
• Students will join one or more of the department's research groups, becoming part of a vibrant educational research community with a large number of doctoral student-led events, seminars, and conferences.
• Students will have opportunities to present their work at a variety of seminars and sessions in the department.
• Although there is no requirement to reside in Oxford, part-time research students.
• The faculty and student ratio for this program is 1:11.
• The average salary goes up to 113,500 USD after completing this program.
• The Employment rate of the University of Oxford is 91%.

Important Dates

Tuition Fees

Other Expenses

Eligibility & Entry Requirement

Academic Eligibility:

• Applicants have a first-class or a strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honors in a four-year undergraduate degree (to the level of a master's degree) in a relevant subject, or
• A first-class or a strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honors in a three-year BSc/BA degree and a master's degree with distinction in a relevant subject.
• For this program, the minimum GPA sought is 3.6 out of 4.0.
• Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE) or C1 Advanced - 185.
• Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) or C2 Proficiency - 185.
• Students must be qualified in  IELTS  or  TOEFL  and  PTE  to get admission in this program.

Indian Student Eligibility:

Indian students are eligible to apply if they meet one of the following eligibility criteria:

• Completed a 4-year UG degree with first class in a relevant field from a recognized institution.
• Or, completed graduation in B.Sc.(H) Computer Science or B.Sc. Applied Physical Sciences with Mathematics and Computer Science.

Along with the minimum eligibility requirements, international students hailing from non-English speaking countries need to prove English proficiency through IELTS/TOEFL/any equivalent test.

Scores Required

Avg. Score in

Minimum gpa

Required Document List

The Documents required are:

• Higher Secondary School Certificate -  The certificate provided by the education board after completion of the Higher secondary education.
• Statement of marks -  The marks statement provided by the education board.
• Financial Documentation -  The Proof that shows the financial background of the student.
• Letter of Recommendation -  This shows who recommended the student to pursue the degree.
• Statement of Purpose -  This is an essay or any written statement written by the student while applying.
• Resume/CV -  This provides a summary of your experience and skills.
• English Language Requirement Scores like  TOEFL ,  IELTS ,..etc.
• Exam scores like GMAT , GRE   are to be submitted .

Do you think the Rankings are wrong ?   Report Here

Similar Programs

Do you think the Dates are wrong ?   Report Here

Course Guides

Best Courses in UK for Indian Students

PhD in UK: Fees 2024, Top Colleges, Placement and Salaries

Scholarship Grants & Financial Aids

Similar Colleges

Robert Gordon University

University of Aberdeen

Aberystwyth University

University of Bath

Cranfield University

Queen's University Belfast

Ulster University

University of Reading

Aston University

Refer & Earn 3 USD For Every Approved Review

3k+ Reviews

+ 24 Photos

interested in this College ?

Follow & Share this college to get information about admission.

Oxford, England

Bath, England

Bedford, England

Berkshire, England

Birmingham, England

Cambridge, England

London, England

Edinburgh, Scotland

Bristol, England

Canterbury, England

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWS LETTER

Oxford Economics is the world’s foremost independent economic advisory firm. We enable intelligent and responsible decision-making through the provision of timely, data-driven economic and business insights and solutions our clients trust. 

Our economists are experts at applying innovative economic models and research tools to provide valuable insights into essential business, financial, and policy issues. Oxford Economics is a global organisation employing over 300 economists with extensive industry, financial, and public-sector experience. 

As a fast-growing, independent consultancy with a global reach, our goals are to provide outstanding analysis, forecasting and analytical tools for our clients, and challenging and rewarding careers for our staff. 

The Programme  

We have an opportunity for exceptional economics graduates to join our teams in London and Belfast. This two-year scheme places successful candidates in six-month rotations, with opportunities across our teams including: Macro Forecasting; Economic Impact; Macro Consulting; Cities and Regions; Scenarios and Macro Modeling; Tourism Economics; and Global Industry. The rotating nature of this program, coupled with comprehensive on-the-job training, will allow you to gain in-depth practical knowledge and professional experience related to your academic and extracurricular background.  

The Role  

As a Assistant Economist, you will be working closely with experienced economists and will be expected to take responsibility for your work from an early stage. You will contribute to Oxford Economics’ services by working with our large global team of economists on a variety of projects, including forecasting, policy analysis and bespoke economic impact modelling. 

As you rotate between teams, you will have the opportunity to work on Oxford Economics’ global macro, city and sectoral forecasts and prepare articles on topical economic issues; develop econometric forecasting tools; undertake ‘what if’ scenario analysis; or assist senior economists on a variety of consultancy projects. 

By the end of the programme, you will be able to: 

• Apply your formal economics training to real world issues 
• Interact confidently with clients and the media to explain your work 
• Manage your time efficiently and balance several competing priorities 
• Apply a range of analytical techniques and software packages to bring insight  
• Write concisely and with impact on complex issues 

The Teams  

During your two years in the rotation programme, you will work in four of the following teams. Please rank your top three choices in your covering letter and we will take these preferences into account when processing your application.  

