Pathway available at Bath, Bristol and Exeter
Pursuing a PhD in Economics is a profound academic and intellectual journey that delves deep into the world of economic theories, policies, and practices. It is a rigorous and demanding process that typically takes several years to complete, but the rewards are substantial.
At its core, an Economics PhD involves advanced coursework in economic theory, econometrics, and research methods, providing students with a solid foundation to explore complex economic issues. Doctoral candidates are encouraged to specialize in specific areas of economics, which can range from microeconomics and macroeconomics to behavioural economics, environmental economics, and more. This specialization allows students to become experts in their chosen field.
The heart of a PhD in Economics lies in original research. Students are expected to conduct in-depth, empirical research to contribute new knowledge to the field. This often entails collecting and analysing data, developing economic models, and drawing conclusions that inform policy and decision-making.
During the PhD you will have an option of working on a wide range of areas, including, health outcomes, designing health interventions in low and high income countries, empowerment of women, structural transformation of an economy, behaviour and decision making by individuals and groups, and migration and gender among others. You will also have an option in using a wide range and state of the art methodology. These will include experimental economics, randomised control trials, using big data, and machine learning.
Earning a PhD in Economics can open doors to diverse career opportunities. While some graduates choose to pursue careers in academia, many find themselves in high-demand roles in government, international organizations, financial institutions, consulting firms, and various sectors of the private industry. Economists play a pivotal role in shaping economic policies, conducting market analyses, and driving business strategies.
An economics PhD can be considered a pathway to becoming an expert in a specific field of economics and more generally in social science, contributing to knowledge and influencing economic decision-making, all while opening doors to a wide array of career opportunities.