Overview

The PhD in Economics programme aims to develop rigorous scholars who can advance both academic knowledge and practice in the area of economics. There is a strong emphasis on the policy implications and societal impact of their research.

How You'll Learn

As a PhD student, you will attend supervision meetings, lectures, seminars, and practical lab/workshop sessions. You will be expected to engage in formal training more heavily during your first year of studies. However, you will continue to have training opportunities throughout your PhD. These opportunities are provided both internally and externally.

Your Development

Along with the training offered at a Faculty level (Humanities and Social Sciences), the Economics group offers a series of training and development modules to PhD students. These modules run across the two semesters and include:

• NBS8565 Applied Time Series Econometrics (semester 1)
• NBS8564 Research Practice in Economics and Finance (semester 2)
• NBS8563 Causal Inference and Applied Microeconometrics (semester 2)

The exact mix of modules depends on the research area or topic that a PhD student is focused on as well as on your training needs. The modules should be decided in consultation with your supervisory team.

Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences (HaSS) researcher development programme

Each faculty offers a researcher development programme for its postgraduate research students. The programme is designed to help you:

• perform better as a researcher
• boost your career prospects
• broaden your impact

Through workshops and activities, it will build your transferable skills and increase your confidence.

You’ll cover:

• techniques for effective research
• methods for better collaborative working
• essential professional standards and requirements

Your researcher development programme is flexible. You can adapt it to meet your changing needs as you progress through your doctorate.

Your Future

Most of the PhD graduates have found employment in academia both in the UK and abroad. They have worked for institutions such as:

• University of Warwick, UK
• Loughborough University, UK
• University of Durham, UK
• University of Southampton, UK
• Monash University, Australia

In addition, graduates have also been employed by:

• government, (eg. Department of Business and Trade)
• research institutes
• think tanks (eg. Centre for Cities)
• industry

Careers support

The School has dedicated employability support and career spaces in the School to support our students on their career journey both during their studies and for up to three years after they finish.

Quality and Ranking

• 42% of our research is classified as 4* world-leading research – Research Excellence Framework 2021
• 65% increase in research power since 2014 – Research Excellence Framework 2021
• Global Top 140 University - QS World University Rankings 2026
• Global Top 160 University - Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025
• Top 25 in the UK and Top 100 in the world for sustainable development – Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024

Professional accreditation and recognition

Newcastle University Business School is accredited by the:

• Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
• European Quality Improvement System (EQUIS)
• Association of MBAs (AMBA)

Only 1% of business schools worldwide hold this triple crown. Our accreditations reflect the investments we make for our students through providing a high-quality teaching environment, innovative programming, and active engagement with industry.

Facilities

Newcastle University Business School is one of the largest Schools in the University. We have over 4,000 students from over 85 countries. This valuable community extends beyond our current students to include:

• regional, national, and international leaders
• over 37,000 alumni in our network, spanning 152 countries
• leading professional and academics who are experts in their field
• businesses and partners in academe

The Business School is the gateway to Newcastle Helix - a landmark 24-acre hybrid city quarter. It brings together researchers, business, and communities with the purpose of helping families, communities, and cities around the world live healthier, longer, smarter, and easier lives.

We have two buildings – the Business School and the Frederick Douglass Centre. Both offer a range of purpose-built facilities, including:

• computer clusters housing over 120 PCs, plus open IT spaces for laptops
• seven large lecture theatres, plus a 750-seat auditorium – the largest in the University
• 25 seminar and teaching spaces, many with flexible furniture to accommodate learning
• a dedicated Student Hub and Quiet Space, providing a mix of space for group work, individual study, or quiet study
• study pods, some with wall-mounted screens, and bookable rooms for working in groups or individually
• a contemporary café, refurbished in 2025
• two dedicated hubs for employability support and events
• a Bloomberg lab with over 20 terminals, so you can experience a real trading room floor
• Experimental and Behavioural Economics Lab, a state-of-the-art research facility for conducting studies in experimental economics and economic psychology
• a flexible conference room with panoramic views across the city and St. James’ Park, which doubles up as a large flexible teaching space

Accessibility

The Business School values individual differences and the diversity this brings. Our buildings are accessible and user-friendly. We have a range of adjustments that can support you when moving around our buildings, such as lifts and accessible toilets. We also have gender-neutral toilets in the FDC.