Macro Forecasting and Analysis (London) 

Using the Oxford Economics Global Economic Model, the macro forecasting and analysis team produces forecasts for GDP, inflation, interest rates and hundreds of other indicators for more than 200 countries updated twice a month. The team also produces written analysis on the implications of the latest economic data and policy news, and in-depth research on the critical issues that will shape the performance of economies and financial markets. 

Cities and Regions (London and Belfast) 

National-level economic analysis provides only a partial guide to the dynamics unfolding in the world’s major urban centres. Our unique suite of forecasting services covers over 8,000 cities and regions across the world, providing regularly updated data, forecasts and analysis for each location. Our city consultants also work in the areas of urban and regional development, bespoke model building and location benchmarking. 

Global Industry (London) 

Our global industry team provides historical and forecast data on production, investment and profit trends at a granular level for over 100 sectors in 77 countries to inform our clients’ business planning.  It also undertakes detailed bespoke forecasting on prospects and risks to clients’ own product sales and input costs. 

Macro Consulting and Scenarios (London and Belfast) 

Our clients need to understand the implications of the major risks to the world economy for their businesses, whether from rapidly rising inflation, geopolitical events or climate change. Our Global Economic Model is the ideal tool for quantifying the impact of these risks, both for our Global Scenarios and Climate Services, and on a bespoke basis (e.g., for stress tests required by banks). Our macro scenarios and consulting team also undertakes research to position our clients as thought leaders on topical issues. 

Economic Impact (London) 

We show the social, environmental, and economic impact of our clients’ activities and help communicate these to key stakeholders. Our work ranges from in-depth modelling and quantification of the effects of economic policy changes for governments to detailed quantification of the footprint of companies on particular communities. 

Tourism Economics (London and Belfast) 

Tourism Economics is an Oxford Economics company dedicated to forecasting and analytical consulting in the tourism sector. We combine an understanding of the travel sector with proven economic tools to answer the most important questions facing our clients. Our work ranges from tracking, modelling and forecasting travel sector performance, to quantifying the economic impact of visitors, events and destination marketing, to conducting policy and market analysis and bespoke research. We provide quarterly updated global forecasts to clients which cover 185 countries and over 300 cities, consistent with the economic outlook for origins and destinations.    

Training Opportunities 

Graduate Economists will have the opportunity to partake in a diverse range of training opportunities, including formal training sessions designed to support you in reaching your professional and personal development goals. You will be supported by comprehensive training on the unique technical and business skills needed to handle economics projects, forecasts, and research. 

Other training helps you to hone your communication, project management, presentation, and advanced econometric and Excel skills. This training will be delivered via short courses, on-the-job training, and a group project.  

Your first few weeks at Oxford Economics will include a carefully curated schedule of training with leading economists, HR professionals, marketing, and program alumni.  You will learn more about the work of all of the teams across Oxford Economics and get practical training on topics such as: 

• Using the Oxford Economics Global Economic Model 
• Haver, Power BI and Tableau  
• Econometrics applications 
• Data tools 
• Writing skills 

The Working Environment  

Although a large global organisation with more than 500 staff in total, we strive to retain the best features of our original start-up environment. We cultivate entrepreneurial thinking by supporting staff to pursue opportunities and map their own career paths. This means an informal but hard-working culture. We offer a hybrid working model for our graduates, with three days in the office and two days from home.   

With more than 20 offices around the world, you will have the opportunity to explore your interests on a global scale. As well as working hard, we encourage employees to volunteer in the community. There are regular social events and staff parties, and more informal lunchtime and evening activities, often organised by individuals. 

Requirements  

Oxford Economics’ graduate employment program is for high-achieving candidates with a passion for economics who want to apply their understanding of economics to real world issues. You must be able to put together logical economic arguments and explain them convincingly to economists and non-economists alike. You will need to be a fast learner with strong analytical skills and keen attention to detail. You should be comfortable meeting tight deadlines and working under your own initiative. 

Successful candidates are highly numerate and have excellent technical skills. They work well with others, take responsibility for the quality and timeliness of their work, and demonstrate a creative approach to problem-solving. The ability to communicate clearly and concisely is essential, as is fluency in English.  

We welcome applications from those who meet the following requirements: 

• A degree in economics or a closely related subject, preferably at postgraduate level 
• An excellent academic record 
• Fluent English, both written and spoken 
• A demonstrable interest in economics 
• Some work experience, whether paid or voluntary (highly desirable) 
• The right to work in the UK (or the country for which you are applying). 
• We also consider applications from recent graduates with experience in academic research, the civil service, financial services, or consultancy. 

