About this opportunity
A doctorate in economics is a long apprenticeship, and the difference between finishing and stalling is usually funding and supervision. The Department of Economics at Royal Holloway, University of London has a full time PhD studentship open to UK, EU and international students, with the department's
Application timeline
set at 12 noon on Friday 11 December 2026.
The studentship is worth 22,780 GBP, to be confirmed, and that figure includes a 2,000 GBP London allowance. The programme runs over four years full time, with advanced economics training in the first year, and an eight year part time route is also available for those who need it.
Royal Holloway's department is deliberately small. Over 98 percent of its economics and econometrics research was rated world leading or internationally excellent in the most recent UK wide research assessment, and recent graduate placements include the London School of Economics, Bristol University, University of Stirling, the Max Planck Institute in Bonn, the European Bank of Reconstruction and Development and the National Institute of Economic Research.
Benefits and support
A four year full time PhD studentship in economics, with a part time route of eight years also offered.
Funding of 22,780 GBP, to be confirmed, including a 2,000 GBP London allowance.
Advanced economics training during the first year of the programme.
Partner institution status in the South East Doctoral Training Arc, SEDarc, a partnership of six leading UK universities funded by the Economic and Social Research Council that awards student led scholarships each year on a competitive basis.
A small department with an established placement record into academia, research organisations, governments, international bodies and the private sector.
Eligibility
Applicants with an MSc in Economics or a related field demonstrating good quantitative skills.
Students without an MSc who are willing to apply to the department's combined MSc and PhD programmes.
UK students, EU students and international students, since the advert lists the funding for all three groups.
Eligibility
Funding is stated for UK students, EU students and international students.
Study is full time over four years, or part time over eight years, at Egham.
Applicants are expected to consult the department's research centres when looking for a potential supervisor.
Documents to prepare
Academic transcripts and degree certificates evidencing an MSc in Economics or a related quantitative field.
A research proposal aligned with a potential supervisor's expertise.
A curriculum vitae.
Referee details, as required by the University's postgraduate research
Application steps
Application steps
Review the department's research and supervision areas at https://www.royalholloway.ac.uk/research-and-education/subjects/economics/ and identify a potential supervisor.
Consult the University's postgraduate research guidance at https://www.royalholloway.ac.uk/studying-here/applying/research-degrees/how-to-apply/ under
Application steps
Assemble the application, transcripts and research proposal, and name the intended supervisor.
Submit before the Department of Economics
Application timeline
of 12 noon on Friday 11 December 2026.
For the SEDarc student led scholarships, follow the university's SEDarc page, where details on
Application steps
for that funding are placed in the autumn.
Selection process
The department assesses applications on academic profile, quantitative preparation and supervisory fit with its research centres. The separate SEDarc scholarships are awarded each year on a competitive basis across the six partner universities of the South East Doctoral Training Arc.
Application timeline
12 noon on Friday 11 December 2026, UK time.
Important Notes
The funding figure of 22,780 GBP is marked by the university as to be confirmed.
Details on
Application steps
for SEDarc funding are placed on the university's SEDarc page in the autumn, so the studentship route and the departmental
Application timeline
should be tracked separately.
What you receive
- A four year full time PhD studentship in the Department of Economics at Royal Holloway, with a part time route of eight years also offered
- Funding of 22,780 GBP, to be confirmed, including a 2,000 GBP London allowance
- Advanced economics training in the first year of a four year programme
- Access to the South East Doctoral Training Arc, SEDarc, which awards student led scholarships each year on a competitive basis
- A small department with a record of graduate placements into academia, research organisations, governments, international bodies and the private sector
Who can apply
- Funding is open to UK students, EU students and international students
- An MSc in Economics or a related field demonstrating good quantitative skills
- Applicants without an MSc can apply to the department's combined MSc and PhD programmes
- Full time study over four years, or part time over eight years
Who should not apply
- The department asks potential applicants to identify a potential supervisor before applying, so a project with no supervisory fit will not progress
Documents to prepare
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates evidencing an MSc in Economics or a related quantitative field
- A research proposal aligned with a potential supervisor's expertise
- A curriculum vitae
- Contact details for referees, as required by the university application process
How to apply
- Read the department's research and supervision areas at https://www.royalholloway.ac.uk/research-and-education/subjects/economics/ and identify a potential supervisor
- Consult the University's postgraduate research application guidance at https://www.royalholloway.ac.uk/studying-here/applying/research-degrees/how-to-apply/ under how to apply
- Prepare the application, transcripts and research proposal, and name the intended supervisor
- Submit through the University application route before the Department of Economics deadline of 12 noon on Friday 11 December 2026
- For the SEDarc student led scholarships, watch the university's SEDarc page, where details on how to apply for that funding are placed in the autumn
Selection process
- The Department of Economics assesses applications against academic profile and quantitative preparation, and against supervisory fit with the department's research centres
- SEDarc scholarships are awarded on a competitive basis each year across the six partner universities of the South East Doctoral Training Arc
Sources and verification
- Official source , Discovered by the opportunity automation module.
Questions applicants ask
Can international students apply for this studentship?
Yes. The advert lists the funding as open to UK students, EU students and international students.
Do I need an MSc to apply?
Applicants should normally have an MSc in Economics or a related field demonstrating good quantitative skills. Students without an MSc can apply to the department's combined MSc and PhD programmes instead.
Is there a part time route?
Yes. The department offers full time study over four years and part time study over eight years.
Important disclaimer
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