Fees and Funding

Tuition fees for 2026 entry (per year)

• Qualification: PhD Full-time: 36 months
  • Home students: Full-time: 36 months | Tuition fees (per year) Not set
  • International students: Full-time: 36 months | Tuition fees (per year) £24,400
• Qualification: PhD Part-time: 72 months
  • Home students: Part-time: 72 months | Tuition fees (per year) Not set

Home fees for research degree students

For 2026 entry, we've aligned our standard Home research fees with those set by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). For 2026 entry, we will again be aligning our standard Home research fees with UKRI. They will announce their fees in Spring 2026.

Tuition fee increases

As a general principle, you should expect the tuition fee to increase in each subsequent academic year of your course, subject to government regulations on fee increases and in line with inflation.

EU, other EEA, and Swiss nationals - tuition fee status

Depending on your residency history, if you’re a student from the EU, other EEA, or a Swiss national, with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you’ll normally pay the ‘Home’ tuition fee rate and may be eligible for Student Finance England support.

EU students without settled or pre-settled status will normally be charged fees at the ‘International’ rate and will not be eligible for Student Finance England support. You may be eligible for a scholarship worth 25% off the international fee.

Scholarships

We support our EU and international students by providing a generous range of Vice-Chancellor's automatic and merit-based scholarships.

Entry Requirements

The entrance requirements below apply to 2026 entry.

Academic entry requirements

A 2:1 honours degree and a merit award at master's level, or international equivalent, in a relevant subject.

If you don't have a master's degree, there is a wide range of programmes for you to choose from in Newcastle University Business School.

Alternatively, you may apply for 1+3 funding under the North East Doctoral Training Centre (NEDTC) in which you first complete the MA in Finance and Economics (Research) before proceeding to the PhD track. This master's degree is designed for applicants who have a relevant undergraduate degree but require research methods and subject-specific training in finance and/or economics.

Qualifications from outside the UK

You can check the equivalent qualifications for your country.

English Language requirements

You can check the English language requirements for your qualification.

Admissions policy

This policy applies to all undergraduate and postgraduate admissions at Newcastle University. It is intended to provide information about our admissions policies and procedures to applicants and potential applicants, to their advisors and family members, and to staff of the University.

Credit transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) can allow you to convert existing relevant university-level knowledge, skills, and experience into credits towards a qualification. You can find out more about the RPL policy which may apply to this course.

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Overview:

Newcastle University is a public research university located in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. It is known for its high-quality research and teaching, and its commitment to social justice and engagement.

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Services Offered:

The university offers a wide range of services to students, including: *

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Careers Service:

Provides guidance and support with career planning, job applications, and internships. *

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Library:

Offers extensive resources, including books, journals, databases, and study spaces. *

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Student Support:

Provides a variety of services to help students succeed, including academic support, counseling, and disability services. *

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Accommodation:

Offers a range of on-campus accommodation options, including halls of residence and self-catered apartments. *

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Sport:

Provides access to a variety of sports facilities and activities.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

Newcastle University offers a vibrant and diverse campus experience. Students can get involved in a wide range of clubs and societies, attend events and lectures, and enjoy the city's nightlife and cultural attractions.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

High-quality research and teaching:

Newcastle University is consistently ranked highly in national and international league tables.

Strong focus on employability:

The university has a strong track record of preparing graduates for successful careers.

Vibrant and diverse campus community:

Students can enjoy a welcoming and supportive environment.

Excellent location:

Newcastle is a thriving city with a rich history and culture.

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Academic Programs:

Newcastle University offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across a variety of disciplines, including: *

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Science, Agriculture & Engineering

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Humanities & Social Sciences

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Medical Sciences

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Other:

• The university has a strong commitment to sustainability and social justice.
• It is home to a number of research centers and institutes, including the Centre for Ageing and Inequalities and the Centre for Data.
• Newcastle University is a member of the Russell Group, a group of 24 leading research-intensive universities in the UK.