How To Apply  

Please submit a CV and covering letter to [email protected]  

In your covering letter please 1) list the three teams you would prefer to complete rotations with during the programme, and 2) whether you prefer to be based in London or Belfast.   

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis starting from Wednesday, 25th September, so we recommend submitting your application as soon as possible for consideration. We acknowledge all applications and will contact you by email if we wish to proceed with your candidacy. 

Oxford Economics is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, colour, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by the law.  

Select to close video modal

Select to close video modal Play Video Select to play video

• Remember me Not recommended on shared computers

Forgot your password?

MSc Economics for Development at Oxford

By Jane Austin January 6, 2009 in PhD in Economics

• Reply to this topic
• Start new topic

Recommended Posts

Jane austin.

I am interested in applying for the MSc Economics for Development at Oxford and Mphil Development Studies at Cambridge but I am very worried about my weak GRE score (Q-740, V540, AW-4). I graduated with 3.7 GPA (economics major & math minor) from a not so well known Canadian university and have been working as a research analyst at The World Bank for more than 2 years now. I am more interested in the MSc Economics for Development course and would appreciate your comments on my admission prospect .

Many thanks in advance.

Link to comment

Share on other sites, connemara pony.

I'm not 100% sure, but I think the GRE score would hold you back a bit in terms of the oxford course.

As far as I'm aware the Cambridge course doesn't require a GRE(I'm nearly certain about this) or it didn't used to anyways.

It probably does, but if it's development you're into do development not economics. Unless you specifically want to be an economist.

I couldn't agree more. I only mentioned it because the OP hadn't mentioned any of the 3-4 less 'economicy' courses that Oxford's dept of development offer in development studies.

Yeah. I kinda half wish I had done development....although I was less into it when I first applied.

• 2 months later...

PLEASE EVALUATE MY PROFILE FOR MSc. Economics for Development at Oxford

BA Hons economics from Indian University (University of Delhi) with 69% till second year (73% being highest in class).

Economics Courses: Principles of economics in first year. Intermediate level Micro and Macro economics, Economic history courses (2), International Economics optional course in third year along with one each in Development Economics and Economic Systems. Also have opted for Advanced Microeconomics and Public Economics in third year

Maths Courses: Mathematics for Economics (Including Multivariate calculas and other methods used in economics) and an optional course in Mulitvariate calculus and Linear Algebra. Scored 74% in first course but 50% in second course (which also saw a lower marks in overall university that year).

Statistics Courses: Probability, Sampling, Econometrics in third year along with application of statistical software packages

GRE Score: 730 Quantitative and 570 verbal (80th Percentile Each) and 4 in analytical sectio (37 percentile). I plan to retake GRE in august this year .

Publication: An Independent Undergraduate research paper in development economics (Growth theory). Thi paper is accpeted for publishing in an International economics journal "Issues in Political Economy" published by university of elon, US

Presentations: This paper has recently been selected for presentation at the Economics scholar's programme organized by Austin college and federal reserve bank for dallas in dallas-Texas, US. Apart from that i have presented papers in many Inter University Economics Conferences and was awarded best paper in many of them.

Research Experience (Prospective): I am accepted by a policy research organization in India, as an intern, to research on a project, for which i send them a proposal. This organization has not accpeted undergraduate students from india so far through their selection procedure, they only accpet either US undergraduates or Postgraduate students from top Economics school of India.

Recommendations: From my college profs (One from the head of the department of Economics), they have written very good about me, specially about my research interests and written works. along with my interest in development economics.

Along with it, I am appointed as the Chief Editor of the Economics Journal brought out by the Economics Society of my College.

Concerns: Low University score of 69%. Accpeted students from India generally have score in quite a bit access of 70%, say 72-75%. My other research credentials are good but i am not sure how much attention is given by admission committe on them, which can substitute my low university score.

Please evaluate my chances to get admitted in this course.

Hey deep.19,

I cannot comment on your CGPA unless its on a 4.0 scale. Other than that your profile looks pretty strong to me. IMO, LORs carry a lot of weight so solid LORs may help taking the focus off your CGPA score. And you also get the opportunity to impress the adcom with two pieces of written work.

I know someone got in with 710/720Q. Retaking the GRE is a good decision only if one manages to do better. I didn't risk it as I was not very sure.;)

I applied to the MSc ED this year and will share the outcome of my application.

Hey deep.19,   I cannot comment on your CGPA unless its on a 4.0 scale. Other than that your profile looks pretty strong to me. IMO, LORs carry a lot of weight so solid LORs may help taking the focus off your CGPA score. And you also get the opportunity to impress the adcom with two pieces of written work.   I know someone got in with 710/720Q. Retaking the GRE is a good decision only if one manages to do better. I didn't risk it as I was not very sure.;)   I applied to the MSc ED this year and will share the outcome of my application.     Jane

Thanyou for your suggestions jane. I think i will improve in the quant section so i wont take the risk of getting rejected on grounds of GRE score. the CGPA thing is like from india students who are accpeted have their normal percentages in the range of 71-75%. I have 69%, but this year i will atleast try to maintain it or score better.....

Do you think the credentials like my paper and offer from a policy research organization will be able to substitute for a 4-5 percent short in my university marks??

Please suggest something

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

×   Pasted as rich text.    Restore formatting

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.    Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.    Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

• Insert image from URL
• Submit Reply
• Existing user? Sign In
• Online Users
• Leaderboard
• All Activity
• Create New...

Sample Economics Personal Statement (admitted to Oxford, Cambridge, LSE)

by Talha Omer, M.Eng., Cornell Grad

In personal statement samples by field.

The following personal statement is written by an applicant who got accepted to top graduate programs in economics. Variations of this personal statement got accepted at Oxford, Cambridge, and LSE. Read this essay to get inspiration and understand what a top economics school PS should look like.

You might also be interested in reading this Statement of Purpose in Economics  that got admitted to Harvard, Yale and Princeton.

Sample Personal Statement Economics

“Flick…chuggachuggachuggaa…puttt-putttt-puutttttt…rizzzz…”

The sounds coming from near the doorway may have startled an outsider but were barely noticed by the people lounging on charpoys and mooras (wicker stools). With the atmosphere abuzz with their chatter, the sputtering sound of the diesel generator lent more time to catch up as the bulbs lit up and fans whirred on throughout the haveli (palace) on an otherwise hot evening. But on days when it refused to crackle, my grandmother would enkindle gas lanterns filling the veranda with hissing sounds and soothing moonlight rays.

I still cherish these memories from my childhood trips to XYZ, my native village, some 450kms from the closest city. At the time, the short sojourns from Kuwait felt rather adventurous. However, the perspective turned wrong when I permanently moved to XYZ. Due to unannounced electricity breakdowns, we would find ourselves groping in the dark to the closest candle stand while sweating in the scorching summer.

And just when we thought it couldn’t get worse, the occasional power breakdowns segued into a full-blown crisis of the decade. Over the next seven years, we witnessed unprecedented power outages averaging 15-18 hours daily. People weren’t just lamenting the loss of mental peace; they were mourning the monetary losses worth billions of rupees translating into 1.5% of GDP.

Fast forward 15 years, and I found myself in a position to alleviate the situation. As Deputy Administrative Head of the Government’s Economic Affairs division, I administer a departmental budget worth $500 million. I am currently undertaking solarization projects. A recent shift towards renewables has occurred after public unrest during the early decade led to hasty investments in thermal-based power plants. Unfortunately, seven years later, we are still reeling from the aftermath of a bitter public backlash as we have the lowest regional electricity consumption per capita.

In addition to high tariffs, the energy sector has been marred by the accumulation of circular debt of $30 billion. This has been caused by multiple factors, such as electricity theft, transmission losses, and non-payment of dues. Having worked in Economic Affairs Division, I have also been part of a team that took massive power sector reforms, including:

• elimination of subsidies
• policy formulation on electricity theft and conservation 
• overhaul of sectoral regulatory bodies
• privatization of distribution companies et al.

However, as the Program ended, so did the reforms.

Regrettably, negative externalities from these energy woes have had spillover effects on all socio-economic sectors. The environment has especially poorly been affected by the process for the lack of an integrated generation and transmission policy framework in the renewable industry. Being a lower riparian state has also exacerbated climate change. We face extreme weather conditions – floods, droughts, smog, and diminishing water tables. Unable to agree on water issues not covered under the Indus Water Treaty has led to regular skirmishes and legal battles in the International Court of Justice.

Given the background, my country’s economic and Energy woes require a holistic understanding of the subject. This makes Economic policy specializing in Energy the right choice for my graduate studies. Furthermore, I can become an effective leader and economist in the sector through the interdisciplinary pedagogical approach covering policy, economics, management, law; practical skills; quantitative and qualitative analysis within an international context.

My aim is socio-economic development in tandem with confidence-building measures and strategic partnerships with the neighboring countries. Studying at Oxford will provide this learning opportunity in and out of the class as I will interact with some of the most brilliant minds worldwide and work in teams with them. I also look forward to student-led events, conferences, guest lectures, field trips, and panel discussions to augment my understanding of supranational political demands. This will help me lead economic policy reforms for the next 25 years.

WANT MORE AMAZING ARTICLES ON GRAD SCHOOL PERSONAL STATEMENTS?

• 100+ Outstanding Examples of Personal Statements
• The Ultimate Guide to Writing a Winning Personal Statement
• Common Pitfalls to Avoid in Your Personal Statement
• Writing a Killer Opening Paragraph for Your Personal Statement
• Ideal Length for a Graduate School Personal Statement
• 100 Inspiring Quotes to Jumpstart Your Personal Statement

Sample Personal Statement for Masters in International Business

Sample Personal Statement for Masters in International Business My journey began amidst the kaleidoscope of Qatar's landscapes, setting the stage for a life attuned to cultural nuances. Transitioning to Riyadh in my teens, I absorbed a mosaic of traditions, sparking a...

Sample Personal Statement for Family Medicine Residency

Personal Statement Prompt: A personal letter is required. We are looking for mature, enthusiastic physicians who bring with them a broad range of life experiences, are committed to providing excellent patient care, and can embrace the depth and breadth of experiences...

[2024] 4 Law School Personal Statement Examples from Top Programs

In this article, I will discuss 4 law school personal statement samples. These statements have been written by successful applicants who gained admission to prestigious US Law schools like Yale, Harvard, and Stanford. The purpose of these examples is to demonstrate...

Sample Personal Statement Cybersecurity

In this article, I will be providing a sample grad school personal statement in the field of cybersecurity. This sample was written by an applicant who got admitted into George Mason, Northeastern and Arizona State University. This example aims to show how prospective...

100+ Grad School Personal Statement Examples

Introduction Importance of a Strong Personal Statement A personal statement is essential in the graduate school application process, as it plays a significant role in shaping the admissions committee's perception of you. In fact, a survey conducted by the Council of...

WANT AMAZING ARTICLES ON GRAD SCHOOL PERSONAL STATEMENTS?

• 100+ Personal Statement Templates

Browser does not support script.

• Events and Seminars
• The Beverage Report Podcast

PhD Economics admissions FAQs

The information below relates to 2024/5 entry and is currently being updated. please check back later for updated guidance on the process of application and admission to our mres/phd economics programme starting in 2025.

LSE has a well-established infrastructure for admitting and funding PhD students in the Department of Economics. We have a Chair and committee for both PhD Admissions and PhD Recruitment. In addition we have a dedicated professional staff at School and Department level dealing with funding and admissions. Applications are processed centrally through the  Graduate Admissions Office .

There is a strict application deadline for the PhD Economics 2024 entry. All applicants are advised to read the  MRes/PhD Economics 2024 prospectus page .

Admissions FAQs (2024 entry)

Below you will find various FAQS categorised by application , post application , funding and programme queries.

Application queries

1. when is the application deadline for the phd economics .

For direct entry to the PhD Economics programme there is an application deadline of  14 December 2023 . Complete applications must be received by the LSE Graduate Admissions Office by 23.59hrs (UK time) on 14 December 2023. We will not be able to accept any materials that arrive after the deadline; only complete applications supplied with all required supporting information by 14 December 2023 will be considered.

2. How should I apply?

Applications must be submitted via  LSE’s Online Application System  and are processed through LSE’s central  Graduate Admissions Office . All applicants are advised to read the  Department of Economics 2024 prospectus page  (for entry in 2024).

3. When should I apply?

The deadline to submit an application is 23.59hrs (UK time) 14 December 2023. Candidates are encouraged to apply early rather than wait until very close to the deadline to avoid unforeseen circumstances (eg. technical issues) preventing timely submission. Applicants who are considering re-taking the GRE test to improve their scores should do so in time to submit their new scores by the application deadline.  The Department cannot accept new GRE scores after the application deadline. 

4. What are the entry requirements? 

Entry requirements for the PhD Economics are stated on the departmental prospectus page . See also the LSE Minimum Entry Requirements including information for international students .

For details about the programme itself, see the Department of Economics Research Programmes  and the prospectus pages. See also details of the PhD Economics coursework requirements .

5. What should my application include?

Your application should include:

• An application form
• Application fee
• Statement of academic purpose
• Transcripts
• Two academic references
• Research statement (see guidance on the Research statement below)
• A separate list of all the courses you are currently taking and/or will be taking (if you are currently undertaking a degree programme)
• English language test scores (if applicable - see English language requirements )

For a full explanation of what you need to supply, please see Graduate Admissions advice on  How to Apply and guide to Supporting Documents .

6. How can I get help with the application process?

Questions about the mechanics of the application process should be submitted to LSE’s central Graduate Admissions Office . See how you can Contact the Graduate Admissions Office . A full range of Graduate Admissions guidance and information is available via their Graduate Knowledge Base  page. If you do not find the answer to your question there, please follow the “ I Need Help ” link which allows you to contact the Graduate Admissions Office by email or Live Chat.  

7. Do I need to submit a written sample? 

No, applicants to the PhD Economics are not required to submit a sample of their written work. We will, however, require a research statement.

8. Do I need to submit a Statement of academic purpose as well as a Research statement? 

Yes, the Statement of academic purpose is a school-wide requirement as it helps our academic selectors understand your personal motivation for undertaking the programme and gives you the opportunity to explain your academic strengths, relevant interests and tell us what you can bring to the programme. This Statement can be brief (ideally not exceeding 1000 words). 

9. What should my Research statement contain? 

Your Research statement should be submitted in place of the Outline research proposal, along with your application form and other required supporting documents, via the LSE online application system.

Please answer the following questions clearly and concisely. Max 200 words per question.

• Why do you want to do research in economics?
• Can you explain how your studies and experience make you suitable to do research in economics?
• Which aspect of the PhD do you think you will like the most? Which will you dislike the most? Why?
• Tell us about your favourite paper in economics. What do you like about it? How would you improve it?
• Write a comment for a general audience on ONE of the following topics (i) Is inequality good for growth?   (ii) Do immigrants take the jobs of native workers?   (iii) Is CEO compensation excessive? (iv) Is universal minimum income a good idea? (v) Overall, has central banks' move to inflation targeting been a success? (vi) Is culture an important determinant of differences in income per capita across countries? (vii) Markets function well as information is aggregated efficiently through prices. (viii) Elections are effective at disciplining politicians who do not have the public interest as their main goal.

10. How can I demonstrate research potential?

If you have served as research assistant for an economist please ask that person to write a letter focussing on your research skills and describe your experience – reference point 2 (above) of the research statement.

If not, please list any evidence you think would be valuable. Examples include but are not restricted to: experience working autonomously under stress without any guidance, demonstration of creativity in any form, experience of writing original research.

11. Should my application include a diversity statement?

LSE is committed to building a diverse, equitable and truly inclusive university, a vision the Department of Economics fully supports. We believe strongly in expanding the diversity of our graduate student body and invite you to share your experiences, values, perspectives, and/or activities that shape you as a PhD candidate and align with these commitments as part of your statement of academic purpose.

Should a candidate submit a diversity statement as part of their statement of academic purpose the information provided will help the selection committee to contextualise the application; however, it will not play a part in assessing a candidate’s suitability for the MREs/PhD Economics programme. 

12. Can I contact faculty in advance, with a request to be my PhD supervisor? 

This is neither necessary nor desirable. Applicants must submit a complete application by the published deadline. There is a formal review process whereby the Department will decide if we can offer candidates a place on the programme. The allocation of a supervisor is done after completion of Year 1 of the programme, based on each student's area of interest and availability of faculty. There is no presumption that a student will be allocated the supervisor of their own choice, or any member of faculty they may have contacted before/during the application process.

13. Do I need to submit a GRE (Graduate Record Examination) score? 

All applicants must have taken the GRE General Test  and must include the test score with their application. For details of how to take the test, see the ETS website. The GRE has three sections: Verbal, Quantitative and Analytical. High GRE scores, especially in the Quantitative section, will further strengthen a good application. Most successful PhD Economics applicants have scores of 166 or more in the quantitative section. Applicants must enter their full and percentile GRE scores for all three sections. The test scores should be less than five years old on 1 October 2024.

14. Can I request an exemption on the GRE score requirement? 

GRE is a compulsory requirement, irrespective of the MRes/PhD Economics applicant’s academic background. Normally, no GRE waiver is possible.  However, applicants faced with exceptional and  unavoidable  circumstances may submit a waiver request by email, with relevant supporting information, to the Department’s admissions team .  The Selection Committee will consider such requests on a case-by-case basis and the GRE waiver cannot be guaranteed. NB. Please note that booking a late GRE test date will normally not be considered sufficient grounds for a waiver.

15. Can I submit an application solely for the MRes?

No, the MRes is an integral stage of the PhD Economics programme, and may only be taken by students who are committed to completing a PhD, subject to satisfying progression requirements.

16. Can I transfer from a PhD programme at another University?  

Applicants who commence/are already undertaking a PhD programme in another institution will not normally be allowed to transfer directly into a later stage of our PhD Economics. Such applicants would be expected to submit a full application to the programme like any other candidate and, if offered a place, would be required to undertake all parts of the course from the start of the programme, i.e. they would be registered as MRes students and undertake both years of the taught MRes programme along with the rest of the cohort. Exemption from parts of the PhD Economics, on grounds of having studied certain topics at a previous institution, will not normally be permitted.

17. Who should I contact for further information and advice?

If you have a query about our postgraduate Economics programmes that is not addressed above, or on the departmental website, contact the  Department of Economics postgraduate admissions team .  Please note that we are not able to reply to questions that constitute a request for an informal assessment. Applicants who have questions about their eligibility should consult the   Department of Economics prospectus page .

All enquiries about the application process must be addressed to LSE’s central  Graduate Admissions Office .

Post application queries

18. do you hold an open day.

As part of our recruitment process successful offer holders are invited to attend an Open Day where they will be able to meet and network with faculty and current MRes/PhD Economics students.

Applicants are, of course, very welcome to visit LSE on their own and attend a guided or self-guided tour – see more details about a visit to LSE . 

LSE also has many  public events  which are often open to all, although some do require a ticket.  There are also LSE Virtual Open Day events - for more information and to register your interest please visit the LSE Webpage .

19. What happens to my application after I click submit?

During this phase, the Graduate Admissions team conducts checks to ensure you have included all of the required documents with your application. Please note, the Department will not receive your application until you have supplied all of the required documents, which must be submitted by the application deadline. 

Once the deadline passes and the Department receives all complete applications the Selection Committee begins its review of all applications, until they arrive at a final shortlist of candidates. This process usually takes around 4 weeks at the end of which the Committee holds its final meeting to decide on who to make an offer to.

NB: The Department of Economics does not hold interviews as part of its selection process. 

After the Selection Committee meeting, all applicants who are offered a place on the PhD Economics programme are reviewed by the Funding committee for consideration of all funding at our disposal. The Department cannot guarantee that all of those offered places to study will also be offered funding. 

From early March onward, formal offers will be sent out by the LSE Graduate Admissions Office after carrying out its standard checks. The Department will also contact candidates to whom we wish to offer a place on the PhD Economics. At that stage, each candidate will be advised if they have been awarded funding, waitlisted for funding or have not been allocated funding at all. 

Candidates who are unsuccessful will be informed of the final decision by the Graduate Admissions Office. We typically expect this decision to be communicated to you around the beginning of March. 

20. When will I get my decision on my PhD Economics?

Admissions decisions will be made by a committee in the Department of Economics. Applicants will be informed of the decision by early March 2024. If your application is successful, we expect you to let us know by 15 April 2024 whether you are planning to enrol.

21. What are my chances of admission?

The admission committee reviews all applications and offers a place to those candidates with sufficient research potential.

Applicants who have questions about their eligibility for applying to research programmes at LSE should consult the  LSE Minimum Entry Requirements   and the  programme-specific  page for the programme to which they intend to apply. Also see  additional information for international students . Meeting the minimum requirements is not a guarantee of admission. In fact, most successful candidates exceed one or more of the requirements.

We regret that we cannot provide any further information or comment on an individual's chances of admission prior to receiving a complete formal application. The committee will make their decision based on all the information submitted with the application, which should be submitted online to the central  Graduate Admissions Office .

Funding queries

22. is there a separate process to apply for phd economics funding.

There is no separate process to apply for any funding which is administered and awarded by LSE - as a matter of normal procedure, all applicants who are offered a place on our PhD Economics would be considered for all types of funding at our disposal and for which they are eligible, on the basis of the information submitted in their application - see  Costs and financial aid  

As competition for places is very high and competition for funding is even more intense, we may not be able to offer funding to all PhD Economics students, hence applicants are advised to actively explore all sources of potential funding – see information in the School's  Financial Support Office  pages  (please check regularly for 2024 information updates) . 

23. Will there be funding options available once I've started the PhD Economics

Offer holders are expected to only take up a place on the PhD Economics if they have funds in place to finish their degree; please be aware that it's very unlikely there will be any funding available from the Department of Economics to fund PhD Economics students after they have started their degree. While there might be limited sources of funding at later stages of the PhD, e.g. from teaching or research assistant positions, these cannot be guaranteed nor can specific amounts (if any) be estimated at this stage. 

24. Will my financial status be a factor in the selection process?

Admissions decisions are made on the basis of academic merit alone, without any reference to an applicant’s financial situation. Applicants who are able to fund themselves or succeed in securing a scholarship or sponsorship from any source will be considered for entry to the programme in exactly the same way as applicants who have no funding in place. The same procedures and standards apply to all applicants competing for entry.

Programme queries

25. What can you tell me about the structure of the programme?

See the prospectus page for the PhD Economics programme – section “ Programme structure and courses” . The PhD Economics programme is grounded in two years of coursework through the MRes component followed by three to four years of research through the PhD.

Also see the LSE A cademic Calendar  for all Research Students at LSE, where clicking on “Programme Regulations” and “Research Course Guides” will give you detailed insight into the topics covered in each programme of study. 

26. Is the PhD Economics offered on a part-time basis?

The PhD Economics is only offered on a full-time basis.

27. How does the programme differ from the US and European programmes?

The programme has the standard structure of top US programmes with compulsory coursework in the first two years and research thereafter.  As in most US programmes, students take core courses in year one and field courses in year two.

28. Can I progress to the PhD Economics via an MSc programme at LSE?

There will no longer be automatic and direct progression from any LSE programme into our MRes/PhD Economics from the 2024/5 academic cycle.  Students registered in the LSE Department of Economics during the 2023/4 academic year, who wish to be considered for 2024 entry to the MRes/PhD Economics would need to submit the standard full application package by the deadline for 2024 entry (14 December 2023).  All applicants - including LSE students - will be given equal consideration, as part of the MRes/PhD Economics' standard process for admission as well as funding.  

Graduate Admissions

Graduate Funding

The Department is committed to providing excellent support to graduate students. We offer a range of internal and external scholarships and support schemes for graduate students to help with tuition fees and maintenance costs. The department is currently extending its graduate funding. We offer full funding to our MPhil+DPhil students for the first five years of the programme. In addition, we offer full funding or complement external funding to most of our DPhil and PRS/DPhil students for the first three years of the doctoral programme, with a potential extension to a fourth-year funding. We hope to be able to extend this funding to all our DPhil-PRS/DPhil students.

The standard full funding package covers tuition fees and maintenance costs at the UKRI level for the first two years of the DPhil. In the third year of the DPhil, tuition fees or continuation charges (as applicable) are covered, together with a stipend, which, if complemented with a Graduate Teaching Assistantship, amounts to the UKRI stipend. 

In order to succeed in funding all our DPhil students, it is important that students apply to all eligible funding sources.

Many of our students are funded by the Economic and Social Research Council via the Grand Union Doctoral Training Partnership . To be considered for this funding scheme, candidates must select ‘ESRC Grand Union DTP Studentships in Social Sciences’ in the University of Oxford scholarships section of the University's graduate application form. You must also complete a Grand Union DTP Application Form and upload it, together with your graduate application form, by the relevant January deadline for your course. See the Grand Union DTP website for more information on ESRC funding . ESRC awards are open to all candidates (including international students), however DTPs are limited to awarding a maximum of 30% of studentships to international students.

All successful MPhil and DPhil applicants who apply by the 19th January 2024 are automatically considered for internal University funding from over 70 scholarship funds for which they meet the eligibility criteria.

There are also over 15 University scholarship schemes that require additional application. Please check whether you are eligible for those. You may use the Fees, Funding and Scholarship Search tool to identify the schemes that suit you.

Four fully funded Swire S cholarships are available for applicants who are permanent residents of Japan, Chinese mainland or Hong Kong SAR and have completed the majority of their formal education in their country/region of permanent residency. For all those who will commence study on a course offered by St Antony's College in 2024/25 (both MPhil and DPhil applicants are eligible). Swire Scholarships | St Antony's College (ox.ac.uk) . This scholarship requires a separate application and candidates need to complete an online form and submit it by 5pm (UK time) on 4th March 2024.

St Antony's DAC Economics Scholarship is open to an incoming graduate student applying for MPhil Economics who has completed their undergraduate degrees in countries that receive official development assistance from the OECD (a full list can be found here) .

The funding deadline for all graduate courses in the Department of Economics is the 19th January 2024. Applications submitted after this date will not be considered for funding offered by Oxford. Funding deadlines for other University courses can be found on the relevant course page on the Graduate Admissions website .

The University provides guidance for funding from a variety of external sources depending on specialisation and geographic area.

In recent years, our MPhil and DPhil students are funded among others by the following scholarships:

In addition, the Department offers a small number of bursaries 1  to second and third-year DPhil students who have not secured full funding from other sources.

DPhil students staying for a fourth year can also apply for a bursary for an additional year of funding. The coverage of the fourth year is like the standard third-year DPhil Funding.

For final-year DPhil students in macroeconomics or finance or related fields, the Department offers the David Walton Distinguished Doctoral Scholarships for one year. Successful candidates undertake an internship of up to three months duration with either the Bank of England or Goldman Sachs, or possibly the Treasury Department, for which they will be paid separately by the host organisation.

The Department actively hires MPhil and DPhil students as Research Assistants and DPhil students as Graduate Teaching Assistants throughout the academic year in order to provide students with valuable research and teaching experience, increase financial support, and stimulate students to contribute to the academic and research activities at the Department. All students, funded and unfunded, are welcome to apply for those.

Current students receive a call for applications to bursaries and Graduate Teaching Assistantships every year in Hillary term.

We also have smaller internal pots of money to support various research-related activities, such as conference attendance and research assistance, including the George Webb Medley and Oxford Economics Papers funds.

1  The coverage of bursaries is similar to the standard full funding package for the corresponding year.

Fees and funding

Graduate study at Oxford is a rewarding experience, but also a significant investment. We seek applications from students of the very highest calibre, irrespective of background or personal circumstances. 

This section provides information about the wide variety of funding opportunities available at Oxford and helps you to calculate your living costs.

Oxford funding

Find out more about scholarships, Research Council funding and studentships. 

External funding

Guidance on the external funding and resources that might be available to you.

Information about UK master’s loans, US loans and other loan schemes.

Fees and other charges

Detailed information on course fees and other fees.

Living costs

Calculate how much it will cost to live in Oxford.

Financial Declaration

Information on Oxford’s Financial Declaration process.

Funding opportunities for graduate students

There are many opportunities to fund your study at Oxford, many of which also offer further benefits and opportunities to enrich your experience of graduate life.

Can't find what you're looking for?

If you have a query about graduate admissions at Oxford, we're here to help:

Ask a question